Alaska is understood for its pure magnificence. With a lot of the state untouched and untamed, it’s no shock that Alaska’s trails, seashores, and waterfalls attraction to the adventurous spirit.

Regardless of the countless outside choices, nothing can fairly evaluate to viewing a glacier in Alaska up shut!

I’ll always remember my first glimpse at that icy blue-ness on a helicopter tour. Standing within the shimmering glory of a glacier brings pleasure and awe.

Glacier viewing will definitively be a wonderful spotlight in your Alaskan journey. Get lively, rejuvenate your self, and set out in your glacier searching journey.

Preserve studying to seek out out which glacier in Alaska sings to you!

Finest Glaciers in Alaska

Right here is the map of the perfect glaciers in Alaska. Scroll all the way down to study extra about them, see what they appear like, get professional ideas, and extra particulars.

1. Matanuska Glacier

Situated within the Matanuska River Valley, this valley glacier sits 24 miles lengthy, nestled on the valley flooring. Solely an hour from Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is a well-liked location for excursions.

You may both be guided by an expert or just comply with together with the orange and yellow cones for a self-guided expertise!

On the workplace, pay in your deliberate expertise. If you’re a self-guided individual, you’ll pay about $30 per individual. I like self-guided due to the liberty you get. You may cease alongside the trail wherever you please!

Alternatively, a guided tour provides you the entire glacier exploring expertise. Plus, you possibly can study info out of your information that you could be not already know. It’s a private choice.

For first timers I extremely advocate to go on this tour moderately than alone, it’s safer that method and also you get to get pleasure from and discover the glacier much more.

If excursions should not your velocity, river rafting is an possibility throughout summer time. On the identical time, trails can be found in your climbing and tenting pleasure, beginning on the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Web site.

• Location: Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, United States
• Distance: 100 miles from Anchorage
• Finest strategy to go to: driving
• Finest Tour

2. Knik Glacier

Famously recognized for its appearances in films, together with Star Trek V, The Knik Glacier is a favourite for a lot of who get pleasure from nature’s icy shows. Yow will discover this lovely blue location east of Anchorage, nestled within the Chugach Mountains.

The glacier’s dimension reaches a whopping 400 ft, holding the duty of feeding the Knik River. The Knik Glacier calves every day, with the ice falling into the Knik Lake, dotting it with icebergs. It’s such an astounding magnificence, it’s exhausting to look away.

Canine-mushing is among the hottest Knik Glacier actions. If this isn’t your model, nonetheless, you’ve got the choice of flightseeing, fat-biking, or driving by on the Glenn Freeway.

• Deal with: Alaska 99686, United States
• Distance: 48 miles from Anchorage
• Finest strategy to go to: airplane
• Excursions

3. Worthington Glacier

Often known as the snowiest place in Alaska, reaching 80 ft of snow throughout 1951-52! The Worthington Glacier is 4 miles extensive and straightforward to seek out!

Head to the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Web site, simply off Richardson Freeway at milepost 29. While you arrive, you stroll to the remark deck, the place you may get a surprising view of the glacier.

These which are a bit extra adventurous can take the two-mile hike from the remark deck to the glacier itself for a extra up shut and private expertise.

If you’re bodily in a position, I 100% advocate taking the trek out. Seeing a glacier up shut is one thing particular.

• Deal with: 28.7 Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
• Distance: 28 miles east of Valdez
• Finest strategy to go to: driving

4. Valdez Glacier

The Valdez Glacier within the Chugach Mountains is to the east of town with the identical title. The Valdez glacier has a wealthy historical past.

It is called the All-American Route, as these looking for gold traveled throughout the glacier to achieve deeper into Alaska.

The glacier stands at 20 miles lengthy, with its soften supplying the 640 ft deep Valdez Glacier Lake.

Except for the curiosity of the Gold Rush, fairly a number of occasions and actions happen within the space. The Valdez Glacier Lake is great for kayaking in the course of the summer time, whereas the winter requires ice skaters in want of area and recent air!

As well as, many winter sports activities like snowmobiling and snowboarding occur right here, making it a well-liked spot for individuals who love the ice, water, and outdoor!

• Deal with: Valdez, AK 99686
• Distance: 5 miles east of Valdez
• Finest strategy to go to: kayak

5. Exit Glacier

Have you ever ever needed to stroll proper as much as a glacier? Then the Exit glacier is one for you!

Incomes its title from being the primary exit for the cross of the Harding Ice Subject in 1968, this glacier holds a wealthy historical past and an outstanding outside expertise.

Whereas it is among the small glaciers on this listing, it’s nonetheless a well-liked location for vacationers and locals. That is, after all, due to how shut you may get to the glacier and the quite a few actions obtainable!

You may take part in cross nation snowboarding, snowmobiling, or fats bike using. For a hiker, there are a number of trails, probably the most notable being the Harding Icefield Path. This hike provides you a unique angle to view the glacier and is a superb supply of train, coming in at 4 miles with 1000 ft in elevation!

If you’re genuinely adventurous and lively, this is likely to be the glacier so that you can go to.

• Deal with: Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, Alaska, U.S.
• Distance: 15 miles from Seward
• Finest strategy to go to: driving

6. Portage Glacier

The Portage Glacier sits within the Portage valley on the finish of a lake, and it’s 6 miles lengthy. The glacier has been retreating for years, so in the event you’d like an up-close and private view of the glacier, a ship journey is your best choice.

Regardless of this, you’ll nonetheless be capable of catch a glimpse of this as soon as large glacier on foot. A hike down Portage Cross Path provides you an opportunity to view the glacier as nicely.

You may have the perfect of each worlds by happening this tour. It features a cruise and a hike to marvel on the lovely glacier, plus many different actions. I extremely advocate it, particularly for first timers!

There may be another strategy to see the Portage Glacier. Strive heading into Whittier and go to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. On the opposite aspect, you may as well get a view of this attractive glacier!

In any other case, the close by Begich Boggs Guests Middle has many different actions that you would be able to take part in, making Portage Valley a fantastic exploration spot! Check out the 5 mile Path of Blue Ice if you’re a hiker or biker, and there’s no have to rush as a result of there are campgrounds the place you possibly can spend the night time.

Salmon viewing can also be an possibility right here for all nature lovers which is why I feel Portage Glacier is among the most well-rounded locations to go to.

• Deal with: Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
• Distance: 2.8 miles from Whittier
• Finest strategy to go to: boat
• Finest Tour – different

7. Byron Glacier

Portage Glacier isn’t the one one within the Portage Valley. You can too discover the Byron Glacier!

Accessible by a brief day hike, begin on the Begich Boggs Customer heart and make your method as much as the glacier.

While you arrive, ice caves are what it’s best to look out for. You may discover to your coronary heart’s content material. Nevertheless, be cautious when getting into ice caves as they are often harmful. Ice and rocks within the ceiling might dislodge and fall on you, leading to extreme accidents and, in additional excessive instances, demise. This has occurred earlier than, so be sure you are very cautious.

• Deal with: Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
• Distance: 55 miles from Anchorage
• Finest strategy to go to: hike

8. Castner Glacier

Identified for its massive ice cave, Castner Glacier is a 12-mile lengthy glacier that appeals to those that love climbing and ice.

There are lots of trails obtainable so that you can get to the glacier. Probably the most notable is on the south aspect of Castner Creek. The hike is upwards of two miles and begins straightforward, regularly growing in problem because the path turns into steeper.

If you’re going simply to see the glacier, this hike shouldn’t be too difficult.

Nevertheless, in the event you plan to enter the ice caves, go along with an skilled mountaineer as an alternative. Ice caves are harmful and may pose a right away menace to your security and life.

One fascinating reality about this glacier is that it was named after Lieutenant J. C. Castner, USA, by his superior, Captain E. F. Glenn, U.S, in 1898!

• Deal with: Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737, United StatesPortage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
• Distance: 117 miles from Fairbanks
• Finest strategy to go to: hike

9. Margerie Glacier

Deep within the Glacier Bay, Nationwide Park and Protect is the Margerie Glacier, one of many few advancing glaciers. Made from tidewater, Margerie has been rising about 30 ft a day for many years, reaching a whopping 21 miles lengthy and 250 ft.

To go to, you’ll have to journey by boat, on condition that it’s one of the simplest ways to see it. You may check out a sailboat for guests, however others might even see it on a cruise, a tour boat, or kayaking for the extra adventurous.

Upon arrival, you’re rewarded with a surprising one-of-a-kind view of the blue ice! And in the event you’re fortunate, some Stellar sea lions!

If you’re a glacier lover, this one is a must-see!

• Deal with: Glacier Bay, Alaska, United States
• Distance: 120 miles from Fairbanks
• Finest strategy to go to: boat

10. Childs Glacier

Wish to see a glacier calving? Then, the perfect glacier to go to is Little one’s Glacier which calves each quarter-hour, even throughout summer time.

The glacier was named by Captain W. R. Abercrombie, USA, “after George Washington Childs, of Philadelphia”, throughout Abercrombie’s exploration on the Copper River in 1884. Strolling lazily by the glacier, this identical river is the reason for the constant calving.

To get to Little one’s Glacier, you’ll begin by taking a flight or ferry to the small fishing city of Cordova. From there, you continue to have to drive about an hour up what was the Copper River Railway. Lastly, you will note Little one’s Glacier throughout the River, with a surprising view complementing it.

In case you’re not driving, transportation to Childs Glacier through shuttle van and boat is accessible from the Orca Journey Lodge. Except for the glacier may spot a number of stranded salmon. For extra exploration, you possibly can take a look at the Million Greenback bridge close by.

• Deal with: Cordova, AK, United States
• Distance: 31.4 miles from Cordova
• Finest strategy to go to: Driving

11. Twin Sawyer Glaciers

The 2 tidewater glaciers, often known as the North and South Sawyer glaciers, are nestled on the head of Tracy Arm, south of Juneau. To get right here, you’ve got the choice of reserving a cruise ship or a tour to see these 2 giants. These journeys typically use the Stephens Passage as their route!

Floatplanes are additionally an possibility for individuals who get queasy on the water. It’s a fashionable vacation spot on tour routes within the space, so you’ve got a number of tour choices to select from.

Except for this, you should have an opportunity to see bears, mountain goats, and seal colonies close to the glacier itself. For wildlife lovers, that is the icing on the cake for this memorable journey!

• Deal with: Tracy Arm, AK, United States
• Distance: 50 miles from south of Juneau
• Finest strategy to go to: Boat

12. Hubbard Glacier

One other one that’s advancing, Hubbard Glacier was named after the primary president of the Nationwide Geographic Society in 1980. Standing at 76 miles lengthy, the Hubbard resides off the coast of Yakutat.

It’s an lively glacier, with 2 vital surges famous within the final 3 a long time. These surges threatened to flood Yakutat, touring throughout the bay to achieve the shores of the coastal city.

The best strategy to see this glacier is through cruise. Nevertheless, you gained’t get too shut. That is to maintain passengers protected from calving. If cruising is your factor, Hubbard glacier is a superb place to go to!

• Deal with: Wrangell–St. Elias Nationwide Park and Protect Alaska
• Distance: 200 miles from the northwest of Juneau
• Finest strategy to go to: Boat

13. Aialik Glacier

Named after Aialik Bay by Grant Higgins of the U.S. Basic Survey, Aialik Glacier stands at 3.5 miles lengthy, making it one of many smaller glaciers on this listing.

Yow will discover it in Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park. Regardless of its small dimension in comparison with glaciers round Alaska, Aialik holds the title of the most important glacier situated in Aialik Bay. This glacier was shaped by tidewater.

To go to, you will want to e book a cruise or kayak. If you wish to see this glacier calve, the perfect time to go to is between Might and June.

Additionally it is a great spot for whale watching.

You will get all of this by happening this award-winning tour: Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise.

• Deal with: Kenai Peninsula Borough Alaska 99664, United States
• Distance: 12 miles from northwest of Seward
• Finest strategy to go to: Boat
• Finest Tour

14. Spencer Glacier

Discovered between Anchorage and Denali, Spencer Glacier sits by Spencer lake, dotted with royal blue icebergs often known as growlers.

Named in honor of Edward A. Spencer, basic timekeeper for the Alaska Central Railway, this glacier has beautiful views, surrounded by unbelievable mountain peaks!

This glacier isn’t only for skilled hikers and mountaineers. Spencer Glacier is a family-friendly trip journey, with loads of campgrounds and alternatives for climbing and exploring the glacier.

Nature walks and sightseeing are additionally on a regular basis actions right here, with rafting and paddling for individuals who desire a nearer view of the glacier.

• Deal with: Chugach Nationwide Forest, Seward Alaska
• Distance: 60 miles from south of Anchorage
• Finest strategy to go to: Raft

15. Ruth Glacier

Yow will discover Ruth Glacier within the Denali Nationwide Park reserves, standing 40 miles lengthy, with a gorge 1 / 4 of its dimension. This gorge is called the world’s deepest glacier gorge and calls the eye of vacationers yearly.

This glacier was explored by Frederick Prepare dinner, a doctor, and ethnographer in 1903. Finishing his exploration, he named the glacier “Ruth” after his youngest daughter.

If you wish to go to the glacier, the best method is by air taxi from Talkeetna. Want extra of a problem? You may at all times climb Mount Denali to view this attractive glacier!

• Deal with: Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, U.S.
• Distance: 50+ miles from north of Talkeetna
• Finest strategy to go to: Air Taxi

Remaining Phrases

Alaska has no scarcity of locations to go to; trails, seashores, and waterfalls dot the state and produce pleasure to those that love the outside. Glaciers aren’t any completely different! Lots of them are scattered throughout The Final Frontier and are enjoyable locations to go to.

These are only a few of the numerous choices obtainable. Whether or not it’s for the science, the views, the train, or the journey, visiting at the least one icy blue glacier must be on everybody’s bucket listing! I like to recommend discovering a sightseeing journey that allows you to stand up shut and private with the glacier in the event you actually need to take advantage of the expertise.