You’re not the first person to confuse Glacier National Park. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
“We hear a lot from people who want to see Glacier National Park, and we have to point them in a different direction,” laughed Peter Christian, chief spokesperson for National Park Service Alaska Regional Public Affairs. Ta.
That’s a shame, because Alaska’s Glacier Bay is just as breathtaking in a completely different way.
“This reserve in this bay is full of plants. marine wildlife” said the Christians. “You’ve got all the marine life there, and then you’ve got these huge glaciers that flow tidally… so this is pretty special.”
Here’s what you need to know about Glacier Bay, the newest national park in USA TODAY’s annual series.
What is the difference between Glacier and Glacier Bay?
“I mean, they both have glaciers, but they couldn’t be more different,” Christian said. “We have a land area completely above the Continental Divide in Montana, and beyond that we have Glacier Bay, which is almost completely influenced by the ocean.”
The glacier attracts more tourists. Last year, more than 2.9 million people visited the Montana park, making it his 10th most visited park. National Park Service Records. Glacier Bay’s visitor numbers were less than 546,000.
What’s so special about Glacier Bay National Park?
“This is a unique area rich in wildlife, caused by geological processes that have lasted millions of years,” Christian said.
He explained that when glaciers naturally recede, new land opens up and flora and fauna evolve with this change. He noted that part of the reason the area was first protected nearly a century ago was to monitor and protect the process.
Is Glacier Bay worth visiting?
yes.
“What a privilege it is to be able to see life and geological forces interacting without human interference in this truly pristine, uncontaminated environment,” Christian said. Ta. “That’s beautiful.”
Is there an entrance fee to Glacier Bay?
There is free Enter Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Can I drive to Glacier Bay? Where will I fly to?
The only way to get to Glacier Bay is by plane or boat. Most people visit by cruise ship, which must follow all sorts of regulations to protect the area and its wildlife.
“It is possible to go as a solo traveler,” Christian said. “It requires a lot of planning and thought beforehand.”
During the summer, travelers can fly into Juneau International Airport and take a short flight to the small town of Gustavus. alaska airlines The airline provides daily jet service during the summer and is the only airline serving the airport, according to its website.
From Gustavus, Day boat tour We provide Glacier Bay services through licensed third party operators. But the most popular way to explore the park up close is by kayak, Christian said.
What should I be aware of in Glacier Bay?
“Go to the upper bay, glacier collapse” said Christian. “It’s spectacular to see this big chunk of ice break up and flow into the water. And you can see all the nutrients that come from the ice falling into the water gushing out. You can see lots of birds and seals in this area. You can see how productive Glacier Bay is, even though it’s surrounded by so much ice.”
What’s happening in Glacier Bay?
Like glaciers across Alaska, Glacier Bay’s glaciers have been receding long before people knew about climate change, Christian said.
“However, we are convinced that climate change is exacerbating and accelerating glacier retreat,” he said. He noted that only a small portion of Glacier Bay’s glaciers currently reach the ocean.
What kind of indigenous tribes were there in Glacier Bay?
of Huna Tlingit Glacier Bay has a long history.
“They were actually forced out by some of these geological forces early on and came back into this area,” Christian said.
In recent years, they partnered with the National Park Service to Shuna Shuka Hit, a tribal home in Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay, where ceremonies are held and visitors can learn about their history and culture. They also resumed traditional practices that were once prohibited. Harvest the eggs of the black-necked gull Around Glacier Bay.
“They’ve been hunting and fishing in that area forever,” Christian said.
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Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY