Trip Idea

Explore Bartlett Cove and Gustavus

Multiple Parks

bartlett cove shoreline, with mountains in the distance
Duration Multiple Days
Topic(s) Rainforest, Scenic Views, Native American Heritage, Colonization and Settlement, Explorers and Expeditions, Farming and Agriculture, Forests and Woodlands, Industry, Maritime, Lakes, Mountains, Oceans, Trails, Wilderness, Coasts, Islands and Atolls, Glaciers, Animals, Geology, Whales more »
Activities Camping, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Kayaking, Museum Exhibits more »
Type Kid Friendly, Active, Relaxed, Educational, Indoors, Outdoors, Group Friendly more »
Parks Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Things to Do
  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Kayak the Beardslees
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Kayaking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Beardslee Islands
    • Duration: 1–3 Days
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    an aerial image of the beardslee islands on a clear day

    If you’re visiting Glacier Bay on a budget, one of the more accessible wilderness areas of the park is the Beardslee Islands. Kayak through these peaceful, wild waters and look for wildlife along the shoreline for a true Glacier Bay adventure.

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  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Experience the Huna Tribal House
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Bartlett Cove
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    a large building with traditional alaska native carvings on the front at sunset

    Take a walk on the Tlingit trail to see the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay since Tlingit villages were destroyed by an advancing glacier over 250 years ago.Learn about the Tlingit history of this land, and the current connection they have to their homeland in Glacier Bay.

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  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Camp at Bartlett Cove
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Camping
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Bartlett Cove Campground
    • Duration: 1–3 Days
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    a blue tent at a wooded campsite

    The Bartlett Cove Campground is steps away from incredible views of the Fairweather Mountains and the bay. Spend a night in this enchanting rainforest campground and listen to whales from where you sleep.

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  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Bartlett Cove
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    a wooden boardwalk in a dense, mossy rainforest

    Bartlett Cove has the only developed trails in the park. The forests and shorelines offer great hiking opportunities through a beautiful setting and a chance to see all manner of wildlife. Spend some time, stretch your legs, and discover the wonders of the park!

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  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Bartlett Cove
    • Season: Summer
    a large building in a forested area on a beach

    Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center to watch a program, join a ranger on a walk, or just explore the exhibits yourself. There's plenty to learn for visitors of all ages.

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  • Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

    Explore Gustavus
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Arts and Culture
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Gustavus
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    houses along a grassy riverbank

    The town of Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay. This charming Alaskan community offers plenty for travelers to explore as they make their way to the park.

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Last updated: October 7, 2020