bartlett cove

Kayaking is also available near the Glacier Bay Lodge. The hiking trails are great, plus one can go off the trails onto the rocks by the shore. We watched the whales all over blowing water into the air as they exhaled. Nature at its best.

Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center is here in Gustavus.We walked on a trail through the rain forest that was at times elevated because it was so wet with ponds. Having never been to a true rain forest it was fascinating to see how wet and dark it was. The plants and mushrooms that grow in the rain forest are not anything you see elsewhere.We saw a mother bear and her 2 cubs down by the water and also a porcupine munching on some plants.There is also an exhibit outside of a humpback whale skeleton named "Snow" that was beached in 2001. It is a short walk to the left when you get off the dock.

Bartlett Cove is the site of Glacier Bay Lodge and the Visitor Center for Glacier Bay National Park. See my separate reviews of Glacier Bay and the Glacier Bay Lodge for more detail on visiting Bartlett Cove.

Enjoy the few miles of trail in rain forest, wander the dock, enjoy the views. You wouldn't come here specifically for Bartlett Cove, but exploring will add to your experience. There is a full skeleton of a whale named Snow between the dock and the lodge. Information at the site indicates she was killed by a cruse ship. This looks to be a new exhibit in 2014 and well worth your time. I also found the campground's bear-proof food storage buildings worth examination. Park service building and staff at the head of the dock, too.

There's a half-hour prepared forest walk starting close to the jetty. In August, the forest was magnificent, tall trees, lush damp undergrowth, curtains of lichens, quiet pools and more fungi than I have ever seen anywhere else, in a great profusion of varieties. It's best to go in a small group as there may be moose or bear about - if seen, retreat quietly. But there were NO FLIES!

Perhaps it is because this is was the first day, first outing and first good glimpse of the area after our arrival in Alaska but this place took my breath away and should not be missed. You should experience it by foot, by sea and by a learning experience. A full day of kayaking was arranged for us by our wonderful inn keeper (Deb) at Blue Heron Inn in Gustavus and it was an amazing day. We chose a guided tour because, well, we were in Alaska and the waters are big and cold and although we are experienced kayakers, we were not at all familiar with the area or these waters. We paddled out into Icy Straits and across the way. We could see (and hear!) whales breaching and blowing in the distance and seals and pigeon guillemots accompanied us along the way. I was amazed at the clarity of the water and just how BIG everything seemed! Lunch was served on a beach (after everyone made noise to announce our arrival to any bear who may be in earshot) and smoked salmon was just one of the tasty treats offered up. A couple of us waded through the long grass to the edge of the forest to gather strawberries for "desert". Very small but oh so sweet and a little exciting to do, too! Lunch tasted all the sweeter surrounded by all of the incredible wilderness and beauty. Our guide (Cody) was knowledgeable and informative and we were in very good hands with him. Thorough instructions offered and gear was great quality. Cody was kind and patient with a couple who did not have much kayaking experience (good for them for giving it a try in Alaska!). We were so fortunate to have great weather (for all of our two plus weeks actually) so I did manage to get a pretty good sunburn. Note to self: Wear sunblock when on the water ... even in Alaska! We spent a considerable amount of time here exploring the paths and taking in a seminar one evening given by a local woman who spoke on the resident and transient Orca population (one is a fish eater the other mammal eaters!). Incredible creatures. I will review the Glacier Bay Inn separately but will encourage anyone who is staying in Gustavus to ask their Inn Keeper to arrange something for you at Bartlett Cove. These are your first footsteps into Glacier Bay National Park. Savor it in every way you possibly can!

The forest trail is for the most part a boardwalk so is accessible in wet weather. Our group off a small ship took approx 2 hours to complete the loop trail walking at a leisurely pace. There are abundant photo opportunities from dripping mosses to fungi to pools boasting the most beautiful reflections. I went into the NP lodge building but only took interest in the wildlife presentation and video on whale call research and possible interference from marine vessel motors.

Walking trail was a mile or so long, lodge had food and a gift shop, and the walk clearly showed where the edge of the glacier had been 250+ years ago. Saw a porcupine up a tree, and it obliged us by coming down to the ground and then climbing up again.

Bartlett Cove is the place to stop for necessities when visiting Glacier Park NP and Preserve. I was there after hours, but some services were still open.

Saw alot of whales here and they put on a fantastic show for us. Not just one day but several. It was wonderful!This whole place.......Glacier Bay National Park is well worth visiting.Mother Nature at her best.