Bear Glacier
Why we no longer run trips to Bear Glacier
We were one of the first operators running kayak trips in Bear Glacier Lagoon in the 1990s using float planes and foldable kayaks. In the early 2000s, we had a permitted cache in the lagoon where we could store kayaks and gear, which we would access via a small water taxi to the entrance of the lagoon and then a hike in. While we’ve run many trips to Bear Glacier and have a long history there, two principles led us to pull out:
Managing Risks
Maximizing Guest Experience
Managing Risks
One of the most striking and dynamic elements of the Bear Glacier lagoon are the icebergs. While their beauty lures people in, the stunning still-life photos never show these icebergs breaking, cracking, rolling, or collapsing. As Bear Glacier gained exposure, more travelers started exploring very close to the massive bergs. Additionally, more guided trips began operating in the lagoon, some advertising that you could touch or paddle through/under the ice. The area became an environment with many uncontrolled factors, and one in which we did not feel comfortable bringing our guests.
Recently, the Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (or “GLOFs”) have added another element of risk and unpredictability. Tour companies who run trips here have had to cancel weeks’ worth of tours because of these floods, occurring with increasing frequency. Additionally, glacial lake outbursts are difficult to predict and pose an immediate hazard to anyone paddling in the lagoon when they release.
The Kenai Fjords National Park published a report about recreating in this area: Risk and Recreation in a Glacial Environment: Understanding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods at Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Guest Experience: Wildlife & Tidewater Glaciers
We listen to feedback from the people we take paddling, and we’ve consistently gotten better feedback from our Aialik Glacier Day Trip. The boat ride to Aialik Bay passes through the Gulf of Alaska, where there is a greater chance of seeing humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, eagles, mountain goats, puffins and other sea birds. Our boat captains focus on incorporating a wildlife tour into your journey to Aialik Bay. Very often, the wildlife is a highlight of the day for guests; Bear Glacier lagoon does not offer the same chances or quality of wildlife viewing, because of its location.
Many guests are eager to see a large tidewater glacier face calving into the ocean; to experience the raw and powerful force of the ice carving through the mountains and dropping into the sea. Aialik provides this while Bear Glacier does not, as it is not a tidewater glacier – its terminus is several miles away from the bay and rapidly retreating. In contrast, Aialik Glacier is over a mile across at its face, and is the most actively calving glacier in the national park (we still give it lots of respect and keep our distance from any large chunks of ice).
Before choosing an outfitter for your adventure, be sure to ask about their safety protocols, quality of gear, guide training, and risk management. We’re happy to chat with you about these details, and why our Aialik Glacier Day Trip involves greater wildlife viewing, a tidewater glacier experience, and more reliable paddling conditions.
