Glacier Bay National Park is an absolute treasure for not only Alaska but also the entire world. It is located in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska, just north of the capital city of Juneau. This park, once only inhabited by tidewater glaciers and native inhabitants, is now host to evidence of the glacial geology, flora and fauna returning, and abundant wildlife, such as bears, mountain goats, eagles, sea otters, and sea lions. National Park rangers and a Tlingit cultural interpreter, Leonana, joined us on board the National Geographic Sea Bird for the day to share with us the wealth of information about this unique place. We navigated the bay up to the tidewater glaciers of Margerie and Grand Pacific. On the way, we glided past the banks of Gloomy Knob and Russell Cut in search of wildlife. After our adventures in Glacier Bay, we returned to Bartlett Cove where some walked the forest loop trail through a temperate rainforest bog, visited the newly constructed Tlingit Big House, and/or the skeletal remains of Snow, the humpback whale on display. The poetry and music of local, Kim Heacox, reminded us of what is important in life and how we are inspired by places in the natural wilderness.
The raw beauty of this landscape told us a story of rock and sea. Portrayed through the knowledge and sacred cultural views of the Tlingit, through the photographers’ artistic eye, and the captivating words of the rangers’ descriptions and enthusiasm for this natural history monument sculpted by time. Glacier Bay is a rare place in this world, where the testament to all life depends on the changing rugged terrain, throughout the long ago past and still to this day. In a world that clearly displays the effects of how humanity has reshaped wild places, it is truly an honor to see determined preservation of this stunning land that has, and will continue, to be protected for all to see and share in the future. As visitors, to behold the sights of this wilderness we must take responsibility to share its story. Not just in delight but also in hopes of protection, for generations to come. For those whom are able to see it, Glacier Bay National Park is, no doubt, a place that speaks for itself.
