Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is always a BIG surprise–just like Africa’s Victoria Falls.  Even though I was raised in Alaska within a day’s boat ride of Hubbard, I never heard about it until I became an adult Alaska naturalist.  But, Wow!  What a spectacular, active, overwhelming, monstrous (any more superlatives you choose) experience.

This dramatic glacier rests north of Juneau at the terminus of Disenchantment Bay near the little village of Yakutat.  Tglinkit Indians have inhabited the area for over 800 years.  Surprisingly, compared to many other glaciers, Hubbard is NOT receding.  Because of this growth continual geological changes occur in the region.  And also, because of these same changes, Hubbard Glacier claims several world distinctions.  Therefore, you really must visit in person to truly appreciate this place.  Take it from me, one visit will whet your appetite to return as often as possible.  Hubbard is fascinating on every level.

Hubbard Glacier World Distinctions:

• Adjacent to the world’s largest piedmont glacier—Malaspina Glacier.
• Adjacent to Alaska’s second tallest mountain—Mt. St. Elias
  

  

• The largest tidewater glacier in Alaska and of the world’s 3 largest tidewater glaciers.
• Originates in the world’s tallest coastal mountain range—the Wrangell/ St. Elias Range.
• And finally, it is located in the largest US national forest—The Tongass National Forest.

In addition to these distinctions, Hubbard Glacier’s statistics are mind blowing.  It is 6.5 miles wide at its terminus. It flows 76 miles from the peak of Mt. Logan, Canada’s tallest mountain.  Like a giant white monster, the ice at its terminus stands 400 feet or more as it meets glacial water. Just as dramatically, the same ice descends approximately 250 feet and more beneath the water.

Geological monitoring of Hubbard Glacier began over 100 years ago. Because of this, Hubbard Glacier‘s constantly changing surroundings are a geological classroom.  More than once Hubbard’s advancement closed the aperture between Disenchantment Bay and Russell Fjord.  On one occasion, this caused water in Russell Fjord to rise 82 feet above sea level.  And, to no one’s surprise, this tidal rise greatly endangered the village of Yakutat.  

Want More Info. about Other Alaska’s glaciers?

If you enjoy these Alaska blogs, you might also enjoy Kathy’s Alaska books and Alaska DVD:

Alaska Bookstore Page When you click on this page, you will see blurbs to four Alaska books by Kathy Slamp as well as a 55 minute professional Alaska video for which she shot all the footage and did all the narration.