Glacier Bay National Park - Softcover

DuFresne, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0898861322 ISBN 13: 9780898861327

Publisher: Mountaineers Books, 1987

Synopsis

* Features 17 paddle routes ranging from eight to 36 miles

* Also details 16 hikes ranging from two to 28 miles

* Includes information on geology, fauna, preparation, weather, permits, and more
This guidebook is a complete backcountry resource for how to get to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and travel through it via foot or kayak, for an intimate glimpse of the outstanding glaciers and wildlife. This book includes detailed information on hiking in this largely treeless area, best times to go, weather, bears, fishing, wilderness camping, and getting around. Route descriptions include (1) all areas reachable only by kayak, detailing both paddling routes and hikes; and (2) all areas accessible by foot from the visitor's lodge, by tour ships, or by float plane that offer more than a day's hiking.

About this title

Review:

Spanning 3.3 million acres and accessible by a single road at Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay National Park is an unspoiled region of tidewater glaciers, pristine waters, and an impressive array of wildlife, including porpoises, sea lions, seals, otters, and three species of whales. Located 60 miles north of Juneau, the bay itself is 62 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, and is surrounded by a horseshoe rim of mountains that include the Fairweather Range to the west, the Chilkat Range to the east, and the St. Elias, Alsek, and Takhinsha mountains to the north. Containing abundant travel and trip-planning information, major kayaking routes, and day-hiking opportunities, this guide is designed for those who dare to step off the park tour boats and float planes to explore and enjoy a seemingly endless expanse of untrammeled wilderness. A lively introduction covers geologic, natural, and historical information, including the extraordinarily rapid rate in which the ice in this region continues to retreat, causing U.S. Geological Survey topographical maps to be continually outdated. As an added bonus, backcountry paddling and hiking concerns, such as what to do if you capsize and when and wear to ford a stream, are also discussed. The author's diary-like reminiscings, such as the time he got caught in a tangle of alder branches and spied a moose being chased by a hungry wolf, provide amusement as well as a greater understanding of this spectacular region. Glacier Bay is nothing short of a wilderness enthusiast's paradise. Make your trip a memorable one by knowing where and when to visit this "unspeakably pure and sublime" destination.

About the Author:

JIM DuFRESNE first explored Isle Royale when he was nine years old and has more than five decades of experience on the island. While writing the third edition of this book, DuFresne chose to journey on foot, crossing many of the park's 165 miles of trails with just a backpack. An avid hiker who has trekked around the world, DuFresne has written more than 15 guidebooks, including titles for Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, and Nepal.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0898861322
• ISBN 13: 9780898861327
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160