Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Haines, Alaska • May 26, 2015

🧭 Into the Fjord from Haines

We couldn’t have asked for better conditions as we began our adventure—the skies over Haines were clear, the sun was shining, and temperatures were surprisingly mild for this part of Alaska. At the dock, we joined a small group of fellow travelers and boarded a compact, 26-passenger expedition boat designed for navigating the region’s narrower waterways.

As we pushed off from the pier, the calm surface of the fjord stretched before us, reflecting the surrounding mountains like a mirror. Snow-capped peaks rose in the distance, softened slightly by a light fog that gave the landscape a dreamlike quality. The captain welcomed us aboard and encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. These waters were known for sightings of humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea lions, and we were also told to watch for waterfalls that sometimes emerged suddenly from steep cliffs or hidden ravines.

🌊 Lynn Canal Fjord

As the boat moved deeper into the waterway, the dramatic topography of Lynn Canal unfolded. Glacial valleys descended steeply into the dark blue fjord, and high cliffs framed the narrow channel. These cliffs were shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and their exposed rock faces still bear the marks of ancient erosion.

Our guide pointed out that Lynn Canal is not a constructed canal but a natural fjord—one of the deepest in North America, with depths exceeding 2,000 feet in some areas. The steep underwater walls and cold, nutrient-rich waters support a diverse marine ecosystem, making the region notable for both its geology and biodiversity.

🏞️ Stop 1: Glacier Point Landing & Picnic Lunch

We landed at Glacier Point on a quiet stretch of coastline where forest meets shoreline. A few steps inland brought us to a clearing sporting a few picnic tables, set up specifically for guided groups visiting the area.

Our guides laid out a boxed lunch of turkey and ham sandwiches, potato chips, and cold drinks, all brought along on the boat. They lived on-site in modest, seasonal housing located just beyond the picnic area—simple quarters they occupy for six months at a time during the tour season. From the tables, we had clear views of both the forest edge and the nearby shoreline. The open setting offered a brief opportunity to eat, rest, and prepare for the next stage of the excursion.

🚙 Stop 2: 4-Wheel Drive Safari Through the Moraine

After lunch, we boarded a four-wheel drive bus for a short transfer across a glacial moraine. The route followed a narrow, uneven track across rocky ground shaped by the movement and retreat of glaciers during the last Ice Age. Large boulders, known as glacial erratics, were scattered throughout the area—carried and deposited by ancient ice flows that once covered this region.

The surrounding forest had adapted to the thin, unstable soil typical of post-glacial environments. Trees grew in irregular patterns, with shallow roots exposed along the surface or wrapped around bedrock. This type of terrain is characteristic of early-stage ecological recovery, where plant life gradually establishes itself after centuries of glacial coverage.

According to our guide, moraines like this one offer visible records of past glacial activity. The composition and arrangement of rocks and sediment help scientists trace the movements and extents of glaciers over time. The short ride allowed us to observe these features firsthand and better understand the natural processes that continue to shape the Alaskan landscape.

🥾 Stop 3: Hike to Davidson Lake

Our group arrived at a small forest staging area equipped with a basic pavilion and a composting outhouse. Before starting the hike, we changed into waterproof boots provided by the guides to better navigate the wet and uneven terrain ahead.

The trail was relatively short but led through dense forest typical of Alaska’s coastal temperate rainforest. Wildflowers lined the path in places, and informational signs along the route highlighted the history and traditions of the Tlingit people, the Indigenous inhabitants of the region. These markers explained aspects of their seasonal hunting practices and longstanding connection to the land.

As the trail opened into a clearing, we reached the edge of Davidson Lake—a calm, glacier-fed body of water. In the distance, the jagged face of Davidson Glacier came into view. Its blue-tinged ice contrasted sharply with the green of the surrounding forest, marking the next stage of our journey.

🛶 Stop 4: Canoeing to the Face of Davidson Glacier

From the lake’s edge, we organized into groups of eight and boarded 31-foot voyager canoes. Each canoe was guided by a trained naturalist, familiar with both the glacial environment and the region’s seasonal changes. Our guide, Sarah, provided information on the formation and retreat of Davidson Glacier as we made our way across the still, cold water.

As we paddled closer, the air temperature dropped noticeably—a result of the glacier’s cooling effect on the surrounding area. The lake’s surface remained calm, allowing for clear reflections of the surrounding peaks and ice.

Near the terminus of the glacier, the canoe was secured in shallow water. From there, we disembarked into approximately one foot of frigid, silty water and carefully walked across uneven terrain toward the ice.

The glacier’s face revealed dense layers of compacted snow and ancient ice, marked by deep crevasses and vertical ridges. This proximity offered a clear view of its structure and color—ranging from pale blue to deep slate—and allowed for close observation of features often visible only from a distance.

While the glacier is currently in retreat, it remains a significant remnant of the last Ice Age and continues to shape the local ecosystem through meltwater and sediment transport.

🚶 Free Time: The Return Trek

The return hike followed the same forest trail back to the pavilion, where the 4×4 bus awaited. After changing out of waterproof gear, we boarded the vehicle for the short ride across the moraine. From there, we rejoined the expedition boat for the return trip to Haines.

As we made our way back along Lynn Canal, a colony of Steller sea lions came into view near the shoreline. Most were gathered on exposed rocks, some sprawled out while others shifted positions or vocalized. Their calls echoed across the water, providing a final glimpse of the region’s coastal wildlife before we returned to the harbor in Haines.

💙 Our Favorite Moment:
Standing in the cold, silty water near the base of Davidson Glacier, just a few feet from its fractured blue surface, offered a rare opportunity to observe glacial features up close.

✅ Who Is This Tour Best For?

📰 Tour Summary

Excursion Disclaimer:

Descriptions of shore excursions on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the cruise lines or tour providers mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

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