Backpacking

Backpacking in the park requires an adventurous attitude and experience in backcountry travel. Outside of the few trails from Bartlett Cove, all hiking is off-trail. Many backpackers will stick to the shoreline, backpacking the beaches that wind along the coast, since this offers relatively vegetation-free hiking. Glacial riverbeds also offer spectacular hiking and camping, allowing backpackers to travel further inland. Permits and attendance at a camper-orientation program are required from early May through September for all backcountry travel (neither is required during the off-season). The orientation covers how to set up your camp in Glacier Bay as well as up-to-date information on closures and bear activity. Backpackers can borrow bear-resistant food containers (BRFCs), which are required in all non-forested areas in the park, from the Visitor Information Station. For a fee, the park's concession-operated tour boat also can drop you off to start your hike. Be prepared for travel within a temperate rainforest: bring appropriate clothing and equipment; do not expect to find dry firewood for a cook fire; plan for rain no matter the weather forecast says; and be prepared for rapid changes in weather.