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Muir Inlet and West Arm
Paddle past the most accessible tidewater glaciers in the park on a multi-day sea kayak trip.
Plan Around Muir Inlet and West Arm
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Muir Inlet and West Arm Details
Muir Inlet is one of the most scenic parts of the bay, and a fantastic place to paddle because it's closed to motorized boats during the summer months. Muir Inlet and the West Arm also offer the closest tidewater glaciers to Bartlett Cove. Kayakers typically get dropped off at the mouth of Muir Inlet near Mt. Wright, allowing you to skip the two-day paddle from Bartlett Cove. From this point, it's a 35 to 40 miles roundtrip to reach the popular tidewater glaciers of McBride and Riggs; alternatively, you can do a 75-mile roundtrip paddle from Bartlett Cove. The trip is commonly done in five to six days with a drop-off, or 10 to 12 days without a drop-off. Once you leave Bartlett Cove, you are in the undeveloped wilderness area of the park, and camping options are nearly unlimited. However, as with all paddle trips, tides and weather can dictate what is possible and what is safe at the time, particularly for open-water crossings. The park service broadcasts the weather via VHF radio twice daily. Be alert for calving glaciers and rolling icebergs, and keep your distance from glaciers and floating ice. Permits and an orientation video are required for all backcountry travel and boating, so stop by the Visitor Center at Bartlett Cove before your trip to register and to get important safety information. Make reservations for kayak rentals, drop-offs, and guided trips well in advance of your visit. Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks (907-697-2257) is located at the boat dock in Bartlett Cove and offers outfitting and guide services.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Muir Inlet and West Arm
Compare nearby parks around Muir Inlet and West Arm when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Muir Inlet and West Arm
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Muir Inlet and West Arm while the map context is still fresh.
5.3 mi away
East Arm
Paddle the East Arm for access to coves and inlets boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the park.
17.8 mi away
Glacier Bay
Sea kayaking Glacier Bay can take you to secluded beaches, narrow fjords, and floating icebergs -- the possible routes are almost limitless.
24.7 mi away
Bartlett Cove/Beardslee Islands
A fantastic easy three-day paddle trip with beautiful beach camping.
29.4 mi away
Bartlett Cove
Bartlett Cove is the main gateway for visitors in Glacier Bay National Park.
29.4 mi away
The Visitor Information Station (VIS)
Boaters can find information and permits at the Visitor Information Station.
