Best Glacier Views in Alaska

Glaciers are at once the most formidable and awe-inspiring ecological wonder in Alaska. These colossal sheets of ice are not standing still as they appear to be but are constantly running rivers of water moving under their own weight. The walls that form around them are crystalized and give them the thick density that makes them appear bright blue as if reflecting the water and sky around them.

In Alaska, visitors most often come to see the tidewater glaciers in the waters of Prince William Sound, at Tracy Arm or at Glacier Bay National Park. Yet, all you have to do is look around to see the deep gorges, slopping valleys, and millions of crystal clear lakes in Alaska to find the remnants of their masterful carving all over the state.

Exit Glacier

Located on the Kenai Peninsula in Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier was the site of the first documented Icefield crossing, in 1968.

The mountaineering expedition crossed the Harding Icefield over a span of eight days, from Chernof Glacier to Exit Glacier, finishing near Seward.

The glacier is the only section of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessed by road.

After stopping at the Visitor Center, choose one of the several hiking trails to get a close look at this active glacier. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture an image of the beautiful glacier and nearby Kenai Mountains.

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area

Found along Glenn Highway just east of Wasilla, the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area is a 300-acre outdoors person’s paradise.

The recreation area gets its namesake from Matanuska Glacier – the largest glacier reachable by vehicle in the U.S. – serving as the picturesque backdrop.

Apart from the incredible views of the glacier, guests can also enjoy miles of intertwining hiking trails, where snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular activities.

Due to the park’s adjacent location to the Matanuska River, opportunities for water recreation are plentiful as well.