GLACIERS
LeConte & Shakes
Exploring Wrangell’s Glaciers: LeConte Glacier and Shakes Glacier
Wrangell, Alaska, is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking glacial landscapes in North America. Two of the most notable glaciers in the region—LeConte Glacier and Shakes Glacier—offer visitors an unforgettable experience of Alaska’s raw, untamed beauty.
LeConte Glacier: Alaska’s Dynamic Ice Sculpture Garden
If you’re looking for the iconic Alaskan experience of watching massive pieces of ice calving off the face of a glacier, LeConte Glacier will not disappoint. Located about 25 miles east of Wrangell, LeConte Glacier is the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. The journey through LeConte Bay towards the glacier is a spectacle in itself, as the bay serves as a constantly changing museum of ice sculptures carved by weather and time.
Unlike more crowded glaciers, LeConte is not frequented by large ships and hordes of visitors, so you’re likely to see more seals than people on your visit. The bay is home to many bird species, mountain goats, and hundreds of harbor seals during their pupping season from late May to mid-June. These seals birth and rear their pups on the icebergs in the bay for protection, though the cycle of life continues as they are sometimes preyed upon by eagles and the occasional Orca.
Shakes Glacier: A Hidden Gem in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness
Shakes Glacier, connected to the same ice field that feeds LeConte, lies nestled in a scenic lake 30 miles up the Stikine River from Wrangell. While Shakes Glacier is less active than LeConte, it offers a different kind of beauty. The winding river channels leading to Shakes are filled with stunning waterfalls, towering peaks, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, bear, eagles, and beavers. The icebergs that calve off the glacier’s face pile up at the head of the lake, creating a stunning maze of ice that your boat captain will expertly navigate while you capture the scenery on camera.
Experiencing the Glaciers
Both LeConte and Shakes Glaciers can be accessed by boat or small plane, each offering a unique perspective. Navigating the fjords by boat provides close-up sightseeing opportunities of the landscape, wildlife, and the immense size of the glaciers and carved valleys. For a bird’s-eye view, flightseeing tours offer an incredible perspective of the Stikine Icefield, Devil's Thumb, Castle Mountain, and other iconic peaks in the coastal range.
Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic calving events at LeConte Glacier or the serene beauty of Shakes Glacier, a visit to these natural wonders is sure to be a highlight of your Alaskan journey. These glaciers not only showcase the raw power of nature but also offer a peaceful retreat where you can connect with the wild beauty of Wrangell.
