Gustavus lies on the shore of Icy Strait, and the Salmon River runs through the town. The broad plain was formed as glaciers retreated; at the same time, Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. When planning your stay, this means that landscape viewing around town goes hand in hand with destinations in Bartlett Cove, which should be considered a separate part of the trip.
Landscape and Trails Around Gustavus
The Gustavus Forelands Preserve protects a landscape of forests, wetlands, and beaches on the edge of Glacier Bay National Park. The Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area borders Gustavus and includes the region’s largest contiguous area of undisturbed wet meadow habitat. During fall migration, it is an important stopover for cranes; their numbers there can reach into the thousands. One important limitation to keep in mind when getting oriented locally: Dude Creek has no facilities for public use and no developed trails.
The Nagoonberry Loop Trail offers a clearly defined route. This 2.5-mile loop passes through forests, meadows, and wetlands and brings hikers back to the parking lot. This makes its route description distinctly different from the situation at Dude Creek: here, a loop trail with a return point is described, while there are no developed trails there. Gustavus itself is mostly flat and suited to cycling and walking.
Wildlife Viewing Along the Coast and River
Humpback whales and orcas can be seen in Icy Strait from the Gustavus Dock. The area around the dock is also suitable for birdwatching: tidal zones and beach meadows provide feeding and resting areas for many birds. Marine mammals found around Gustavus also include seals, sea lions, and sea otters.
The Salmon River estuary lies five minutes west of Gustavus Dock and is a good place to watch wildlife. In May, sand lance attract numerous bald eagles, harbor seals, and other predators. Fall migration at Dude Creek offers another opportunity for wildlife viewing, when cranes stop there and their numbers can reach into the thousands. The two locations therefore offer different seasonal highlights: sand lance in the estuary in May and migrating cranes at the wetland in fall.
Water Activities
Marine excursions depart from Gustavus Dock or Bartlett Cove. Guided and unguided kayaking trips are available from the dock or from the Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Options range from half-day and full-day outings to overnight and multi-day trips. Sportfishing charters in Gustavus target king salmon, coho salmon, herring, and large Pacific halibut. This makes it possible to distinguish water activities by their focus and duration without equating them with wildlife viewing opportunities on land.
Culture and Local History
The Huna Tribal House is located on the Łingít Trail, about a quarter mile northeast, just beyond the Glacier Bay Lodge. It contains four totem poles, each representing one of the region’s clans. Special presentations and guided programs on Tlingit culture are sometimes offered there in summer; whether they take place depends on tribal use and scheduling. If such a program is important to your trip, check in advance whether one will be offered during your visit. The Gateway Gallery in the Gustavus Community Center displays works by local artists and changes its exhibitions monthly.
Gustavus began in 1914 as a homestead. The area around town was once known as Strawberry Point because of the many wild strawberries on the plains. In Gustavus, wild harvesting includes picking wild strawberries, blueberries, and mushrooms along the beach and on conservation lands and state land. Local history and nature come together here in the connection between the plains, berries, and today’s wild harvesting.
Getting There and Destinations in Bartlett Cove
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve can only be reached by plane or boat. If you arrive in Gustavus by plane or ferry, you may need ground transportation to reach the park’s visitor center, the Glacier Bay Lodge, or the park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Bartlett Cove is about 10 miles from Gustavus. If your trip includes destinations there, factor in the possible transfer when planning your stay and looking for a vacation rental in Gustavus.
Discover more destinations: Skagway, Angoon.
Return to the main travel overview: Hoonah-Angoon Census Area.
