Top of the Hill - Forest Loop Trail

Q: Is the trail safe for kids?

Yes, for kids 6 and older with decent balance. Watch for rooty footing and wet sections. The drop-offs are gentle.

Q: Do I need special gear?

Waterproof boots are essential—the ground is wet year-round. A rain jacket is smart. Bring water and a basic first aid kit. No technical gear needed.

Q: Are bears a real concern on this trail?

Bear encounters are rare on this short, popular trail in Bartlett Cove. Make noise anyway. Never hike alone if it's your first time, and store food properly at the campground.

Q: Can I do this trail solo?

Yes, it's safe and well-traveled. Just let someone know your plan and expected return time. Bring a fully charged phone, though coverage is unreliable.

Est. Time

30-45 minutes

Route Type

Loop

Best Season

Late May through early September

Overview

About This Trail

Climb a glacial moraine and learn how ice shaped this landscape. This short walk tops out on a lateral moraine—rock debris left by a glacier—with views of how trees age as you walk back down. You'll see young saplings on recently emerged land, then older growth as succession takes hold. Easy, educational, perfect for families visiting Bartlett Cove.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Walk a lateral moraine created by glacial debris and observe how forests reclaim exposed land—young trees on recently emerged beach areas give way to older growth as you climb.

Insider Tips

• Start at the junction nearest the visitor center. • Notice the 'nurse logs'—fallen trees becoming habitat for new growth. • The biggest trees are often 50+ years old despite appearing small; glacier recession here is recent in geological time. • Return via the loop to see forest succession in reverse—oldest growth at the base, youngest at the beach.

Best Season to Hike

Late May through early September

Hiking Tips

Bring a light rain jacket—Glacier Bay weather changes fast.
The trail demonstrates forest succession; look for size differences in trees between beach and hilltop.
Ground is typically wet in Southeast Alaska; wear waterproof boots.
Make noise to avoid surprising bears, though encounters are rare on popular short trails.
Bring water; no water sources on the trail itself.

Family Info

Good for families with kids ages 6+. Short distance, easy elevation gain, educational value. Watch footing on roots; the wet ground and uneven surface require attention.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise this trail as an excellent short walk that teaches glacial geology and forest succession. Easy pace, educational signage, and Bartlett Cove beauty make it perfect for families. The wet conditions and remote location are the only downsides.

Details

Trail Specifications

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Natural forest floor, rooty and uneven in places

Getting There

Trailhead: Bartlett Cove visitor area, near Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required for this day hike.

Fees: No entrance fee to Glacier Bay National Park.

Shuttle Required

Ferry access to Glacier Bay required; ground transportation in Gustavus area.

Trail Rules

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-worn path with some marking; easy to follow on the short loop.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Dry trail; bring water from Bartlett Cove.

Shade: Mostly shaded forest canopy

Cell Service: Unreliable in Glacier Bay; check with visitor center.

Hazards:

Southeast Alaska rain and wet conditions are common. The moraine top may be windy and exposed. Ground is root-laden and uneven; good boots essential.

Emergency: Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station or ranger; call NPS dispatch 911 (may have limited coverage).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate; popular with visitors staying at Bartlett Cove Campground.

Peak Times: July peak season

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep in places; not ADA accessible.

Family Notes:

Good for families with kids ages 6+. Short distance, easy elevation gain, educational value. Watch footing on roots; the wet ground and uneven surface require attention.

Nearby Facilities

Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Gustavus facilities.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

How difficult is this trail?

Very easy. It's a short walk up a moraine with minimal elevation gain. Suitable for most fitness levels and ages 6+.

Is the trail safe for kids?

Do I need special gear?

Are bears a real concern on this trail?

Can I do this trail solo?

📖 National Park Service — Top of the Hill - Forest Loop Trail (official page) (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 National Park Service — Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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