Beardslee Islands

Q: Can I bring my young kids if we hire a guide?

Not recommended. Even with a guide, kids face cold water (50-55°F), bears requiring strict distance protocols, and mental demands of multi-hour paddling in exposed water. Ages 10+ with strong swimming skills and prior paddling experience may be acceptable; ask the guide.

Q: What happens if high tide isn't available during my trip?

Some shallow passages become impassable exposed mudflats at low tide. If your timing misses high tide, you either wait hours for the next cycle or paddle a different route. Tides run 12+ hours apart. Plan your trip around the tide calendar, not your schedule.

Q: Why are some islands just closed off with no explanation?

Critical wildlife habitat—bird nesting colonies, seal haul-outs, and bear denning areas exist on those islands. Closures protect animals during sensitive breeding and denning seasons. Violating closures endangers wildlife and breaks federal law.

Q: Is bear spray going to help me, or should I be more scared?

Bear spray works when used correctly (downwind, when bear is 30-40 feet away). However, the best outcome is never needing it. Maintain 100-yard distance, make noise while paddling, and avoid feeding areas. Bears here are habituated to boat traffic but still wild.

Q: Can I bring a motorboat instead of paddling? I want to see the Beardslees without exhausting myself.

Motors are prohibited May 1–Sept 15 (peak season). Outside that window, motors are technically allowed but impractical—narrow passages are too tight and disturb wildlife. Consider hiring a water taxi or guide service, but accept that you'll share the experience.

Q: Is the water really as cold as people say, or do people exaggerate?

No exaggeration. Summer water temperatures are 50-55°F. Hypothermia sets in quickly in water this cold—minutes, not hours. A damp cotton shirt offers no protection. Wear a wetsuit or drysuit even on warm-looking days. Cold shock can disable swimmers instantly.

Type

Island Archipelago with Isostatic Rebound

Accessibility

Kayak required—human-powered boat access only; narrow passages navigable only at high tide

Best Season

Late May through early September, with July as peak season

Busiest Season

July (peak Glacier Bay season); July 1-31 experiences highest kayak traffic

Features

Island archipelago with active isostatic rebound; narrow tidal passages with dynamic bedrock exposure; dense temperate rainforest; critical wildlife habitat

Overview

About This Attraction

An archipelago in motion—these islands are rising due to post-glacial isostatic rebound, visibly changing their shape as glacier weight lifted from the land 250 years ago. Narrow passages transform with the tide: at high tide, kayaks slip through between forested shores; at low tide, exposed bedrock and mudflats appear. The dense temperate rainforest supports bears, harbor seals, and seabirds in critical habitat areas—some islands close during sensitive seasons. Paddlers navigate a landscape where geology, tides, and wildlife hazards converge; respect all three to stay safe.

Quick Facts

Type

Island Archipelago with Isostatic Rebound

Access

Kayak required—human-powered boat access only; narrow passages navigable only at high tide

Main Features

Island archipelago with active isostatic rebound; narrow tidal passages with dynamic bedrock exposure; dense temperate rainforest; critical wildlife habitat

What You'll See

Forested islands with rocky shores; narrow passages that expose bedrock at low tide; lush rainforest; black bears, harbor seals, bald eagles, kittiwakes, occasionally humpback whales; tidal mudflats and rock formations

What Makes It Special

Demonstrates post-glacial isostatic rebound—land rising measurably after 250 years of glacier retreat; dynamic tidal passages expose/submerge daily; landscape actively reshaping from geological forces

Best Time to Visit

Late June through early August, during peak Glacier Bay season (July optimal). Plan visits around high tide cycles to access narrow passages safely. Early morning paddles offer calmer conditions and better wildlife viewing.

Safety Considerations

Rising land creates shallow/dry passages—navigable only at high tide or impassable at low tide. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears; 25 yards from other wildlife. Strong paddling skills required due to tides, currents, and rapidly changing weather. Cold water (50-55°F) poses hypothermia risk. Some islands closed for critical wildlife habitat protection.

Visitor Tips

Check tide tables and nautical charts before every paddle—passages shift dramatically between tides
Intermediate-to-advanced paddling skills required; weather and currents change rapidly in open water
Observe safe distances: 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife
Some islands are closed for critical wildlife habitat protection—respect all posted closures
Pack bear spray, store food in bear canisters, know bear behavior protocols
Bring proper cold-water gear (wetsuit/drysuit); water rarely exceeds 55°F even in summer
Carry detailed nautical charts and tide tables; GPS coordinates may lag from ongoing uplift

Details

Location & Features

Type: Island Archipelago with Isostatic Rebound

Distance from Entrance: Just north of Bartlett Cove by kayak

GPS: 58.533333,-135.916667

What Makes It Unique:

Water Feature Details

Size: Not applicable—marine water body; archipelago spans several miles

Flow/Best Viewing: Not applicable

Geology

Formation Type: Post-Glacial Isostatic Rebound / Island Archipelago

Scientific Interest:

Demonstrates post-glacial isostatic rebound with measurable land uplift over 250 years; shows rapid landscape evolution from geological forces; visible illustration of mantle dynamics and crustal response to load changes

Getting There

Directions:

Launch kayak from Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock or Bartlett Cove Campground area. Paddle north into the island archipelago. Monitor tide tables and weather conditions before departure. Narrow passages only fully navigable at high tide.

Access Type: Kayak required—human-powered boat access only; narrow passages navigable only at high tide

Road: Water-based access—no road

Seasonal Access: Open year-round by water; primary kayaking season late May through early September. Non-motorized zone May 1–September 15.

Parking: Parking available at Bartlett Cove; kayak launch points at public dock and campground area

Entry Fees: No entrance fee to Glacier Bay National Park. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all federal recreation sites.

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Kayak the Beardslees

Connecting Trails:

Kayak routes connect to other Glacier Bay paddling destinations; Forest Loop Trail and shore trails accessible from Bartlett Cove area

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

From kayak while paddling through island channels; mid-tide passage offers optimal viewing of narrow passages and forest-clad shorelines; wildlife viewing points (maintain safe distance)

Photo Opportunities:

Island formations against blue water; rainforest from water level; wildlife from safe distance; morning alpenglow on forest shores; tidal mudflats and rock exposures; bird colonies on protected islands (from distance)

Best Photo Spots:

Narrow channels between islands (best at mid-tide); forest-to-water interface at dawn; wildlife viewing points at safe distance; tidal mudflats at low tide revealing geological features

Sunrise/Sunset: Excellent—northern latitude produces extended twilight; summer solstice near-midnight sun; alpenglow spectacular early morning and late evening

Stargazing: Good—backcountry location with minimal light pollution; northern latitude (58.5°N) permits extended twilight and summer midnight sun effect

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Black bears, harbor seals, bald eagles, black-legged kittiwakes, humpback whales (seasonal), brown bears

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning hours during peak season (July); whale activity peaks July-August; bears active throughout paddling season

Wildflower Peak: June through July in the subarctic rainforest ecosystem

Fall Colors Peak: August through September; limited deciduous color as rainforest is predominantly coniferous

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May through early September, with July as peak season

Best Times: July peak season; June and August offer fewer crowds with stable conditions; avoid peak mid-July if seeking solitude

Road Opens: Not applicable—water-based access

Busiest: July (peak Glacier Bay season); July 1-31 experiences highest kayak traffic

Parking Fills: Not applicable—water-based backcountry access

Snow Until: Not applicable to summer season; winter ice and snow may limit access December-March

Winter Access: Limited; accessible year-round by water but typically June-September; winter paddling hazardous due to extreme weather, short daylight, cold temperatures

Weather:

Rapid changes common; afternoon rain likely; strong southeast winds frequent; fog patches mornings; potential for afternoon thunderstorms. Temperature range 50-65°F summer. Hypothermia risk even when air temperature seems mild.

Activities

Fishing
Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Bartlett Cove, Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Grand Pacific Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Margerie Glacier, Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station

Nearby Services:

Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Gustavus services (restaurants, lodging, supplies)

Insider Tips

Check tide tables and charts daily—passages open yesterday may be exposed bedrock today
Mid-tide offers safest passage through narrow channels without grounding risk
Rising islands create new geography yearly—recent maps are essential
Early morning paddles (dawn to mid-morning) offer calmest water and best wildlife viewing
Store food in bear canisters; maintain required wildlife distances
Bioluminescence possible on moonless summer nights (rare but worth watching for)
Consider guided tour for first visit; local knowledge improves safety significantly

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Water-based access requires kayak or commercial boat. Narrow passages only navigable at high tide. Dense rainforest shore limits hiking; focus is paddling. Intermediate to advanced paddling skills required.

Family Friendly:

Suitable for experienced paddling families with older children (age 10+) and strong kayaking skills. Cold water (50-55°F) requires proper wetsuits or drysuits. Bears present—educate children on safe distances (100 yards). Multiple hazards (tides, currents, weather, wildlife) make this unsuitable for young children or inexperienced paddlers.

Nearby Facilities:

Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Gustavus services

Reviews

" Visitors consistently praise profound wilderness solitude and pristine rainforest setting. Most emphasize that strong paddling skills and careful tide/weather planning are essential, not optional. Post-glacial landscape fascinates photographers and geologists; wildlife sightings (bears, whales, seals) make trips memorable. Weather variability and wildlife hazards commonly cited as requiring full preparation."

FAQs

Do I really need kayaking experience, or can I learn as I go?

You need intermediate paddling skills before arriving. The Beardslees demand fitness, current-reading ability, and self-rescue skills. Tides run 15+ feet, currents form in narrow channels, and weather changes rapidly. Learning here puts you and others at risk. Take a paddling class first, then come.

Can I bring my young kids if we hire a guide?

What happens if high tide isn't available during my trip?

Why are some islands just closed off with no explanation?

Is bear spray going to help me, or should I be more scared?

Can I bring a motorboat instead of paddling? I want to see the Beardslees without exhausting myself.

Is the water really as cold as people say, or do people exaggerate?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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