Stickeen – Dogs of the NPS

Not safely without mountaineering training. Brady Glacier is accessible by guided boat or float plane tours from Bartlett Cove, but on-glacier travel requires technical rope skills, crevasse rescue knowledge, and proper equipment. Most visitors observe the glacier from safe distance via tour boat.

Yes, Brady Glacier still exists, but it has retreated dramatically since Muir's day—approximately 60+ miles of valley glaciation have vanished. The glacier's current extent is a fraction of what Muir encountered; meltwater now flows where ice once stood.

Most tour operators and NPS policy prohibit dogs on boats and glacier access routes due to hazards (calving ice, deep water, crevasses, marine wildlife disturbance). The Stickeen story is historical—modern safety standards differ significantly.

Muir described Stickeen as 'a little dog'—sources suggest a Skye Terrier or similar small breed. Stickeen was not Muir's dog but followed him uninvited onto Brady Glacier; the dog likely belonged to someone in Muir's expedition party.

No. Glacier Bay has no road access—you must fly or ferry to Juneau, then book a commercial flight or ferry to Gustavus. Tours depart from Bartlett Cove; boat access is the only way to reach glaciers.

Crevasses are deep fissures in glaciers, often hidden by snow bridges that collapse under weight. Muir had to cut footholds across a 75-foot ice bridge over a crevasse—falling in is typically fatal. Modern travelers use ropes, ice screws, and rescue training; untrained crossing leads to death.

Most full-day boat tours from Bartlett Cove last 6–8 hours including travel and viewing time. Float plane tours are shorter but more expensive. Tours operate daily late May through early September.