Beardslee Islands

Aerial view of the beardslee islands. Many forested flat islands lie before distant tall mountains.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 58.533333,-135.916667
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.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Bartlett Cove, Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Grand Pacific Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Margerie Glacier, Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station
Nearby Facilities: Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Gustavus services
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.
Tips Advice: 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
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

More details

Park Area: Bartlett Cove
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Attraction Type: Island Archipelago with Isostatic Rebound
Elevation Feet: 0
Distance From Entrance: Just north of Bartlett Cove by kayak
Accessibility Level: Kayak required—human-powered boat access only; narrow passages navigable only at high tide
How To Get There: 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.
Parking Availability: Parking available at Bartlett Cove; kayak launch points at public dock and campground area
Road Type: 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.
Entry Fees: No entrance fee to Glacier Bay National Park. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all federal recreation sites.
Main Features: Island archipelago with active isostatic rebound; narrow tidal passages with dynamic bedrock exposure; dense temperate rainforest; critical wildlife habitat
What Youll 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
Unique Characteristics: 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
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.
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)
Photography 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
Stargazing Quality: Good—backcountry location with minimal light pollution; northern latitude (58.5°N) permits extended twilight and summer midnight sun effect
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent—northern latitude produces extended twilight; summer solstice near-midnight sun; alpenglow spectacular early morning and late evening
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Restroom Type: None at islands; facilities available at Bartlett Cove Campground and Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Limited to no service in backcountry; plan accordingly with satellite communication if needed
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
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
Nearby Services: Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Gustavus services (restaurants, lodging, supplies)
Common Wildlife: Black bears, harbor seals, bald eagles, black-legged kittiwakes, humpback whales (seasonal), brown bears
Best Wildlife Times: 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
Geological 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
Road Opening Dates: Not applicable—water-based access
Snow Lingering: 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
Best Visit Times: July peak season; June and August offer fewer crowds with stable conditions; avoid peak mid-July if seeking solitude
Best Season: Late May through early September, with July as peak season
Weather Patterns: 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.
Peak Fill Times: Not applicable—water-based backcountry access
Busiest Season: July (peak Glacier Bay season); July 1-31 experiences highest kayak traffic
Lake Size: Not applicable—marine water body; archipelago spans several miles
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.