Black Bear – Bartlett Cove

Powerful black bears with distinctive flat backs inhabit Glacier Bay's coastal forests. Watch from safe distance in Bartlett Cove area, peak season late May–September.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction
Wildlife Habitat0 ftNo permit needed

Stocky forest dwellers with distinctive features—roman nose profile, flat upper back, short curved claws—black bears are signature wildlife of Glacier Bay's coastal woodlands. These bears range from jet black to brown, blonde, or the rare glacier bear's blue-gray phase, unique to Southeast Alaska. Typically weighing 125–300 pounds (occasionally to 600 pounds), they inhabit forested areas from beach to alpine elevations. Often observed near Bartlett Cove, they remind visitors of wild predators that demand respect and distance—100 yards minimum.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Ferry from Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal (approximately 1 hour) or air access to Gustavus; then ground access to Bartlett Cove area trails and viewpoints
Distance From Entrance
No entrance gates; Gustavus ferry terminal or air access required
Road Type
No road access; ferry and air terminals
Parking Availability
No vehicle parking; ferry and air access only
GPS Coordinates
58.45312489585233,-135.86194117282673

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late May through early September, peak in July. Early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting and bear activity visibility during the main visitor season.
Best Visit Times
Early morning and late afternoon during peak season (late May–early September) for optimal bear sighting and photography light
Best Season
Late May through early September
Busiest Season
July peak; late May through early September main visitor season
Seasonal Access
Year-round; main visitor services and optimal bear viewing May–September
Road Opening Dates
No roads; ferry service year-round subject to weather closures
Snow Lingering
Minimal to no snow lingering at Bartlett Cove sea-level elevation; higher elevations retain snow longer
Winter Access
Year-round boat and air access; ranger services and visitor facilities extremely limited November–April
Weather Patterns
Frequent rain and fog typical of Southeast Alaska coastal area. Wind common. Cool temperatures year-round. Afternoon lightning possible in summer months

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Wildlife Habitat
Main Features
Black bear habitat in temperate coastal forest with tall trees and thick brush providing predator protection
What Youll See
Stocky black bears with distinctive roman nose, flat upper back, and short curved claws. Coat colors range from jet black to brown, blonde, or rare blue-gray glacier bear phase. Coastal forest of tall trees, thick understory brush, and muddy areas showing bear sign
Unique Characteristics
Glacier bears—rare blue-gray color phase unique to Southeast Alaska—can appear here. Black bears in Glacier Bay represent a northern population with adaptations to coastal and glacial-influenced ecosystems
Photo Opportunities
Bear silhouettes against coastal forest backdrop; close-up details of facial features (roman nose, ear shape, claws) from safe distance with telephoto lens; tracks and scat in muddy areas
Photography Spots
Forest edges at dawn/dusk; muddy trail areas showing tracks; open beach areas with forested backdrop
Best Viewpoints
Bartlett Cove vicinity, forest edges adjacent to the beach, trail corridors through coastal forest habitat
Common Wildlife
Black bears (Ursus americanus), occasionally glacier bear variant with blue-gray fur; coastal forest songbirds and small mammals
Best Wildlife Times
Late May through early September with peak activity in July. Most observable during late morning and late afternoon when bears forage actively
Scientific Interest
Black bear behavior and ecology in coastal temperate rainforest; rare glacier bear color phase (blue-gray) found in Southeast Alaska due to local genetic variation; adaptation of northern bear populations to marine-influenced ecosystems

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
No entrance fee required
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Coastal forest area accessible via ferry and air to Gustavus; ground access to Bartlett Cove viewpoints and trail network
Accessibility Level
Accessible to visitors; coastal forest walk
Nearby Services
Gustavus, Alaska (supplies and services); Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station
Nearby Facilities
Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Bartlett Cove Campground, Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal
Family Friendly Notes
Keep children within arm's reach and maintain 100-yard distance from bears. Teach wildlife respect. Supervision essential. Muddy trails can be slippery; wear appropriate footwear. Cold weather and rain possible year-round; dress in layers

Safety

Safety Considerations
Black bears are wild predators capable of inflicting serious injury. Maintain 100-yard minimum distance at all times. Never approach, surround, feed, or corner a bear. If approached, back away slowly while facing the bear; do not run. Report aggressive behavior to ranger immediately. Keep all food and scented items secured

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock, Beardslee Islands, Margerie Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Muir Inlet
Connecting Trails
Forest Loop Trail network; connections to Bartlett Cove trail system
Trailheads Here
Forest Loop Trail (segments: Glacial Erratic, Root Ball, Top of the Hill); Experience the Huna Tribal House

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Location marked here is illustrative; black bears occur throughout Glacier Bay
  • Glacier bears (blue-gray coat) are NOT a separate species—just a natural color variant of black bears
  • Bears can weigh up to 600 lbs but typically 125–300 lbs; males larger than females
  • Identify by roman nose (unlike brown bears' dish-shaped profile), flat upper back, and short curved claws
  • Binoculars essential for safe viewing at 100+ yards
  • Talk with rangers at Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station for current bear activity reports
Tips Advice
  • Maintain 100-yard minimum distance from all bears—enforce with binoculars
  • Scan forest edges and beaches of Bartlett Cove during dawn and dusk
  • Look for tracks, scat, and overturned logs in muddy areas indicating bear presence
  • Report sightings to Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station
  • Never approach, feed, or corner a bear
  • Keep food secured; bears are attracted to unsecured supplies
  • Stay on established trails and follow posted wildlife protocols

More details

Park Area
Bartlett Cove
Recent Updates
Location note: The location chosen for this black bear is for illustrative purposes only. Black bears can be found throughout Glacier Bay. Never approach wild animals
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Black bears are iconic Glacier Bay residents, observable in Bartlett Cove and throughout the park during peak visitor season (late May–September). Visitors appreciate wildlife viewing opportunities but must respect 100-yard distance protocols. The illustrative location reflects bears' widespread presence rather than a fixed viewing spot. Most visitors understand and follow safety guidelines, making bear encounters generally safe when conducted responsibly

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will I definitely see a black bear at Bartlett Cove?

Bears are common throughout Glacier Bay, but sightings aren't guaranteed. This location is illustrative—bears range across the park. Your best chance is during peak season (late May–September) while visiting Bartlett Cove or on boat tours into upper inlets where bears forage.

Is it safe to view bears?

Yes, if you maintain 100-yard minimum distance and never approach. Serious bear injuries are extremely rare when visitors follow these protocols. Stay alert, use binoculars, and back away slowly if a bear approaches.

What's the rare glacier bear?

A natural color phase found in Southeast Alaska where some black bears have blue-gray or slate-colored fur instead of black. It's the same species (Ursus americanus)—just a different coat color due to local genetics unique to this region.

How large do black bears get?

Typically 125–300 pounds, but large individuals reach 600 pounds. Males are significantly larger than females. Despite their size, they are intelligent and generally avoid humans.

Can I photograph bears safely?

Yes, from 100+ yards away using a telephoto lens. Early morning and late afternoon light works best. Never position yourself between a bear and its escape route or young cubs.

When are bears most active and visible?

Late May through early September, with peak activity in July. Bears are most observable during late morning and late afternoon. Bears remain active year-round but are less visible and encounter less visitor traffic in winter months.

What should I do if a bear approaches?

Remain calm. Back away slowly while facing the bear; do not run. Make noise to encourage the bear to leave. If the bear charges, use bear spray if available and seek higher ground or dense cover. Report the encounter to a ranger immediately.

Icy Strait

Milky water crowded with whales and eagles. Alaska's prime marine wildlife corridor, best May-September.

Mount Fairweather

Tallest mountain in Glacier Bay at 15,300 ft, visible from 70+ miles away on clear days.

Mount Wright

Mount Wright (4,967 ft) marks Muir Inlet's gateway—a glacial-carved peak visible from cruise and kayak routes.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.