Kayak & Camp Bear Glacier Lagoon, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

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As a playground for kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and campers, Bear Glacier Lagoon draws a variety of visitors to Kenai Fjords. Bear Glacier Lagoon is a proglacier lagoon, a lake that forms between a glacier and its moraine. The lagoon is an incredible place to explore and see giant icebergs that have calved from the largest glacier in the park. As with all paddling in the park, we recommend knowing your experience level and proper planning for a safe trip. You may consider a guided trip, as there are many unique hazards in and around the lagoon where local knowledge and expertise is highly recommended. Bear Glacier Lagoon is relatively close to Seward, only 12 miles to the southwest. However, paddling requires detailed knowledge of the route, which is exposed to the Gulf of Alaska and has few landings. In addition, exposure to the Gulf of Alaska creates surf conditions along the ocean side of the lagoon beach. We recommend a water taxi as travel to Bear Glacier is not for beginners. Bear Glacier Lagoon is frequently blanketed in fog. Be aware that during foggy conditions it can be difficult to navigate and maintain a safe distance from the face of the glacier and icebergs. The icebergs in Bear Glacier Lagoon are much larger than those found near the tidewater glaciers elsewhere in the park. These building size icebergs are mostly submerged and can roll and break at any moment. There is much more to the iceberg than what you see above the water. They may have beautiful features such as arches and tunnels, but don’t let these lure you in too close. They are slowly melting, and it is unpredictable when their balance will shift and they will break or roll. While the face of Bear Glacier doesn’t calve as frequently as some of the tidewater glaciers, it is still important to maintain a safe distance, both in and out of the water. Calvings can create large waves that can pull your boat and gear into the water. If you must land close to the glacier, spend very little time, keep an eye on the ice, and be ready for a hasty departure.Important safety tips: Remain ½ mile from the face of glaciers. Remain twice the height or width away from the icebergs. Don’t attempt to paddle between 2 large icebergs. Land your kayak and camp at least 2 miles from the glacier. Camp well above the waterline of the lagoon as large waves can occur at any time and engulf your campsite. Source: NPS

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