Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Taku Glacier

Taku Glacier is a tidewater glacier located in Taku Inlet in Alaska, just southeast of the city of Juneau. Recognized as the deepest and thickest alpine temperate glacier known in the world, the Taku Glacier is measured at 4,845 feet thick. It is about 36 miles long and is largely within the Tongass National Forest.

The glacier was originally named Schultze Glacier in 1883 and then the Foster Glacier in 1890, but Taku, the name the local Tlingit natives had for the glacier, eventually stuck. It is nestled in the Coast Mountains and originates in the Juneau Icefield. It’s the largest glacier in the icefield and one of the southernmost tidewater glaciers of the northern hemisphere.

Due to the positive mass balance, more snow currently accumulating than snow and ice melt, and the fact that it was no longer losing mass to icebergs, Taku Glacier has become insensitive to the warming that has impacted all other glaciers of the icefield. This has driven its advance.

We were able to get a bird’s eye view of the glacier as we traveled by helicopter with North Star Trekking en route to our dog sledding excursion during our Carnival Legend stop in Juneau. This photo gives you an idea of how massive this glacier really is.

Latest

Hilton Buena Park Hotel: The Perfect Base for Anaheim Adventures

If you’re ever in the Anaheim, California area, the...

From Terracotta Warriors to Pacific Treasures: Bowers Museum Showcases Global Culture

On the outskirts of historic downtown Santa Ana, California,...

Holland America Line Offers Canada & New England Itineraries

In 2027, Holland America Line will showcase the beauty...

Nothing More’s Mark Vollelunga Talks Carnal, Career Highlights, and His Perfect San Antonio Day

Nothing More is a San Antonio, Texas based rock...

Don't miss

Hilton Buena Park Hotel: The Perfect Base for Anaheim Adventures

If you’re ever in the Anaheim, California area, the...

From Terracotta Warriors to Pacific Treasures: Bowers Museum Showcases Global Culture

On the outskirts of historic downtown Santa Ana, California,...

Holland America Line Offers Canada & New England Itineraries

In 2027, Holland America Line will showcase the beauty...

Nothing More’s Mark Vollelunga Talks Carnal, Career Highlights, and His Perfect San Antonio Day

Nothing More is a San Antonio, Texas based rock...

Savoring Napa: Where to Eat, Stay and Play on a Long Weekend Escape

I spent a fabulous three day weekend in Napa...
Amy Harris
Amy Harris is a writer and photographer who has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 2 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. She is a freelance photographer for Invision by Associated Press, AP Images and Rex/Shutterstock. Her work can be seen in various publications and websites including: Rolling Stone, AP Images, National Geographic Books, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Forbes.com, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, JetStar magazine, and Delta Sky Magazine.

Hilton Buena Park Hotel: The Perfect Base for Anaheim Adventures

If you’re ever in the Anaheim, California area, the Hilton Buena Park Hotel is a super convenient lodging option just minutes away from some...

From Terracotta Warriors to Pacific Treasures: Bowers Museum Showcases Global Culture

On the outskirts of historic downtown Santa Ana, California, get a glimpse of art from all around the world in an internationally recognized non-profit...

Holland America Line Offers Canada & New England Itineraries

In 2027, Holland America Line will showcase the beauty of Canada & New England with thirteen itineraries aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam. Scenic cruising of...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here