Discover Gustavus: Nature and Wildlife

If nature and wildlife viewing are what matter most to you, Gustavus brings together a variety of landscapes and activities. The town lies on the shore of Icy Strait, the Salmon River runs through Gustavus, and the plain was formed by the retreat of glaciers. Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Beaches, rivers, and wetlands each shape a different side of the destination.

Landscapes Between River and Wetlands

The Gustavus Forelands Preserve protects a unique landscape of forests, wetlands, and beaches on the edge of Glacier Bay National Park. The Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area borders Gustavus directly. It contains the largest contiguous area of undisturbed wet meadow habitat in the region. As a result, meadows and wetlands are also central to the natural surroundings of the town, alongside its coastal landscape.

Fall migration is a special time at Dude Creek: the area is an important stopover for cranes, and their numbers can reach into the thousands. When planning a visit, keep in mind that there are no public-use facilities or developed trails at Dude Creek. The landscape is therefore different from places where a designated route or visitor center provides guidance.

Wildlife Viewing Along the Coast and River

From Gustavus Dock, you can watch humpback whales and orcas in Icy Strait. The area around the dock is also good for birdwatching: tidal zones and beach meadows provide feeding and resting areas for many birds. Marine mammals in the Gustavus area also include seals, sea lions, and sea otters.

Another prime wildlife-viewing spot is the Salmon River estuary, five minutes west of Gustavus Dock. It is a good place to observe wildlife. In May, sand lance attract numerous bald eagles, harbor seals, and other predators. The fall migration at Dude Creek and the activity in the river estuary in May thus offer different seasonal reasons to take in the landscape and its wildlife.

Beaches, Trails, and Tours

Visitors can explore the beach in Gustavus. Since the town is mostly flat, it is well suited to cycling and walking. The Nagoonberry Loop Trail offers a clearly defined hiking route: the 2.5-mile loop passes through forests, meadows, and wetlands before returning to the parking lot.

Water-based activities are also among the options available locally. Guided and unguided kayak trips depart from Gustavus Dock or the Glacier Bay National Park headquarters at Bartlett Cove. Options include half-day and full-day tours, overnight trips, and multi-day excursions. Marine tours also depart from Gustavus Dock or Bartlett Cove. Sport fishing charters focus on king salmon, coho salmon, herring, and large Pacific halibut.

Culture and Local History

Gustavus began as a homestead in 1914. Because wild strawberries were abundant on the plains, the area was once known as Strawberry Point. Foraging in Gustavus includes picking wild strawberries, blueberries, and mushrooms on the beach and on land managed by conservation authorities and the state.

Local artists display their work at the Gateway Gallery in the Gustavus Community Center, with exhibitions changing monthly. The Huna Tribal House is on Łingít Trail, about a quarter mile northeast, beyond Glacier Bay Lodge. Its four totem poles each represent a clan from the region. Special presentations and guided programs about Tlingit culture are sometimes offered there in summer; whether they take place depends on tribal use and scheduling. At the Glacier Bay Visitor Center, park rangers offer summer evening programs, educational videos, and walks in the surrounding area; specific offerings may vary.

Planning a Visit to the Park

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is accessible only by plane or boat. Visitors arriving in Gustavus by plane or ferry may need ground transportation to reach Bartlett Cove, where the park visitor center, Glacier Bay Lodge, and park headquarters are located. Bartlett Cove is about 10 miles from Gustavus. Keeping Gustavus and the destinations at Bartlett Cove distinct can help when planning individual stops.

Discover more destinations: Angoon, Skagway.

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