Le Conte Glacier

One of the highlights of Petersburg is its proximity to the Le Conte

Glacier, one of the most studied glaciers in the world.  Although the Le Conte Glacier is located 23 nautical miles southeast of Petersburg, ice burgs from the glacier make their way into Petersburg swept by the current; we saw one burg go by near the marina not far from our boat.  Not wanting to damage our boat or repeat the story of the Titanic, we purchased a trip to the glacier aboard an aluminum 30-foot flat-bottom boat with an outboard motor suited for maneuvering through the ice chunks and large ice burgs.  We set off with Captain Scott Horsey (Alaska Passages Adventures) and motored out the north entrance of Wrangell Narrows into Frederick Sound, then south to Le Conte Bay.  We could see ice burgs washed up on the shore for miles in Frederick Sound.  As we approached Le Conte Bay, the number of ice burgs in the water began to multiply.  Captain Scott skillfully weaved and turned through mountains of ice as we sped along on a fun thrilling ride stopping for pictures along the way.  Once we reached the head of the Bay and the Glacier, the engine was turned off so we could enjoy the sights and sounds of this spectacular place.  We could hear loud booms, as the ice cracked and walls of ice collapsed into the sea.  This “calving” went on through the early afternoon culminating with one very tall pinnacle coming down in slow motion creating a large wave which rocked the boat.  Equally exciting were large burgs rising up from under the water and rolling over like a sea monster showing their deep blue color.  On our return trip to Petersburg, Captain Scott stopped by a small island so we could walk the shore amongst the ice burgs.  It was very intriguing to walk on a beach scattered with sculptured ice.

Le Conte Glacier



Ice Burgs on the Beach