Spectacular Hubbard Glacier in St Elias Mountains of Alaska

Among the snowy peaks of the world’s highest coastal mountain range is North America’s largest tidewater glacier with a spectacular icy face about 30-stories tall. On a clear, sunny day, we enjoy the stunning Hubbard Glacier in the Saint Elias Mountains of Alaska.

Embark on a captivating journey with Haswell Travelled's Hubbard Glacier YouTube video, where we enjoy the stunning Hubbard Glacier in the Saint Elias Mountains of Alaska on a clear, sunny day.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

The Saint Elias Mountains are near the top of the Alaska Panhandle. They straddle the Canadian boarder, forming a divide with water on the east side flowing to the Yukon River, and on the west side flowing to the Pacific Ocean. They are the highest coastal mountain range on earth, and include Mount Logan, Canada’s tallest mountain, reaching 19,500 feet, and Mount Saint Elias, the 2nd highest Mountain in the US and Canada at 18,000 feet.

In the distance, we also find the Malaspina Glacier which is the largest piedmont glacier in the world. They spill from a steep valley onto a relatively flat plain, spreading out into a fan-like shape over a vast area. They remain on land, unlike tidewater glaciers that reach the ocean. The Malaspina Glacier is about 40 miles wide and 28 miles long, and covers an impressive 1,500 square miles. It is fed by three tributary glaciers that merge in the mountain valley above, and is also shrinking like most glaciers around the world.

Surrounded by fabulous mountain views, our ship glides into Disenchantment Bay, named by a Spanish explorer in 1792 after realizing it was not the gateway to the fabled Northwest Passage. As we begin to approach Hubbard Glacier, we begin to see small icebergs drifting in the water. Binoculars are highly recommended here, both for spotting wildlife and for appreciating the grandeur of the glaciers. The close-up views I capture were taken with a zoom lens.

Hubbard Glacier is truly massive, earning its title as North America’s largest tidewater glacier. Originating 76 miles away at Mount Logan, it is hard to fully grasp how big this colossal ice formation really is. Its face spans an incredible 7 miles across, and towers 350 feet above the waterline — about the height of a 30-story building. Beneath the surface, the ice extends another 250 feet. It flows into the water at a rate of 3 to 6 feet per day. Over the past century, Hubbard Glacier has been advancing, unlike most glaciers that were retreating. Currently it is stable, but it may begin retreating in the near future, following the global trend.

At this distance, we don’t notice any chunks of ice break off called calving, but the waves created by calving can be substantial. My videos on Glacier Bay and College Fjord do show some exciting caving which I captured. Because calving is unpredictable, small excursion boats usually maintain a safe distance of at least half a mile from the glacier’s face.

Our experience of Hubbard Glacier and its surrounding area, was a breathtaking journey through majestic mountains, beautiful bays, and towering ice, offering a humbling glimpse into the raw power and beauty of Alaska.

Immerse yourself in the captivating episode of Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier on the Haswell Travelled YouTube channel. The video is also easily accessible via the website’s USA web page, allowing viewers to explore this enchanting content alongside other fabulous destinations.