Tana Glacier, Valley glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska, US
Tana Glacier is a valley glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park that flows northwest from Bagley Icefield through a steep mountain gorge. The ice mass descends through one of the region's most remote and dramatic basins, creating meltwater valleys along its path.
The glacier was named from Alaska Native languages and first documented by early prospectors exploring the region around 1900. This initial European mapping set the stage for later scientific study of the ice system.
The glacier serves as a research site for scientists studying climate patterns and geological processes in the Alaskan wilderness.
Reaching this glacier requires a multi-day trek starting from McCarthy with specialized gear including crampons and waterproof clothing. Conditions change significantly depending on the season, so proper physical preparation before departing is essential.
Water streams flow visibly across the glacier's surface over transparent ice, creating an intricate network of channels. The vast gravel plains at its base reveal the immense volume of sediment that the ice carves and transports downslope.
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