Reid Glacier

Reid Glacier is a large glacier in Glacier Bay National Park that stretches from the Brady Icefield down to Reid Inlet. The ice flows through a valley bounded by steep mountainsides, creating a dramatic landscape of blue ice and rocky peaks.

The glacier was named in 1899 after geologist Harry Fielding Reid, who studied the region's icy systems. Since then, it has served scientists as a key source of data about how glaciers respond to climate shifts.

Local indigenous peoples have long recognized this glacier as part of their homeland, shaping how they understand the region's natural systems. Today, this connection remains visible in how the landscape is spoken about and valued by those who live nearby.

Access is mainly through organized boat tours or kayak expeditions launched from the park's main hub. Visitors should bring warm clothing and be ready for sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift quickly in this remote glacial setting.

The glacier's terminal face serves as a natural jumping-off point for climbers heading toward the Brady Icefield and Fairweather Mountains. Many visitors do not notice that the glacier is gradually shrinking, continuously reshaping the landscape they see.

Location: Alaska

GPS coordinates: 58.77420,-136.80600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00