Salmon Glacier, Alaska, United States

4Live4Sights 5:00 PM Sep 10, 2015

Check the weather first before you go - could be spectacular (if sunny) or fogged out...
This is 1 of the 2 must-visit spots on a trip to Hyder, Alaska and Stewart, BC. The other being the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site near Hyder. ■ Actually located in BC - not Alaska - you get to it by driving through Hyder, Alaska - past the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site. From Stewart, BC, it's 37 KM (23 miles) to the glacier. Although the distance is short, the Salmon Glacier (Granduc) road is very winding, not completely paved and goes up quite an elevation to a summit that overlooks the glacier. ■ Note that the road to the glacier is not open year round. Check online first - or call up a Stewart hotel to confirm. ■ If you're not sure what the weather will be like at the Summit Viewpoint, ask the ranger at the Fish Creek Wildlife site - they usually have a pretty good idea of what to expect. When we went, they warned that there would be low fog - and they were right. But we still went anyway since we were only there for a day. ■ As you can see from my photos, there was a low layer of fog over Salmon Glacier when we went. Hence, unfortunately for us, we didn't get the best views but it was still worth seeing. The drive there was slow and rough at times but the views of Salmon River and the high mountains along the drive more than made up for it. ■ There are basic restroom facilities and a large unpaved parking area at the Summit Viewpoint that overlooks the Salmon Glacier. There are no shops or food/drinks for sale - so bring your own if you want to make it a picnic trip. ■ Before you begin your drive, make sure you get a free copy of the "Glacier Highway -and- Salmon Glacier" self guided auto tour pamphlet at a BC Visitor Center or at your Stewart hotel. It's full of useful information and highlights all the numbered stops along the way. ■ The Salmon Glacier self guided auto tour starts at Stewart, BC (stop #1) - crosses over to Hyder, Alaska (stop #3) - past the Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing area (stop #6) - and ends at Summit Viewpoint (stop #14) for a spectacular view of the Salmon Glacier. Note that the road starts in BC, goes through Alaska and winds back in BC territory. ■ According to the hotel staff at Stewart (where we stayed the night), there is a way to get down to the glacier. You have to drive all the way to Granduc Mine at the end of Salmon Glacier road i.e. a few miles past Summit Viewpoint. But go at your own peril as glacier ice is not stable. ■ Large motor homes and trailers are not advised on the road past the Fish Creek Wildlife site. The drive is best on a SUV or truck with good tires. ■ Important advice: You will need your passport to get back into Stewart, BC as there is a Canadian customs check point between Hyder and Stewart. You don't need your passport to cross into Alaska but you will need it to return to Stewart. ■ Bring a warm jacket and wear long pants/jeans as it can be quite cold - even in the summer. ■ Fun fact #1: Salmon Glacier is the world's largest road accessible glacier. ■ Fun fact #2: Stewart is Canada's most northerly, ice-free port. In summary, I would advice you to check on the weather first before going. If you are lucky enough to see it on a beautiful sunny day, it will be a great experience and you will not be disappointed. PS: If you found this review useful, give it a "Helpful" vote! Thanks. .

4Snagly 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2022

A breathtaking sight at the end of a demanding drive
It's an hour-long drive over a potholed and dusty road with spectacular views for everyone but the white-knuckled driver striving to stay on the road while avoiding loose rocks and downed trees. The glacier itself is awesome . . . but there's not a lot going on, so after fifteen minutes and posing for snaps and slapping mosquitoes, it's time to head back. Worth doing, particularly on a sunny day.