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Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
Tracy Arm Fjord is a narrow and breathtaking fjord in Southeast Alaska, situated about 50 miles south of Juneau within the vast Tongass National Forest. Renowned for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the stunning Sawyer Glaciers, it remains a sought-after—though sometimes hard-to-reach—destination for cruising, kayaking, and boat excursions.
The Tracy Arm–Fords Wilderness spans about 653,179 acres and features two long, narrow fjords—Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Each extends over 48 km, with roughly one-fifth of its surface blanketed by ice. In summer, the fjords are filled with floating ice ranging from small chunks to massive pieces as large as a three-story building. During the last glacial period, both fjords were entirely occupied by active glaciers. On August 10, 2025, a major landslide struck the fjord, triggering a tsunami with a run-up height of at least 30 meters.
Accessibiliity
The Fjord is most commonly reached by boat via Stephens Passage, entering Holkham Bay and continuing into Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm. Floatplanes departing from Juneau and Petersburg also provide access. Large tour ships and smaller commercial cruise vessels are regularly available to Tracy Arm.
Things to do in Tracy Arm Fjord
Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the coastline of the Tracy Arm–Fords Terror Wilderness, with day trips easily arranged. Motorized boats often transport adventurous paddlers to Harbor Island for a truly world-class kayaking experience.
Along the shoreline, a handful of primitive campsites offer the chance to spend the night immersed in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural settings.
The area is also rich in wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors often spot brown and black bears, mountain goats, wolves, black-tailed deer, and Dall sheep along the fjord’s edges. In the surrounding waters, harbor seals, orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions are frequently seen.
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To fully experience this pristine environment, travelers can join whale-watching excursions, glacier trekking adventures, or guided icefield walks—each offering incredible views of the fjord, its striking coastline, and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.
Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord
Cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord reveals breathtaking scenery marked by towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. While large cruise ships offer sweeping panoramic views, smaller catamaran excursions—often lasting over three hours—allow visitors to venture closer to the ice, providing an intimate, up-close look at dramatic glacier calving.
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How to Reach Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord is mainly reached by boat or seaplane from Juneau, about 50 miles to the northwest of Alaska. Tours usually operate from June through early August, guiding visitors along narrow, ice-choked waterways toward the Sawyer Glaciers. Smaller boats provide closer access to the glaciers, while large cruise ships typically stop near the fjord’s entrance.
