Columbia Glacier
Columbia Glacier is a large, fast-flowing tidewater glacier covering roughly 225 km² in Kenai Fjords National Park, near Seward, Alaska. Visitors come to see its dramatic calving events and access boating or kayaking routes.
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Geography
| Address | Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, AK 99664, USAKenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Southcentral Alaska |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| District | Kenai |
| City | Seward |
| Neighborhood | Kenai Fjords National Park |
| Postal Code | 99664 |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorage |
| Latitude | 60.103 |
| Longitude | -149.892 |
| Maps |
5:14 PM LOCAL TIMEColumbia Glacier is a massive tidewater glacier that extends roughly 225 km² across the southern Kenai Peninsula. Originating from 2,500+ meter peaks of the Alaska Range, it plunges to sea near Seward, where its terminal outflow is marked by frequent calving events and towering icebergs. The glacier's rapid retreat over the late 20th and early 21st centuries has made it a key case study in climate change impacts on glacier dynamics. Access for people is primarily via boat or kayak from nearby ferry terminals and marinas; land-based viewpoints are limited due to surrounding rugged terrain. The best experiences come from guided trips that emphasize safety and environmental awareness, allowing visitors to witness the glacier's scale and transient icy landscapes.
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