Exit Glacier & Lowell Point, Seward AK

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

We're starting today with a hike up to Exit Glacier. Although you are limited to within 10' or so of the glacier, it's about as close to any glacier as you are allowed to get by foot.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

Bob stamps his National Passport book with gusto, in readiness for our hike to the glacier!

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

These next photos show the walking path up to the glacier. As Exit Glacier is receding rapidly, the US Park Service is trying to preserve it for as long as possible by keeping tourists back out of arms' reach.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

I am always amazed at the diversity and abundance of wildflowers in Alaska. I've included a few found along the path leading to Exit Glacier and along the pathway by the river.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

Hiking from Exit Glacier down to the river and back to our car, you find signs showing the end of he glacier in various years, since they began keeping records of such things, back in 1918, I think, when the glacier was way out on the highway.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

Now we drive as far south as the road goes, Lowell Point, and park to hike to Tonsina Point. To hike the 4 miles to Caines Head, you need to cross the bridge. Problem is, the bridge washed out, so a short hike will have to do.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

We didn't see any signs indicating the name of this river, Tonsina perhaps? but it flows out to Resurrection Bay.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

I am especially delighted to find these wild Iris, and fellow hikers volunteer to take our picture.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

The aforementioned picnic table, supposedly at Tonsina Point, is nowhere to be found, but here is what remains of the washed-out bridge. A young couple from Germany is hiking to Caines Head Campground, roll up their pant legs and go for it!

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

A few remaining shots of the hike back, and we're done for the day.

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

From Exit Glacier & Tonsina Hiking at Lowell Point

For further information: Exit Glacier, and Tonsina Point