Stikine Icefield and LeConte Glacier
Minutes away from Petersburg is one of the most powerful and beautiful sights in the world.
The Stikine Icefield is 2900 square miles and extends 120 miles. Many glaciers
spill out of this magnificent icefield, with three picturesque glaciers easily accessible
from Petersburg. The Baird Glacier and the Patterson Glacier both spill into the Thomas
Bay area and terminate at a braided outwash plain. To the south of these glaciers is
arguably the most beautiful glacier in Southeast; the LeConte Glacier. The LeConte is the
southernmost active tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere. This glacier terminates
in the 800+ foot deep LeConte Bay and massive icebergs break off of the glacier face
regularly with a resounding splash. These icebergs are home to a large population of
Harbor Seals who are born and raised in LeConte Bay.
Surrounding the Stikine Icefield are the impressive peaks of the Coastal
Mountain Range. Devil's Thumb, which is a prominent landmark from Petersburg, stands
just under 10,000 feet (9,077) and marks the Canada-US border. Its' North face is a sheer
cliff of 7,000 feet.