The most famous Alaskan ice caves are located under Mendenhall, Root, Spencer, Matanuska, and Kennicott Glaciers. Children under the age of 2 should NOT wear a mask or cloth face-covering. Photographed just 4 months before the photograph before. Thread starter Outdoor_Fool; Start date Dec 1, 2020; Outdoor_Fool Member. Its location is indicated but its access remains under everyone’s responsibility. The ground being made of ice, it is important to visit it with caution. This unimproved … ADVERTISEMENT. Castner Glacier Adventure High today: 63 Low today: 35 My goal of this day was to get Aviva and Jud to a glacier, special request by Jud. Join Eielson Outdoor Recreation for a hike of the Castner Glacier Trail which leads to the Castner Ice Cave. The mouth of the cave is hidden by a small hill if you're looking at it head on. I’m sure it’s easier to get to in the summer. Still, heavy snow usually hasn't accumulated on the lower glacier yet, making this a prime time to explore ice caves and catch them while they still glow without the need for snowshoes. Here, in the interior, we just ended the fourth longest cold snap in history where we had 35 days straight of temperature below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Route Description: Castner Glacier is the simplest glacier to reach coming from Fairbanks, and for the past several years it’s been the easiest place to find an ice cave as well. Participants must drive their own vehicles to and from the site. The glacier was named by Edwin Forbes Glenn in 1898 after Joseph Compton Castner. You will have to cross a moraine and deal with a messy zone as you approach the nose. Florida Before running into the Alaska Range to test out new ski bindings and skins, Greg, who is quit For more information regarding our policy on the use of third-party websites and applications, click here. Because of the greenhouse effect, ice caves tend to melt, therefore they may be … We did try to scare her away, and she did turn to start walking off but after a few moments, she changed her mind, circled back around, and went back to chowin' down on the trees. The air inside the cave was noticeably warmer and wetter–so much so that I could comfortably take my gloves off. What a change in 4 months! 2/10/2020 0 Comments It's February in Alaska, and we've learned that can mean some pretty unpredictable weather conditions. The world is our backyard. Follow us as we explore our current home, Alaska, and beyond. Still not entirely sure what they meant by ‘cave,’ I jogged the rest of the trail until it faded into obscurity in the wide bed of a braided river. The ice cave at the front of the glacier may not be accessible in the first half of summer 2021 due to the high water level inside the cave and rockfall danger. About Us; Superintendent’s Message; District Leadership Ski tracks say where you’ve been, and can be extremely satisfying to look at. The cave can be reached in 15 minutes from the bottom of the Ice Express chairlift. Now that winter has arrived, the ice cave at the front of Castner Glacier is accessible again, and should remain accessible throughout winter. But the mere sight of the ice monster descending the valley and the proximity of Lake Matheson is already satisfying. The cave is on the left side of the glacial lobe. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. It's been cold, ya'll!! A signposted path will take you safely to the cave. Here, in the interior, we just ended the fourth longest cold snap in history where we had 35 days straight of temperature below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Castner Glacier Ice Cave Exploring Ice caves start to freeze solid in late October, making them much safer to enter. Photographed just 4 months before the photograph before. Latitude/Longitude: 63.403905, -145.735499. All you do is follow Castner Creek for about 1.1 miles until you come to the glacier caves at the front of Castner Glacier. It's been cold, ya'll!! Now that winter has arrived, the ice cave at the front of Castner Glacier is accessible again, and should remain accessible throughout winter. Castner Glacier 04/14/14. FOIA. A one mile hike from main road #Castner Glacier Ice Cave located in Delta Alaska Mountains.45 miles from Delta Downtown. I’ve added my parents for reference size Extreme melting and degradation of the ice cave have occurred! September 2019, All Sometimes I have the privilege of spending an entire day, or multiple days, exploring the intricate details of a glacier. The caves often reach far back and are sculpted in inconceivable ways. **Castner Glacier ice cave update/warning** Please share with anyone you know planning a trip to Castner Glacier. December 2019 Directions: Access at milepost 217.3 on the Richardson Highway (AK-4) on the east side. You will be shuttled about 2 hours south from Eielson to Castner Creek where we will then hike the relatively easy 1 mile hike along Castner Creek. PHOTOGRAPHY. Luckily, it didn’t take too long to find a route down where the rock was close enough to the lip of the ice that I could step o It's like stepping inside another world. Join Eielson Outdoor Recreation for a hike of the Castner Glacier Trail which leads to the Castner Ice Cave. Summer Off-Trail Hikes. Phone: 907-822-3217. Castner Glacier 04/14/14. Route Description: Castner Glacier is the simplest glacier to reach coming from Fairbanks, and for the past several years it’s been the easiest place to find an ice cave as well. We're just a military family enjoying where we live, one PCS at a time. OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE. Sometimes you realize why no one else bothered to go because it's a waste of time In the case of the Castner Ice Cave, it is very surprising that no one else had been there that day. And make sure you get out and enjoy where YOU live! February 2020 For more information about protecting your privacy and personal information, click here. http://stevenmileyphotography.com/winter-tours/castner-glacier-winter, Meeting Point - Outdoor Recreation Center. Explore similar videos at Adobe Stock Wear a mask or cloth face-covering when you are not able to keep 6 feet of social distancing. I discovered New Zealand in 1997, and since then, I share since my experience on Kiwipal with other fans of the country. Overview. We plowed and trudged our way southward on the glacier. Luckily, it didn’t take too long to find a route down where the rock was close enough to the lip of the ice that I could step o Hiking and travel guide to Alaska. This unimproved … A glacier cave is a cave formed within the ice of a glacier. His interest in the Castner is purely recreational — exploring the ice caves. Ice Cave - Castner Glacier - Delta Junction - Alaska https://barbaraeddyphotography.com I have always been fascinated by ice caves. We were really glad to have gone with some friends who had been there before. Please call Outdoor Recreation at +1 (907)873-4058 or +1 (907)873-3292. It’s better to order a tour with an experienced guide (usually offered from July till September). It can get a little tricky getting into the cave when there's running water. Castner Glacier – 14 May 2017. Email: blm_ak_gfo_general_delivery@blm.gov. Meares Glacier is currently advancing. California Canada Employee Resource Center Directions: Access at milepost 217.3 on the Richardson Highway (AK-4) on the east side. Every glacier I visit in my travels is unique and intriguing in it’s own way. Here’s a small deposited pile in the mouth of the eastern Castner Ice cave. It was really incredible to discover each new shape. (There is some ice in the smaller gully further down glacier) Imagine you are a helicopter pilot searching for some flat ground close to the glacier and free from avalanche danger. I was going to take them to the Gulkana glacier, since I am familiar with that one, but decided to try to get to the ice cave at the Castner glacier, mentioned to me by Dea, since it was on the way south. November 2019 Spouse Employment Resources Castner Glacier Ice Cave. Waypoints (0) Weather. We walked to the bowl in the Center of the pictures. Alaska Stock Footage of Castner Glacier ice cave in Autumn. It really could take less than 10 minutes to get to the back. Meares Glacier is currently advancing. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and snowshoeing. This is time it was us (insert face palm emoji) but the good people of Alaska didn't let us down. Castner Glacier Ice Cave 08/24/14. I so incredibly wanted to keep going. Whether you dream of visiting an Alaskan glacier one day or live here and haven’t been to this one, I’ll tell you all about it! Many people from all around the world come to Alaska to see this natural phenom enon. Weather Dependent; Castner Glacier Ice Cave Exploring . UV Index. A few tips: You definitely want to plan your trip when it's warm enough to make it enjoyable, but cold enough that everything is still frozen! dendrochronology, lichenometry, radio-carbon dating) to look at expansion time and range (Barclay et al. Looking up at the Castner glacier hidden by snow. Visiting Castner Glacier Ice Cave was a great experience for our family this winter. Summer Off-Trail Hikes. Daylight. The large ice chunks in front of the ice cave have completely melted in the 08/24 photo. See more ideas about big backyard, trip, oregon beaches. It's February in Alaska, and we've learned that can mean some pretty unpredictable weather conditions. to see more of our day-to-day adventures! A glacier would be cool, an ice cave was something totally unexpected and even more exciting. Rocks on ice pedestals on the Castner Glacier. The last time I was here, the western end of the cave had partially collapsed, leaving large blocks of ice guarding the entrance. West Coast Road Trip. Hiking and travel guide to Alaska. Still not entirely sure what they meant by ‘cave,’ I jogged the rest of the trail until it faded into obscurity in the wide bed of a braided river. But we took our time because the ice formations changed shape about every 20-30 feet and it was so cool to study the changes! Hot weather and lightning made for a busy fire season at the beginning of summer 2015. OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE. Ice Arch. All the pics were taken with … Payment is due at the time of registration. The Castner Glacier is losing ice mass rapidly, literally collapsing in on itself, and much of the central glacier has become a deep trench with water flowing between icy, muddy banks. The ice crystals hanging down from the ceiling were pretty phenomenal. We put crampons on and explored an ice cave in an opening at the toe. The Castner Glacier is an easily accessible glacier toe in the Delta Mountains of the Alaska Range. Castner Glacier is the simplest glacier to reach coming from Fairbanks. Address: Glenallen FIeld Office Milepost 217.3 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK . On January 16, 2021 By jennifermartinezmsw In hikes. Essentially, we had to forge our own, which would have definitely been difficult for someone who had never been before. With a two-hour drive from Glennallen and a one-mile walk, you can access a truly breathtaking experience. Since we were the first ones on the trail, it was her first interaction with people and we were both a bit nervous for a minute. The caves of blue ice justify an excursion on the glacier. Exchange, Privacy Policy  Payments 2/10/2020 0 Comments It's February in Alaska, and we've learned that can mean some pretty unpredictable weather conditions. You have to walk around the left side, but once you see it, it's like it pops up out of nowhere! I’ve added my parents for reference size Extreme melting and degradation of the ice cave have occurred! Looking up at the Castner glacier hidden by snow. His interest in the Castner is purely recreational — exploring the ice caves. Visit Website. It’s best to stay off the ice unless you know what you’re doing. Larsen describes Castner Glacier as a relatively small glacier. We all stopped walking and made noise so she was aware of our presence. Larsen describes Castner Glacier as a relatively small glacier. Apr 28, 2017 - Explore Bianca Bietsch's board We just needed to let you know. Also nicknamed "the Mill," the natural ice cave of Glacier 3000 sits hidden below the snow-covered ground on a high-altitude glacier in the Swiss Alps. Amazing beautiful Nature. A glacier cave is a cave formed within the ice of a glacier. January 2020 Many people have gone just this season and not made it due to being unprepared or even getting lost. Trail type: Gravel bar (off trail) Considerations: Glaciers can be dangerous. Address: Glenallen FIeld Office Milepost 217.3 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK . You will be shuttled about 2 hours south from Eielson to Castner Creek where we will then hike the relatively easy 1 mile hike along Castner Creek. For more information regarding our Linking Policy and Endorsement, click here. The caves often reach far back and are sculpted in inconceivable ways. The glacier is located on Bureau of Land Management land. Thanks for watching! Castner Glacier 04/14/14. On the southern lateral moraine, there was a giant ice cave. Programs We put crampons on and explored an ice cave in an opening at the toe. Email: blm_ak_gfo_general_delivery@blm.gov. Arizona Castner Glacier Ice Cave 08/24/14. A few shovels, a few pushes, a few tugs with a tow strap got us out and on our way back on the 3 hour drive back to North Pole. 1/29/2021 0 Comments By Robin Mayo If you are looking for an adventure that is within reach and family friendly, I highly recommend planning a trip to the Castner Glacier Ice Cave. We were staying in Fairbanks so we weren't near the many Glacier options that there are in southern Alaska. Still, heavy snow usually hasn't accumulated on the lower glacier yet, making this a prime time to explore ice caves and catch them while they still glow without the need for snowshoes. New Mexico Joined Dec 11, 2015 Messages 1,614. Here, in the interior, we just ended the fourth longest cold snap in history where we had 35 days straight of temperature below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. We were in the midst of a warm spell so I decided to go visit an easily accessible ice cave in the Alaska Range with my son. The mountains along the Richardson Highway south of Delta are awe inspiring, and a bit daunting when it comes to outdoor recreation. We walked to the bowl in the Center of the pictures. Meeting point: Fort Greely Visitor Center Parking Lot. Overview. With a two-hour drive from Glennallen and a one-mile walk, you can access a truly breathtaking experience. Nature trips Snowshoeing Views Wildlife Snow Off trail. Ice Arch. Castner Glacier Trail. Here, in the interior, we just ended the fourth longest cold snap in … Castner Glacier Ice Cave perfect for family exploration. Posted on May 14, 2017 November 21, 2018 by CryoPhotos. Apr 28, 2017 - Explore Bianca Bietsch's board We plowed and trudged our way southward on the glacier. We walked (and crawled in some places) as far back as we could go until we ran in open water. Feb 28, 2020 - It's February in Alaska, and we've learned that can mean some pretty unpredictable weather conditions. February 18, 2020 hike to the Castner Glacier Ice Cave in Alaska. Latitude/Longitude: 63.403905, -145.735499. The rocks insulate the ice beneath them, so the surrounding ice melts faster | Buy Print. 1 review of Castner Glacier Ice Cave "Sometimes when you go off the beaten path, you see interesting things. Participants can stop after the first ice cave for a shorter, easy hike. * Our guide decides which cave to visit every day depending on safety and weather conditions. **Castner Glacier ice cave update/warning** Please share with anyone you know planning a trip to Castner Glacier. Technical & Site Feedback Our District. Summer Walks. As it melts the sediment being held within the glacier deposits itself in hills and mounds. Directory Here, in the interior, we just ended the fourth longest cold snap in … What a change in 4 months! Once we got to the geometric looking ice formations, they would break off in literal, thin ice chips with unique grooves. Can't end an Alaskan adventure without someone getting stuck in the snow! I’ve added my parents for reference size Extreme melting and degradation of the ice cave have occurred! Ice caves start to freeze solid in late October, making them much safer to enter. It is a popular destination for hikers, and is known for its large ice caves. PHOTOGRAPHY. Feb 28, 2020 - It's February in Alaska, and we've learned that can mean some pretty unpredictable weather conditions. Snacks (or meals, depending on hike length). Glacier caves are often called ice caves, but the latter term is properly used to describe bedrock caves that contain year-round ice. Exploring deep inside an Ice Cave within Castner Glacier, Alaska, where no humans have ventured yet this season. We will visit the ice cave at the terminus of Castner Glacier and continue about a mile over the top of the glacier to another area with stunning ice caves and exposed ice. Distance: 2 miles round trip. Castner Glacier Trail. This particular visit, there was a few good inches of fresh show so the trail was actually pretty hard to find. A final landmark is a set of dramatic gullies in the lateral moraine just up glacier from the hut. The large ice chunks in front of the ice cave have completely melted in the 08/24 photo. The large ice chunks in front of the ice cave have completely melted in the 08/24 photo. It’s about a mile to the toe of the glacier. HIKING . The beauty that lies within can be awe-inspiring. The last time I was here, the western end of the cave had partially collapsed, leaving large blocks of ice guarding the entrance. Photos: Daniel Volland . Castner Glacier. if you come here, though, just keep in mind that the walks pretty rough, It's about. It's been cold, ya'll!! October 2019 Hot weather and lightning made for a busy fire season at the beginning of summer 2015. Still, heavy snow usually hasn't accumulated on the lower glacier yet, making this a prime time to explore ice caves and catch them while they still glow without the need for snowshoes. Hi friends! I hiked this in the winter so I couldn’t comment on summer hiking conditions but hiking on top of the hard ice from the creek made things so much easier! On the southern lateral moraine, there was a giant ice cave. January 28, 2021 Update: The ice cave at the front of Castner Glacier should remain accessible throughout winter. Phone: 907-822-3217. ADVERTISEMENT. It has definitely been too long since I have last updated you. Elevation gain: very little. Homeschool is smooth sailing, I am now even working from home and about to start some online courses towards another degree, and Fil is 2 weeks away from his promotion to Major! Our friends brought a water filter, and once we got to the back of the cave, they pumped out some glacier water for us to all have a taste. US Family and MWR The hike to the glacier’s face follows Castner Creek; the creek is fast-flowing, brown, and fed by the melting glacier. She wasn't going to bother us but we kept on eye on her as we passed by. To learn more about Castner Glacier, please visit: Registration is accepted over the phone. Castner Glacier Ice Cave. Photographed just 4 months before the photograph before. HIKING . A final landmark is a set of dramatic gullies in the lateral moraine just up glacier from the hut. San Diego All schools are in session. Known as the “Ice Cathedral” in the Swiss Alps, this rare cave gives visitors a chance to see its beauty for just a few months out of the year. I’m sure it’s easier to get to in the summer. Our guides check on a daily base if it is save to go to the ice cave. You are now exiting an Army MWR NAF-funded website and linking to a commercial advertiser's website. Frost crystals inside the Castner Glacier ice cave. Actually, this was their third visit to Castner Glacier and each time they had been, they had a different experience. Stars & Stripes Castner Glacier Trail. A woman in Juneau, Alaska, captured the epitome of winter beauty as she ventured through an ice cave at Mendenhall Glacier on Tuesday, February 2. Number of participants: Limited to a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) registered participants. I realized I had been hiking for nearly 6 miles already, meaning I had 10 miles to hike out. A glacier would be cool, an ice cave was something totally unexpected and even more exciting. Castner Glacier Ice Cave. Visit Website. It’s about a mile to the toe of the glacier. Appropriate footwear (for most people this means waterproof boots), Non-cotton insulating layers (think wool, fleece, down, and synthetics like Capilene), Hat, gloves, and face protection (appropriate for your activity level), Water (consider an insulated hydration reservoir and sleeve, or a thermos, if temperatures are below freezing), Sunglasses if you’ll be around snow or ice, Navigation aid (guidebook, map/compass, GPS), Backpack (usually ~25 liters gives you plenty of space for everything, including clothing layers). Castner Glacier Ice Cave perfect for family exploration. protecting your privacy and personal information, click here. Dec 1, 2020 #1 This is actually from November 2019, Thanksgiving weekend. Castner Glacier Trail. (There is some ice in the smaller gully further down glacier) Imagine you are a helicopter pilot searching for some flat ground close to the glacier and free from avalanche danger. What a change in 4 months! Castner Glacier Trail is a 2.6 mile out and back trail located near Delta Junction, Alaska that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Arriving at the glacier is an experience in and of itself. ICE You can see the man layers of depsiting in this small mount of soil. Login, Armed Forces Resorts third-party websites and applications, click here. You will have to cross a moraine and deal with a messy zone as you approach the nose. The glacier begins on the peak White Princess and continues to the head of Castner Creek, northwest of Paxson, Alaska. Upcoming Trip: December 12, 2020 CANCELLED. Route Description: Castner Glacier is the simplest glacier to reach coming from Fairbanks, and for the past several years it’s been the easiest place to find an ice cave as well. Castner Glacier Ice Cave 08/24/14. Wednesday, December 2nd 2020. Fort Greely Garrison Website SHARP Hotline Vets 4 Warriors, Contact Us The cave is on the left side of the glacial lobe. The route begins from asphalt roadside along the Alaska Pipeline, and climbs up massive glacial moraines of the Castner to the spectacular cirque of … Thank you for the fun & informative lesson on glaciers. Family Vacation Mostly in the Fairbanks and interior region of Alaska, but always expanding to new areas! Linking Policy and Endorsement, click here. The ice crystals hanging down from the ceiling were pretty phenomenal. It was such a gorgeous day. Inside the ice cave a person’s presence is easily overcome by time, textures and colors. Be advised there is no “trail” to the ice cave, only a route with no signs that may or may not have a track in the snow for you to follow depending on the last time other people ventured to the cave and recent weather conditions. 1/29/2021 0 Comments By Robin Mayo If you are looking for an adventure that is within reach and family friendly, I highly recommend planning a trip to the Castner Glacier Ice Cave. Ice caves start to freeze solid in late October, making them much safer to enter. So cool!! The source of the spectacular frost crystals soon became clear. As you approach the cave, it. Many suffered as wildfires raged throughout the interior. We require the use of a Mask or Cloth Face-Covering in ALL Family and MWR facilities. The cave itself doesn't go very far back. Mostly in the Fairbanks and interior region of Alaska, but always expanding to new areas! This beautiful ice cave is located inside the 13-mile long Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, on Feb. 2. Feb 28, 2020 - Explore Our Big Backyard's board "Our Big Backyard Blog" on Pinterest. The Castner Glacier is losing ice mass rapidly, literally collapsing in on itself, and much of the central glacier has become a deep trench with water flowing between icy, muddy banks. Alaska is well known for its beauty, including many incredible glaciers. Length 2.6 mi Elevation gain 426 ft Route type Out & back. Disney Thanks for watching! Many suffered as wildfires raged throughout the interior. Snowshoeing to Castner Glacier Ice Cave, Alaska Range. Glacier caves are often called ice caves, but the latter term is properly used to describe bedrock caves that contain year-round ice. Accessibility/Section 508 Castner Glacier is a rapidly receeding glacier. Everything has been going great for us up here. G9 integrates and delivers Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs and services enabling readiness and resilience for a globally-responsive Army. https://dfjare.blogspot.com/2014/04/castner-glacier-ice-cave-adventures.html Approaching an ice cave on the Caster Glacier, even simple Alaska scenery’s stunning. Others, I may have only a short time to spend on the ice. We're taking you over to a different website and it may have a different privacy policy than ours. CANCELLED - Explore Castner Glacier with ODR and Steven Miley! The entire hike doesn’t gain much in elevation either making this an easy and casual hiking adventure.