Glacier

Davidson Glacier

Large valley glacier from the Chilkat Range, seen across Chilkat Inlet from Chilkat State Park.

Glacier type: Valley
Status trend: Retreating
Viewing access: Road · Hike · Boat
Viewing notes: Visible across Chilkat Inlet from the Chilkat State Park visitor center.

Davidson Glacier is a large valley glacier near Haines with its source in the Chilkat Range. It was named in 1867 for George Davidson, and its Tlingit name is Ssitkaje. When John Muir described it in 1879 it nearly reached tidewater; it has since receded into the mountains. Today it is a sightseeing highlight for Haines and Skagway, best seen from the Chilkat State Park overlook and the Ayiklutu Trail.

Location

In pictures

Flightseeing · Photography

Sources

Chilkat State ParkAlaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation · Accessed 2026-11-10
Davidson GlacierWikipedia · Accessed 2026-11-10

Last updated 2026-11-12

Nearby within 25 miles

Cultural sites

White officers' houses along the old parade ground at Fort Seward

Reference 91

Cultural site

Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark

Alaska's only pre-war Army post, built 1902 to 1904 at Portage Cove; its homes and parade ground are an easy walk from downtown.

10.1 mi

Campgrounds

Campground

Haines Hitch-Up RV Park

Private full-hookup RV park on Main Street, walking distance to downtown; open May 1 to September 15.

10.7 mi

Airports

Reference 89

Airport

Haines Airport (HNS)

State airport on the Haines Highway about 3 miles from town, with a 4,000 ft paved runway and commuter flights to Juneau.

11.4 mi

Trails

Trail

7-Mile Saddle Trail (Ripinski Ridge)

Distance: 13.6205397239869 mi

Steep, minimally maintained trail from Haines Highway mile 7 to the 7-Mile Saddle, Peak 3920 and Mount Ripinski.

13.6 mi

Mountains

Mountain

Mount Harding

5,321-foot peak about 4.5 miles southwest of Skagway, named for President Harding's 1923 visit.

23.3 mi