Hoonah to Dundas Bay

After a soggy stretch, we finally woke to clear skies in Hoonah—perfect timing for our run to Dundas Bay. Light winds and calm seas made for smooth cruising past Pleasant Island and Point Adolphus, though the resident humpbacks must’ve taken the day off. No cruise ships, no show. Fortunately, a pod of Dall’s porpoise darted over to play around the bow, much to Karen’s delight.

we pass the roald amundsen, with her distenctive plumb bow, in icy strait

Pleasure boat traffic remains light. Venture, a sleek 65’ Fleming that overnighted at the dock with us, slipped away shortly after we did, bound for the Inian Islands. We, on the other hand, turned west toward a quiet gem: Dundas Bay.

Technically within Glacier Bay National Park, Dundas is the only arm that doesn’t require a permit or orientation—a rarity up here. Ten miles up the North Arm, the scenery closes in. Granite walls rise sheer from the water, snowcapped domes loom above, and waterfalls spill down in glittering threads. It feels intimate, almost alpine, and utterly remote.

impressive granite cliffs surround our anchorage

the head on dundass bay looking down the valley toward glacier bay in the distance

the river valley at the head of dundas bay

a look back down dundas bay

We anchored in 45 feet on the eastern shore, beneath soaring granite cliffs. Before the hook was even set, a hefty black bear ambled across the opposite beach. By afternoon, we’d counted several more grazing the grassy shoreline on both sides of the bay.

climbing over a rocky shore is worth it to get to the sedge grass meadow

the bear never slowed down on his trek to his next meal

big bear, big rock

This is as far north as we’ll travel this summer. And with warm sun, no bugs, and no neighbors in sight, it’s hard to imagine a better place to pause and take it all in.