The Gustavus Forelands are an extensive wetland created from glacial outwash from the receding terminal moraine which filled Glacier Bay only a few hundred years earlier during the maximum period of the Little Ice Age. The forelands provide important wetland habitat for wildlife including migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and sandhill cranes. The Nature Conservancy manages the Gustavus Forelands Preserve which protects approximately 4,000 acres of the forelands and includes the Nagoonberry Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile trail through this area.

The forelands also include the Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area, one of the largest tracts of wet meadow habitat in the region. There are no trails in the critical habitat areas, but visitors can explore them on their own. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes stop at these sites in migration, with peak numbers in September. In woodland and open areas, look for Sooty Grouse, Rufous Hummingbird, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Red Crossbill, and Pine Siskin. Walkers should be aware of the rules for safety in bear and moose country.

Directions:

From the main road between town and the airport, head south on Glen's Ditch Road to the parking area at Nagoonberry Trailhead located approximately .4 miles from the main road. From the trailhead, the trail meanders in a 2.5-mile loop. A user trail at the southern end of the loop trail can be used to access the beach and tidelands. The Forelands can also be accessed by walking the beach from the Gustavus Dock or the Airport Loop located south of the Gustavus airport.

Trail Information:

• AllTrails.com: Nagoonberry Loop Trail 

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Gustavus--Forelands
• eBird Hotspot: Gustavus--Forelands Preserve-E of Gustavus Dock

Species Checklist:

• Gustavus checklist

Other Resources:

• Gustavus Visitor's Association: Gustavus Forelands 
• The Nature Conservancy: Gustavus Forelands Preserve 
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Gustavus Forelands