Take a close look at the beach rocks and you'll notice they have lichen growing on them. In the classic story of plant succession, lichen spores carried on the wind are among the first life forms to return to the barren landscape after the glacier ice melts away. Landing on rocks, the lichen spores anchored themselves to the rock, and began to break down the rock surface making it possible for mosses to find purchase. Moss further breaks down the rock into soil making it possible for flowering plants and trees to move in. Alder helps put nitrogen into the soil making it possible for bigger trees to grow, like quick growing willows and cottonwoods. Later, spruce seeds germinate in the alder-leaf litter and, once they emerge into sunlight, they also grow rapidly. The spruce trees grow to great heights and will eventually crowd out the other trees. This process of each organism preparing the land for the one that follows is called succession. However, it is not always as systematic as that. If a spore or seed arrives in an area and finds what it needs to live, it will grow.

A wayside sign shows info about geology in Bartlett Cove.

Beach Wayside in Bartlett Cove

The Beach Trail in Bartlett Cove provides access to the Forest Loop Trail and Campground, as well as the beach.

Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks

As with the small pond you passed by earlier, this pond likely began as a depression in the glacial moraine that eventually became lined with debris and sediment, which formed a "hard pan" that impeded drainage allowing it to fill with water. You'll notice many trees have fallen into the pond, the shores of which are lined with sphagnum moss and buckbean. It is possible that this pond is in the process of changing into "muskeg," which is a spongy, wet bog. As muskeg is highly acidic, it is difficult for things to grow. This might be the climax development for this part of the forest. However, if this pond were to drain, vegetation and trees might eventually take over. Time -- a long time -- will tell.

The Forest Loop Trail Boardwalk

The Forest Loop in Glacier Bay features a beautiful accessible boardwalk to guide you through a lush forest.

Forest Loop Trail - Boardwalk

This huge rock looks out of place in this forest. That's because it is! The rock came from up the bay and rode piggyback on the glacier to this point. When the ice receded it abandoned the rock, which is why it is called a "glacial erratic." Notice the lichen and moss growing on the rock, starting the process of breaking down the rock into soil.

A moss covered boulder alonside a narrow snaking trail.

Glacial Erratic on Forest Loop Trail

Glacial erratics are found throughout Glacier Bay National Park. Massive glaciers once moved earth and stone here, depositing large boulders that we see today called erratics.

Glacial Erratic - Forest Loop Trail

Examine the roots of this massive tree that toppled over some time ago. Notice the rocks embedded in the roots -- rocks carried by glaciers to this area from somewhere up the bay. If there is anything represented here it is the concept of change. Over the course of this walk we have explored various forces at work that influence what we see around us. From the land rising up due to isostatic rebound, to the challenges for small plants trying to colonize this new landscape, to the difficulties of trees trying to take root in the wake of receding ice, to great trees that grow and eventually fall -- this place is anything but static. These forces and likely others will remain at play long after we are gone.  Just as the Huna Tlingit continue to steward this land and waters, so too it rests with us to do our part to protect the natural processes at play here. What people will find generations from now remains to be seen. Whatever this place looks like, may it continue to inspire curiosity, wonder, and caring as only natural places can. May the sights, sounds and stories of Glacier Bay stay with you long after you have returned home. Thank you for helping to keep this wild place wild.

an upturned tree's exposed roots holds rocks and other earth material

Root Ball in the Glacier Bay forest

At this root ball we conclude this guided tour of the forest loop trail in Bartlett Cove (Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve).

Root Ball - Forest Loop Trail Conclusion

You have just climbed up a pile of debris -- a "moraine" -- left by the glacier that carved out the bay. A glacier is like a giant bulldozer, moving a lot of rock and rubble before it and along its sides as it flows out of the mountains. The moraine at the very end of the glacier is the "terminal moraine" while those along the sides are called "lateral moraines." You are standing on a lateral moraine. Notice the trees get bigger as the walk continues. These trees are older than those on the beach, which are growing on land that has emerged relatively recently due to post-glacial rebound.

A narrow rocky path winds through a mossy forest

Forest Loop Trail Forest Path

You're at the top of the hill... Where did the hill come from? Glaciers pushed rock and dirt into this hill many years ago, called a glacial moraine.

Top of the Hill - Forest Loop Trail

The Beach Trail provides access to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glba/planyourvisit/campground.htm">Bartlett Cove Campground</a>, as well as the Forest Loop Trail. The Beach Trail is approximately 1/4 mile long, beginning near the Bartlett Cove boat launch and the large parking area near the Bartlett Cove dock. It ends at the Bartlett Cove Campground, where you may continue off-trail, or jump onto the Forest Loop Trail to complete a longer loop hike. <h3><a href="https://www.nps.gov/glba/planyourvisit/bartlett-cove-trails.htm">See the trails of Bartlett Cove.</a></h3>

Beach Trail

The Beach Trail trailhead provides access to Bartlett Cove Campground and the forest loop trail.

Trailhead: Beach Trail

Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.