Endicott Arm & Ford’s Terror
Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls. We awoke today in the stunning fjord of Endicott Arm and throughout the day were never out of sight of a gorgeous waterfall. With mountains rising straight from the ocean to nearly six thousand feet, the vertical relief made for stunning scenery throughout the day as we explored the Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area.
After breakfast, we boarded Zodiacs to explore the glacially carved valley of Endicott Arm. Waterfalls, floating ice with resting harbor seals, and lush vegetation were soon ignored as we approached the face of the Dawes Glacier. The two hundred foot face loomed over us as we marveled at the stunning deep blue ice. Jagged seracs lined the skyline as gulls circled overhead and a few bald eagles passed by. Occasionally large chunks would fall off the face, creating huge splashes, waves, and deep rumbles. In return, we would “ohh” and “ahh” with delight.
In the afternoon we again boarded our Zodiacs to explore Ford’s Terror. For me, Ford’s Terror is Yosemite Valley with an ocean in the middle, and way more waterfalls. In every direction is stunning scenery with waterfalls dripping and plunging down. A few porpoise passed by, but mainly it was just soaking in the amazing views. To top it off, we didn’t see any other people the entire day.
Being able to explore this amazing Wilderness Area without any other sign of humanity was a perfect ending to our week in southeast Alaska.
