Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier puts you directly on the ice, which is what sets it apart from most glacier viewpoints. At over 27 miles long, it offers a surreal landscape of blue crevasses, meltwater pools, seracs, and ridged ice formations that reward wide-angle compositions as well as tight abstract shots of texture and color. Walking out onto the glacier with a guide gives you access to pools of vivid turquoise water that contrast beautifully against white and grey ice. Overcast days are often better than direct sun here, as flat light reduces harsh glare on the ice and brings out the deep blues in crevasses. A 16-35mm lens handles the expansive scale well, while a macro or short telephoto works for isolating ice details. Access requires a fee and a guided escort onto the glacier surface, so plan ahead and wear crampons. (Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States)
