Harper Glacier (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harper Glacier |
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Denali Borough, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 63°05′22″N 150°58′37″W / 63.08944°N 150.97694°W |
Harper Glacier is a large river of ice located in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, United States. It is named after Walter Harper, a brave mountaineer who was the first person to reach the top of Denali, North America's highest mountain. This amazing glacier starts high up on Denali and flows down, eventually joining another famous glacier called Muldrow Glacier.
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Exploring Harper Glacier
What is Harper Glacier?
Harper Glacier is a type of glacier known as a valley glacier. This means it flows like a slow-moving river through a valley. It begins very high up on Denali, which is the tallest mountain in North America. The glacier starts at more than 19,000 feet (about 5,790 meters) between Denali's North Peak and South Peak.
From its starting point, Harper Glacier flows northeast. It moves between two mountain ridges called the Karsten Ridge and the Taylor Spur. As it continues its journey, the glacier drops sharply in what is known as the Great Icefall. This section is between Pioneer Ridge and Karpe Ridge. After the Great Icefall, it reaches the Lower Icefall and then becomes part of the larger Muldrow Glacier.
Where is Harper Glacier located?
Harper Glacier is found entirely within Denali National Park and Preserve. This national park is a huge protected area in Alaska, known for its wild landscapes and incredible wildlife. The park is home to Denali, the highest peak in North America, and many other glaciers. The glacier is specifically located in Denali Borough, Alaska.
Who was Walter Harper?
Harper Glacier was named in 1913 by Hudson Stuck, an explorer and missionary. He named it after Walter Harper, a Koyukon mountaineer. Walter Harper was a very important person in Alaskan history. He was the first person known to have reached the summit, or very top, of Denali.
Walter Harper was born in 1893 in Alaska. His mother was a Native Alaskan from the Koyukon people, and his father was an Irish prospector. Walter was a strong and skilled outdoorsman. He was part of the expedition led by Hudson Stuck that successfully climbed Denali in 1913. His knowledge of the local terrain and his strength were key to the team's success. Naming the glacier after him was a way to honor his amazing achievement.
