Taku Inlet facts for kids

Taku Inlet is a long, narrow arm of the sea, also known as an inlet, located in the state of Alaska in the United States. It stretches about 18 miles (29 km) northeast from Stephens Passage, which is part of the Alexander Archipelago. This inlet is found about 7.5 miles (12 km) southeast of the city of Juneau. At its wider end, the Taku Inlet receives water and ice from the Taku River and the large Taku Glacier.

Location of Taku Inlet

The waters and shore of Taku Inlet

Exploring Taku Inlet's Landscape

Taku Inlet is not very deep, so it's mostly suitable for river boats that don't need a lot of water to float. It's like a "dead end" for boats because it doesn't lead anywhere else.

Glaciers and Their Impact

The massive Taku Glacier is located at the very end of this inlet. Since 1890, this glacier has moved forward by about 3 miles (4.8 km) into Taku Inlet! Because the glacier moves so quickly, a lot of mud and sand has built up at the head of the inlet.

However, there is still a clear path for boats between Taku Point and the Norris Glacier moraine. This path is about 1.25 miles (2 km) wide and is very deep, more than 60 feet (18 meters) deep. To help people explore, a special map for boats, called a navigational chart, has been made. This map helps boat captains safely guide their ships to see the amazing glaciers.

The Norris Glacier as it empties into Taku Inlet, 1889.

A winding, gray mud tidal stream empties into Taku Inlet

Surrounding Features

On the western side of Taku Inlet, you can find interesting places like Scow Cove, Sunny Cove, Annex Peak, and Annex Lakes. On the eastern side, there are lakes such as Turner Lake, Bart Lake, and Lake Dorothy.

Several glaciers, including Norris, Taku, Hole-in–the-Wall, Twin, and Tulsequah, flow into the southeastern part of Taku Inlet and the Taku River. These glaciers create a fan-shaped slope that ends in a moraine. A moraine is a pile of rocks, sand, and dirt left behind by a glacier. The sandy areas of the moraine are cut by many small streams, and beautiful crimson epilobium flowers often cover these beds.

Animals of Taku Inlet

Taku Inlet is home to many different animals. You might spot large bears, clever wolves, and even powerful killer whales swimming in the waters.

Marine Life and Fishing

The waters of Taku Inlet are also important for fishing. People catch halibut and crabs here to sell. This is called commercial harvesting.

Tlingit hair seal hunters at Taku Inlet, May 1911