A Rare Up Close Look At The Grandeur of The Columbia Glacier...

The tour boat Glacier Spirit was able to make a rare approach to the Columbia Glacier last Saturday, maneuvering to within a half mile of the face. It is the first time since 1996 that tour boat passengers have been that close to the face of Columbia, and the first time ever that Stan Stephens Cruises has seen the face where it sits now. 

In the past, the approach to the Glacier was limited to about seven miles away. Typically, the pool in front of the glacier's face is choked with calved ice, keeping the tour vessels at bay. The Stephens cruises are continuing through September 15.

Amanda Bauer photo