Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

Explore the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure in Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour is a highly-rated experience that combines kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting across approximately 5 hours in the wilds of Juneau, Alaska. Priced at $359 per person, this tour promises breathtaking views of icebergs, waterfalls, and mountain peaks within the Tongass National Forest. With a rating of 5.0 based on 1,147 reviews, it remains a popular choice, often booked 90 days in advance, reflecting its strong appeal.

This tour is designed for those who love active outdoor adventures and wish to explore Alaska’s iconic glacier from multiple angles. It includes transportation from downtown Juneau, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. While the tour boasts many highlights, it’s important to note that it requires good physical fitness and is not suitable for guests with back or hip problems.

Key Points

• Includes transportation from downtown Juneau to the tour start point, ensuring easy access.
• Kayak across Mendenhall Lake, encountering icebergs, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
• Hike near the glacier to see ice caves, moulins, and stunning glacial features.
• Wildlife sightings such as bald eagles are common along the route.
• All necessary gear, including waterproof clothing, boots, helmets, and paddles, is provided.
• Tour capacity is limited to 14 travelers, offering an intimate wilderness experience.

Starting Point in Downtown Juneau and Transportation

The tour begins at Goldbelt Tram, 490 S Franklin St in Juneau, where guides meet guests for the trip. Transportation from downtown Juneau is included, making it straightforward for travelers to start their adventure without concerns about logistics. The van ride to the Mendenhall Lake launch site lasts approximately 25 minutes, giving travelers a chance to enjoy scenic views of the town and surrounding landscape.

At the end of the tour, transportation returns to the same meeting point, providing a convenient and stress-free experience. This setup is especially helpful for cruise passengers or day-trippers who want to maximize their time exploring.

Kayaking Across Mendenhall Lake: Icebergs, Waterfalls, and Mountain Views

The core activity begins with a kayak ride across Mendenhall Lake, where expert guides lead small groups safely and confidently. During this paddle, you’ll spot floating icebergs, and majestic waterfalls, and enjoy sweeping views of the Tongass National Forest‘s rugged peaks. The constantly shifting ice makes each trip different, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

The guides emphasize safety and provide all necessary equipment, including life vests, helmets, waterproof clothing, and paddles. The kayaking segment typically lasts about one hour each way, during which paddlers experience Alaska’s wilderness from a close-up perspective that’s hard to match in other tours.

Hike to Glacial Ice Caves and Moulins Near Mendenhall Glacier

After paddling, the tour continues with a 1-hour interpretive hike to a remote beach near the glacier. Here, visitors can get an up-close look at the glacial scenery, including ice caves and moulins. The walk involves traversing steep, uneven terrain, and is about 1-2 miles long, demanding a good level of physical fitness.

Guides share insights about the glacier’s movement and features during the hike, making it both an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Because the glacier is constantly changing, each hike offers new photo opportunities and fresh views.

Spotting Wildlife and Waterfalls Along the Route

Throughout the tour, wildlife encounters are common. Bald eagles are frequently seen soaring overhead or perched nearby, a highlight for many guests. The tour also features giant waterfalls cascading down from mountain peaks, adding to the dramatic scenery. The guides are knowledgeable about wildlife behaviors and local ecology, enriching the experience with interesting tidbits.

Because of the abundant wildlife and pristine landscape, many find this trip offers a sense of connection to Alaska’s natural environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Glacier Up Close: Ice Caves and Moving Ice

The constant movement of the glacier ensures each trip is uniquely spectacular. During the hike, visitors can explore areas near the glacier’s edge, where ice caves and moulins form. While the tour does not include walking directly on glacier ice, the proximity and views are mesmerizing enough to satisfy those eager to see the glacier’s grandeur.

Guests often comment on the size and color of the glacier, which seem to change with the light and weather. Guides share stories and facts about the glacier’s history and ongoing changes, further deepening appreciation for this icy wonder.

Practical Details: Gear, Weather, and Physical Demands

All gear required for kayaking—rain jackets, waterproof pants, boots, helmets, trekking poles, and life vests—are provided. Guests are encouraged to bring warm layers, such as wool socks, gloves, beanie, and non-cotton clothing, due to the cool, often damp conditions near the glacier. Snacks, bottled water, and hot beverages are also included to keep energy levels high.

The tour is suitable for individuals aged 12 and up with a minimum weight of 90 lbs, and a maximum of 240 lbs. The activity involves paddling in a small group setting with a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance. The physical effort includes canoe paddling for about two hours and hiking over steep terrain for about 1-2 miles.

The Role of Guides and Their Expertise

The guides are a standout feature of this tour: knowledgeable, personable, and engaging, they make the experience both safe and fun. Many reviews highlight guides like Meg, Jordan, Molly, Sophie, Justin, Shayla, and Devyn for their enthusiasm, expertise, and storytelling skills.

Guests appreciate guides who are attentive to safety, helpful with gear, and eager to share insights about the glacier, wildlife, and local environment. Many guides are praised for their fun stories, Dad jokes, and ability to keep spirits high despite challenging weather.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Tips

This tour requires booking about 90 days in advance due to its popularity. It is fully cancellable free of charge if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start. Because the activity depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions are rare but handled with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Travelers should prepare for cool, damp weather and wear warm, non-cotton clothing. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with physical activity involving paddling and hiking, and who have full use of limbs for up to 3.5 hours.

The Sum Up: A Truly Unique Glacial Adventure in Alaska

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour offers an engaging and scenic exploration of Alaska’s iconic glacier through kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts, this small-group experience provides intimacy and personalized attention, making it a top choice for active travelers.

While it demands a good level of fitness and involves some physical effort, the stunning vistas, close-up glacier scenery, and wildlife encounters make this an experience worth the effort. Perfect for those who want a hands-on, adventurous day in Juneau’s wilderness, this tour delivers both education and awe-inspiring views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but participants must be at least 12 years old and meet the minimum weight requirement of 90 lbs.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, all necessary gear such as rain jackets, waterproof pants, boots, helmets, paddles, and life vests are included.

Can I walk on the glacier ice?
No, this tour does not include walking on glacier ice; instead, guides bring guests close to the glacier’s edge for viewing.

What should I wear?
Warm layers are recommended, including beanies, wool socks, gloves, and non-cotton clothing, due to the cool and often damp conditions.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should have full use of limbs and be comfortable paddling for about two hours and hiking over uneven terrain for 1-2 miles.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, gear, bottled water, snacks, hot beverages, and guided instruction.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is contingent on good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are rare and result in rescheduling or full refunds.

How many people are in each group?
The tour maintains a maximum of 14 travelers for an intimate experience.

How early should I book?
Booking around 90 days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours before the start time.