Juneau: Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Juneau becomes an even more thrilling experience with the Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike. This unique 5-hour tour offers an exhilarating mix of flightseeing, glacier exploration, and packrafting—all in one seamless package. With a focus on iconic Alaskan scenery, the tour departs from Juneau and guides participants through a series of unforgettable outdoor activities, making it ideal for adventure lovers who seek a comprehensive wilderness experience.

The tour is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a small-group experience with personalized attention from guides and pilots. It’s important to note that this tour involves hiking over uneven terrain and paddling in single-person packrafts, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. The price point and duration make it a compelling option for those wanting a taste of Alaska’s wild beauty in a condensed, action-packed adventure.

Key Points

• Includes scenic floatplane flight, glacier hiking, and packrafting in just 5 hours
• Limited to 6 participants for a personalized experience
• Starts at Norris Glacier, with opportunities to see mountain goats, bears, and moose
• All activities are guided, with expert guides leading you through each step
• Suitable for active individuals with comfortable hiking and paddling skills
• Departure from Juneau, with multiple pickup and drop-off points

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Scenic Floatplane Flight to Norris Glacier

The adventure begins with a floatplane flight from Juneau to Norris Glacier. This scenic 30-minute flight takes you over Taku Inlet, offering views of the Juneau icefield, mountain goats, black bears, and moose that dot the landscape. The floatplane itself is small, with only six passengers, which provides an intimate and quiet viewing experience.

After landing on the Norris Glacier-fed lake, the real excitement starts. The flight not only delivers stunning visuals but also sets the stage for the day’s activities by bringing you directly into the wilderness, away from crowded tourist spots. The views of Norris and Taku glaciers from the air are among the highlights, with sweeping vistas that showcase Alaska’s icy grandeur.

Walking over the Glacial Terrain and Exploring the Moonscape

Upon touchdown, the tour leads you on a guided hike across the glacially carved landscape. Guides will take you over un uneven, rugged terrain, where you can observe glacier features such as crevasses, glacier pools, and moulins. Participants don micro-spikes for traction, allowing safe exploration of the moonscape-like surface and providing close-up access to the ice formations.

This two-hour guided glacier walk is a highlight of the tour, offering panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. You’ll get to see ice features that constantly change with the season, adding an element of unpredictability and rare sighting opportunities. The guides’ expertise ensures both safety and insight, enriching the experience with their knowledge of glacier features and Alaskan geology.

Packrafting on Norris Lake: Paddling in a Miniature Expedition

After the glacier hike, the adventure transitions into packrafting, a fast-growing outdoor activity in Alaska. You’ll be outfitted with single-person packrafts, which are lightweight and easy to handle. Guides will demonstrate paddling techniques, ensuring everyone feels confident before launching.

The paddle takes you past icebergs floating in Norris Lake, with the surrounding mountain and glacier scenery providing a spectacular backdrop. The paddle route ends with the group beaching the packrafts on the glacier, where you can step directly onto the ice with micro-spikes to continue your exploration on foot.

Glacial Exploration with Micro-Spikes and Panoramic Views

Once on the glacier, you explore the moonscape-like surface with micro-spikes attached to your boots. The guides lead you over the ice, pointing out crevasses, moulins, and glacial pools. This glacier walk lasts about an hour and offers panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers.

Explorers can appreciate the dynamic nature of glaciers, as features like crevasses and pools change throughout the season. The micro-spikes are essential gear for safety and traction, making the exploration accessible and safe. This part of the tour provides unique photo opportunities and a hands-on understanding of glacier ice.

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Returning to Juneau: Paddling Back and Plane Ride Home

After the glacier walk, the group packs back into the packrafts and paddles toward the shore. The paddle back offers a relaxed, scenic return with views of mountainous terrain and ice formations. Once ashore, guides assist with packing up gear before everyone boards the floatplane for the return flight to Juneau.

The 30-minute return flight offers one last chance to enjoy aerial views of the glacier landscape and surrounding wilderness. The entire 5-hour experience seamlessly combines air, land, and water elements, providing a comprehensive taste of Alaska’s wild environment.

Logistics: Pickup, Safety, and Group Size

The tour starts with convenient pickup options at eight different locations in Juneau, including 8400 Airport Blvd and 490 S Franklin St. A representative holding a sign meets participants, and drivers only wait 15 minutes after the scheduled start.

Guides provide a safety briefing before activities begin, emphasizing the need for comfortable outdoor clothing and good physical condition. The tour is designed for active individuals, as it involves hiking over uneven terrain, paddling in packrafts, and walking on glaciers. The minimum number of participants is four, ensuring some flexibility while maintaining an intimate group atmosphere.

Who the Norris Adventure Tour Suits Best

This tour is most suitable for adventurers with moderate fitness levels who are comfortable with outdoor physical activity. It is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back, mobility, heart, or respiratory conditions. Participants should also be under 115 kg (254 lbs) for safety reasons.

The tour offers an excellent combination of flightseeing, glacier exploration, and paddling, making it perfect for travelers wanting a multi-sport experience in Alaska. It’s ideal for those seeking personalized attention, thanks to the small group size and expert guides.

Final Thoughts on the Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike

The five-hour adventure provides a compact yet comprehensive look at Alaska’s icy wilderness, combining flightseeing with glacier hiking and paddling. The small group setting and guided approach ensure safety and enriched learning, especially highlighted by guides’ knowledgeable and engaging demeanor.

While physically demanding, this tour rewards participants with stunning views, close encounters with glaciers, and the thrill of packrafting in remote settings. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to experience multiple facets of Alaska’s natural beauty without spending an entire day on activities. The inclusion of micro-spike glacier exploration and airborne vistas makes this a truly exceptional offering for those looking to combine adventure with spectacular scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 12 years due to safety and physical activity requirements.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for variable weather and physical activity.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, individuals over 115 kg (254 lbs) are not advised to participate for safety reasons.

How long is the floatplane flight?
The flight is approximately 30 minutes each way, offering sweeping views of glaciers and mountains.

What safety equipment is provided?
Guides provide micro-spikes for glacier walking and instruct on paddling techniques for packrafting.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour physically demanding?
Yes, it involves hiking on uneven terrain and paddling, so participants should be in moderate fitness.

What sights will I see from the air?
Expect panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers, mountains, and wildlife like mountain goats and moose.

Will I see wildlife during the tour?
While not guaranteed, the flight and surrounding areas offer opportunities to see mountain goats, bears, and moose.

Is this tour offered year-round?
The data does not specify seasonal availability, but the features suggest it’s best during appropriate weather seasons when glaciers are accessible.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Juneau, with pickup options at multiple locations within the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby