Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

Discover the Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle, and Glacier Hike in Juneau

The Norris Adventure offers an action-packed day combining flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting, all within about 5 hours. For $784.98 per person, this tour delivers an authentic Alaskan experience with roundtrip transportation, all necessary gear, and snacks and water included. It is designed for those with a strong physical fitness level who are eager to explore remote wilderness areas.

This tour stands out for its emphasis on small group sizes, with a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience. It departs from Juneau at 490 S Franklin St and takes you on a scenic floatplane flight to the Norris Glacier, where adventure and breathtaking views await. While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s important to note that time on the glacier and features visited cannot be guaranteed due to weather and safety considerations.

Key Points

• Five-hour adventure including flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting
• Price of $784.98 per person, booked 92 days in advance on average
• Maximum of 6 guests ensures an intimate experience with knowledgeable guides
• All paddling and glacier equipment, rain gear, rubber boots, snacks, and bottled water included
• Suitable for ages 10 and up, with a 250-pound weight limit due to plane capacity
• Physical fitness and paddling experience are required for participation

The Scenic Flight to Norris Glacier from Juneau

The adventure begins with a scenic 25-minute floatplane flight departing from Juneau International Airport. The flight offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water, setting the tone for the day ahead. The floatplane lands on a glacial-fed lake near Norris Glacier, providing a dramatic arrival spot for this wilderness expedition.

The convenience of roundtrip transportation—including a van ride from the pickup point to the floatplane dock—means travelers can relax and focus on the stunning scenery. This flightseeing portion consistently earns praise for its breathtaking vistas and smooth operation, making it a perfect start to this multi-faceted adventure.

Exploring Norris Glacier by Hike and Packraft

Once landed, the guides lead a hiking tour over glacially carved terrain to a cove where single-passenger packrafts are waiting. The hike on the glacier terrain offers views of crevasses, glacier pools, and moulins, with the guides assessing potential hazards and safety at every step. While not every feature, such as ice caves, can be visited, the moon-like landscape of the glacier provides plenty of awe-inspiring sights.

After the hike, guests are outfitted in micro-spikes for icy terrain exploration, then launch their packrafts into the icy waters. The paddling segment involves navigating past floating icebergs and paddling toward the Norris Glacier. Travelers appreciate the personalized instruction and the chance to be on the water in a single-passenger raft, offering a close-up view of the glacier environment.

Paddling and Glacial Exploration

Paddling around the glacial lake is a highlight, with the guides providing paddling techniques and safety instructions. The one-hour roundtrip paddle is manageable for those with basic paddling experience, and the guides closely supervise for safety. As the raft nears the Norris Glacier, you’ll be instructed to beach your boat directly on the glacier for a walking exploration.

The glacier walk allows for an up-close look at ice features like crevasses, moulins, and glacier pools, giving panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. Due to safety considerations, the amount of time spent on the ice is variable, based on weather and group pace. This part of the tour is often praised for giving travelers a moonscape-like experience and the chance to explore on foot with micro-spikes.

Returning by Packraft and Floatplane

After the glacier hike and exploration, the guides assist everyone in paddling back across the lake to the landing point. The return paddle offers additional scenic views of the icebergs and surrounding mountains. Once back onshore, the floatplane picks you up for the return flight to Juneau, offering a different perspective of the landscape.

The return flight completes the loop of this adventure, providing further opportunity to enjoy Alaska’s rugged scenery from above. Many reviews emphasize the smooth logistics and professional guiding team, which make the experience seamless and enjoyable.

Included Gear and Practical Details

The tour includes all necessary paddling and glacier equipment, such as rain gear, rubber boots, and safety harnesses, ensuring comfort and safety. Snacks and bottled water are provided, so there’s no need to worry about sustenance during the trip.

Participants are outfitted in single-passenger packrafts, with guides leading paddling instructions and safety briefings. The tour covers up to 2 miles of hiking on uneven terrain, so a good physical condition is essential. The tour is suitable for children aged 10 and above, but with a 250-pound weight limit for safety reasons.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour starts at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau, with pickup offered from designated locations. The group size is capped at 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds. This small-group format is frequently praised for enhanced interaction with guides and a more intimate atmosphere.

Transportation includes van and floatplane rides, with roundtrip logistics handled professionally. The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with most time spent on the water and glacier.

Weather Considerations and Safety Protocols

This tour operates in all weather conditions, as long as weather is not deemed unsafe. Guides constantly monitor conditions and may alter plans to ensure safety. Participants should dress appropriately for variable weather and bring rain gear if needed.

Given the inherent risks of glacier hiking and paddling, all guests must sign a liability waiver and disclose pertinent medical conditions. The safety harnesses accommodate up to 42-inch waist and 28-inch leg sizes, but larger sizes are not supported.

The Experience for Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers

The Norris Adventure delivers a full-day immersion in Alaska’s wilderness, perfect for adventurous spirits who enjoy physical activity and spectacular scenery. The combination of a scenic flight, glacier exploration, and paddling creates a dynamic experience that appeals to those seeking authentic outdoor adventures.

While the price reflects the premium nature of the experience, reviews highlight its value for money, citing the exceptional guides, stunning views, and unique activities as key benefits. This tour is less suited for travelers unable to paddle or hike on uneven terrain, but for those who meet the requirements, it offers an unforgettable day in Alaska.

Norris Glacier Adventure: An Unmatched Alaskan Experience

This tour stands out for its well-organized itinerary, small group size, and diverse activities. The scenic floatplane flight sets the tone, while the glacier hike and packrafting deliver immersive, up-close encounters with the ice. Many reviewers are quick to label it as “the best of Alaska,” citing stunning scenery and expert guidance.

Potential guests should prepare for variable weather and intensity of physical activity, but the all-inclusive gear and professional support mitigate risks. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Norris Glacier experience offers a thrilling, educational, and scenic day that captures the essence of Alaska’s wild beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Norris Adventure tour?
The tour costs $784.98 per person, including all gear, snacks, and transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 5 hours, from pickup to return.

What are the physical requirements?
Participants need to be in good physical condition, comfortable paddling 1 hour roundtrip, hiking up to 2 miles, and able to handle uneven terrain.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 10 and above. They must meet the 250-pound weight limit.

Are rain gear and equipment provided?
Yes, rain gear, rubber boots, paddling gear, and safety harnesses are all included in the tour.

What is the maximum group size?
A maximum of 6 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Can features like ice caves or moulins be visited?
No, visiting specific features cannot be guaranteed; guides assess hazards and safety continuously.

Is gratuity included?
No, guide gratuities are not included and are left to the discretion of travelers.

What should I wear and bring?
Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof gear if needed, and disclose shoe sizes and medical info during booking.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

The Norris Adventure offers a unique blend of flightseeing, glacier hiking, and paddling that showcases Alaska’s rugged beauty in a condensed, action-packed format. For those ready for a physical yet rewarding challenge, this trip promises stunning vistas and unforgettable memories.