Guided Mendenhall Glacier Canoe & Hike
Paddle Mendenhall Lake and hike to close views of the glacier
Duration
5.5 hours
Ideal For
4+ people
Includes
Guide, transport, paddling gear
Highlights
Paddle Mendenhall Lake in a spacious group canoe, then hike the rocky moraine with a professional guide. Explore the glacier’s changing edge from surrounding bedrock without trekking on the ice.
- Paddle across Mendenhall Lake in an 8- or 12-person canoe
- Hike the rocky moraine for close views of the glacier
- Discover the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest
- View Nugget Falls and changing glacier ice features from the lake and shore
- Learn about the glacier’s rapid recession from your guide
Itinerary
30 Minutes - Pick up from Downtown Juneau
30 Minutes - Gear Outfitting & Orientation, Transport to Mendenhall Lake
1 Hour - Guided Canoe Trip across Mendenhall Lake
1-1.5 Hours - Hiking and Exploration!
1 Hour - Return Canoe Trip across Mendenhall Lake
30 Minutes - Return to Headquarters to De-Gear
30 Minutes - Van Transport back Downtown
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Roundtrip van transportation from downtown
- Paddling equipment
- Forest Service permits
- Rain gear
- Helmet and trekking poles
- Hearty snack pack
- Souvenir water bottle
Important details
- Ages 12+ only
- Weight limit: 250 lbs (113 kg) per person
- Minimum shoe size: Youth 2
- Requires swimming, paddling 5–6 miles, and hiking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain
- Pregnant travelers cannot participate
- Sign a liability waiver before departure; changes to the waiver are not permitted
- Disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, and physical limitations before the trip
- Bring hiking boots and non-cotton, non-denim layers suitable for cool, damp conditions
- Tour operates in weather unless conditions are unsafe; dress to get wet
- Expect a $250 per-person rescue fee if undisclosed medical limitations or insufficient fitness prevent you from completing the trek
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 72 hours before your scheduled tour for a full refund. Cancellations made under 72 hours before the tour are non-refundable. Full refund if the operator cancels before the trip starts because of low enrollment, unsafe weather or route conditions, safety issues, or unmet physical requirements.
FAQs
Wear polyester or synthetic layers (avoid cotton or denim), plus warm thick socks. Bring sunglasses, and a hat and gloves (both weather dependent). You can also bring personal items like a camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle, food, and extra layers. The tour provides rain gear, but you need your own personal clothing and hiking boots. Plan to bring guide gratuities.
No experience is required, but you must be physically fit and able to paddle 5–6 miles and hike about 2 miles roundtrip on uneven terrain. You must also know how to swim.
No. This tour does not include trekking on the glacier, and there are currently no accessible ice caves at Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll explore the surrounding bedrock near the glacier’s edge (distance varies by season).
Meeting details
490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
