Juneau: Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike

Juneau: Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike — An In-Depth Review

Exploring Alaska’s rugged wilderness can seem daunting, but this tour from Juneau makes it surprisingly manageable—and memorable. Combining a scenic floatplane flight, a thrilling glacier hike, and the buzz of packrafting, it packs an incredible adventure into just five hours. This experience is perfect for active travelers wanting to combine multiple iconic Alaskan activities in a single, well-organized outing.

What we love about this tour is its seamless blend of excitement and authenticity. The flightseeing offers breathtaking views of Norris and Taku glaciers, giving travelers a perspective they wouldn’t get from land alone. The glacier hike, equipped with micro-spikes, feels like stepping onto another world—an icy, moon-like landscape that’s as fascinating as it is photogenic. And the packrafting? It’s a rising sport that adds a splash of adventure, paddling past icebergs and onto icy shores.

One thing to consider: this tour requires a fair amount of physical activity—hiking over uneven terrain and paddling—so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness. It also involves boarding and disembarking a floatplane, which might not be comfortable for everyone. Still, for those eager to embrace Alaska’s wild side, this tour offers an unmatched blend of scenery and adventure, making it a fantastic choice for active explorers or outdoor lovers.

Who would enjoy this experience?
Adventure seekers looking for a multi-sport day, nature lovers craving authentic glacier landscapes, and anyone interested in trying packrafting for the first time will find plenty to love here. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a “big picture” of Juneau’s glaciers without committing to a multi-day trip.

Key Points

• Unmatched combination: Experience flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting in one tour.
• Small group: Limited to just six participants for personalized attention.
• Authentic adventure: Offers genuine glacier exploration with guides who know their stuff.
• Active but accessible: Requires some physical activity, but suitable for fit travelers.
• Spectacular views: Panoramic vistas of Norris and Taku glaciers.
• Value-packed: A comprehensive, multi-sport experience in a manageable timeframe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Arriving in Juneau and Getting Started

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from multiple locations around Juneau—whether you’re staying near the airport, downtown, or other key spots. Expect a 30-minute van ride to the floatplane base, where a safety briefing prepares you for the day ahead. The briefing is essential to understand the gear, safety protocols, and what to anticipate, especially since you’ll be climbing in and out of a floatplane and tackling uneven terrain.

The small group size—just six people—means you get personalized attention from your guide, Reno, who has earned praise for her lively energy, deep knowledge, and ability to make the experience engaging. As she and your pilot Jason take you through the safety procedures and share fun insights about the landscapes, you’ll quickly sense that this isn’t just about ticking off boxes but about truly connecting with the environment.

The Scenic Flight: A Aerial Feast

The highlight for many is the flight from Juneau over the Taku Inlet, a channel lined with towering mountains and crevassed ice. The flight is roughly 30 minutes and offers sweeping views of the surrounding glaciers and rugged terrain. Keep your camera ready—if you’re lucky, you might spot mountain goats, black bears, or moose along the way.

The flight sets the tone for the day: Alaska’s wilderness is vast, wild, and teeming with life. The pilot’s professionalism and the pilot’s commentary make the flight not just scenic but informative, giving you context about the glaciers and landscape below.

Landing on Norris Glacier-Lake

Touching down on Norris Glacier-fed lake is just the beginning of the icy adventure. The landing itself is quite smooth, considering the terrain, and the moment you step out is surreal. You’re now standing on a pristine, glacial landscape—an icy moonscape that looks as if it’s from another planet. The guides lead a quick hike over the icy terrain, pointing out crevasses, glacier pools, and moulins, all constantly changing features of this dynamic environment.

This part of the trip emphasizes the importance of micro-spikes—small, sharp traction devices that help you walk safely and confidently on ice. Our guide explained that glacier features are ever-evolving; what you see today might be gone tomorrow, highlighting the fragile beauty of these ice formations.

Packrafting: Paddling Past Icebergs

Next comes the fun part—packrafting. Each participant is outfitted with a single-person inflatable boat, and your guides patiently teach paddling techniques. Once you’re comfortable, you set off across the icy lake, gliding past floating icebergs and mountain vistas.

Paddling a packraft might sound simple, but the scenery makes it special. You’ll pass by floating chunks of ice, and the silence, broken only by paddle strokes, creates a peaceful yet exhilarating atmosphere. The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone feels confident, and some guests, even if initially unsure, end up loving the experience.

When approaching the glacier, your guide will help you beach the raft on the ice, where you’ll switch to exploring on foot. This transition from water to ice is seamless and adds a real sense of adventure.

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The Glacier Exploration: Walking on Ice

Once on the glacier, equipped with micro-spikes, you’ll trek across the icy surface, exploring features like crevasses, moulins, and glacier pools. The moon-like landscape offers incredible photo opportunities, and you’ll get a sense of the glacier’s scale and beauty.

Our guide emphasized that glacier features are constantly changing, so what you see is a snapshot of a living, breathing landscape. The experience of walking on a real glacier—feeling the icy surface beneath your feet and seeing the sweeping glacier landscape—is unforgettable. The panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers from the glacier’s edge are spectacular, making the physical effort worthwhile.

Paddling Back and Returning to Juneau

After the glacier hike, it’s time to return to your packraft and paddle back across the lake. The return trip offers a different perspective—floating past icebergs and mountain peaks, with the quietness of the wilderness all around.

The floatplane then awaits to take you back to Juneau, providing a scenic flight that caps off this packed five-hour adventure. Many guests mention that the experience exceeded expectations, offering a balanced mix of adventure and awe-inspiring scenery.

The Experience from a Guest’s Perspective

One guest, Eric, shared, “Reno was an excellent tour guide. She had a great energy and really seemed to love what she was doing. She was very knowledgeable, charismatic, and informative.” This kind of enthusiasm and professionalism makes a big difference when navigating a multi-part adventure like this.

The small group setting means you’re not just another face in the crowd—you can ask questions, get tailored tips, and enjoy the sense of camaraderie that develops in such an intimate environment.

The Value of the Tour

While the cost might seem significant, it’s worth considering what’s included: a scenic floatplane flight, expert guides, all necessary equipment, and the variety of activities packed into just five hours. This isn’t a typical sightseeing tour—it’s a guided adventure that offers a genuine connection to Alaska’s glaciers in a safe, manageable way.

Compared with multi-day glacier trips or helicopter tours, this experience provides a lot in a short timeframe, making it excellent value for active travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Juneau’s icy wilderness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous spirits who enjoy physical activity and are comfortable with hiking and paddling. Since it involves some walking over uneven terrain and paddling, a moderate fitness level is recommended. It’s not suited for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with significant mobility or medical issues.

Those interested in authentic glacier landscapes, stunning mountain views, and trying an innovative outdoor activity like packrafting will find it especially rewarding. The guide’s enthusiasm and detailed knowledge help make the experience both educational and fun.

The Sum Up

This multi-sport adventure in Juneau offers a rare chance to combine flightseeing, glacier trekking, and paddling into one seamless experience. The small group size, professional guides, and stunning scenery make it a standout choice for active travelers seeking authentic, memorable moments in Alaska’s wilderness.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or simply someone eager to see glaciers up close in a manageable, safe environment, this tour delivers a comprehensive look at one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s a well-rounded, value-packed adventure that captures the spirit of Alaska—wild, beautiful, and full of surprises.

If you’re ready to embrace the glacier’s icy beauty and enjoy a true outdoor challenge, this tour is a fantastic option. Just be prepared for some physical activity—and bring your sense of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour?
  The entire experience lasts about five hours, including transportation, safety briefing, and activities.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for cold weather and activities, including layered clothing, is recommended.

• Is this tour suitable for kids?
  No, it’s not suitable for children under 12 or anyone with mobility or health concerns, due to the physical nature of hiking and paddling.

• Do I need prior experience?
  No specific experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable with some physical activity and standing on uneven surfaces.

• What is packrafting?
  It’s an inflatable, single-person boat used for paddling across lakes or rivers—here, it’s used to cross glacial lakes.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Are meals provided?
  No, this is a short, activity-focused tour without meals or snacks included.

• What glacier features will I see?
  Expect to see crevasses, moulin, glacier pools, and floating icebergs—features that are constantly changing with the seasons.

• Is the floatplane comfortable?
  The six-passenger floatplane offers a scenic and intimate flight, with safety as a top priority.

• Can I book and pay later?
  Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This tour is a wonderful way to experience Alaska’s icy heart—active, authentic, and packed with picture-perfect moments. If you’re craving a true adventure amidst glaciers and mountains, it’s hard to beat.

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