Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour

Taking a trip to Juneau isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Mendenhall Glacier, and this guided tour promises an active, immersive way to connect with one of Alaska’s most stunning natural features. For about five hours, you’ll travel through lush forests, paddle across glacier-fed lakes, and hike near the glacier’s rocky moraine—all with expert guides by your side. The package includes all the gear you need, so you can focus on soaking in the scenery.

What really sets this experience apart is the combination of adventure and education. We love how guides like Devin, Justin, Biko, and Jordan bring the landscape to life with their knowledge—and their enthusiasm. A bonus? The chance to get close to the glacier, not just from a distance but up on its rocky edge.

One thing to consider: because the weather can be unpredictable in Alaska, you’ll want to dress in layers and be prepared for rain or shine. This tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and want a hands-on way to learn about glacier environments. If you’re looking for a relaxing scenic cruise, this isn’t the trip—but if you crave a dynamic, engaging experience, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Active Exploration: Combines paddling, hiking, and glacier trekking for a full-day adventure.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Devin, Justin, Biko, and Jordan are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and make the experience fun.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Rain jackets, pants, boots, helmets, dry bags, and paddling gloves are provided.
• Authentic Connection: Up-close views of Mendenhall Glacier and the rocky moraine for real glacier appreciation.
• Weather Flexibility: The tour takes place regardless of weather, so dressing in layers is essential.
• Limited Mobility & Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

A Closer Look at the Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey kicks off at the Mount Roberts Tramway, a central spot in Juneau offering spectacular views. From there, a 30-minute van ride takes you into the heart of the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the U.S. Here, you’ll listen to live commentary about the lush surroundings and the importance of preserving this wild landscape.

This initial drive helps set the tone, giving you context about the area’s ecology and history. Guides like Devin and Justin are not just friendly—they’re eager to share insights, making the ride both informative and engaging. For those arriving from cruise ships, meeting points are well-organized: Norwegian cruise guests meet directly at AJ Dock, while others gather outside the Goldbelt Tramway building.

Lake Canoeing – Gliding into Wilderness

After your forest drive, you’ll meet your second guide at Mendenhall Lake, a stunning, glacier-fed body of water surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Here, you’ll receive all necessary gear—raincoats, pants, boots, gloves, life jackets, helmets, paddling paddles, and dry bags—so you’re ready for whatever weather comes.

Despite the potentially brisk wind off the glacier, most participants find paddling in the canoe to be surprisingly manageable—even if you’ve never paddled before. As reviewers like Yael noted, the guides are excellent at safety instructions, making the paddling effort feel like fun rather than a challenge. It’s all about teamwork, so no paddling experience is necessary.

The canoeing portion (about an hour each time, with two paddling sessions) offers a peaceful, scenic escape—gliding across shimmering water with views of waterfalls and rugged mountains. It’s a highlight for many, giving a real sense of wilderness and adventure.

Trekking to the Glacier

Once you dock on the beach, the real fun begins. You’ll take a short break before starting your hike toward the glacier. The trail is moderate, leading you through the rocky moraine—a landscape constantly in flux, shaped by the glacier’s movement.

Guides like Justin and Devyn love sharing stories about how the glacier has changed over the years. As April shared, the guides make the experience fun and educational, keeping everyone entertained and informed. Along the way, you learn about the area’s natural history and the ongoing glacial retreat, adding a meaningful layer to the adventure.

Close-Up Glacier Exploration

Reaching the rocky edge of the glacier, you’ll follow your guides on an exploration trek. This is a rare chance to get up close to an active glacier environment—something that many visitors might only glimpse from a distance. You can walk around the moraine, examine ice formations, and appreciate the sheer scale of this natural wonder.

Because the glacier is always moving, no two trips are exactly alike, which adds a sense of spontaneity and discovery. As one reviewer put it, the environment’s constant change makes each visit unique.

Return Canoe and Reflection

After exploring, you paddle back across Mendenhall Lake, soaking in the last moments of your wilderness immersion. The guides offer hot beverages—perfect for warming up and reflecting on the day. The paddling is relaxing and provides a chance to chat about what you’ve seen, making the finish feel like a natural, earned conclusion.

Practical Details and Value

The tour is priced at $377 per person, which might seem steep, but considering the included gear, guides, transportation, and exclusive access, it offers solid value for those wanting a comprehensive, active Alaskan experience. The fact that the guides are well-versed and enthusiastic, combined with the small group size, ensures personalized attention.

It’s a longer, more involved alternative to just viewing the glacier from a boat or viewpoint. If you’re eager for an authentic, hands-on adventure that combines physical activity with breathtaking scenery, this tour is worth every penny.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who prioritize active outdoor experiences, love learning about natural environments, and enjoy a bit of teamwork and exploration. It suits those who want to see the glacier up close rather than from afar and are comfortable in potentially rainy conditions.

It’s especially suitable for families with teenagers (over 12) and active individuals who appreciate guided storytelling and authentic wilderness encounters. However, it’s not recommended for those with limited mobility, pregnant women, or travelers with weight or age restrictions.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Mount Roberts Tramway: A scenic vantage point and convenient starting location.

Van Ride into the Forest: A 30-minute drive through lush, wild terrain with lively commentary from guides.

Mendenhall Lake Safety Briefing: A 30-minute introduction where guides explain paddling techniques and safety procedures.

Guided Canoeing Session (1 hour): Paddle across the serene, glacier-fed lake surrounded by dramatic views.

Hike to Mendenhall Glacier (1 hour): Traverse the rocky moraine, with ample opportunities to learn about glacier dynamics and history.

Exploration Trek at the Glacier (1 hour): Close-up encounters on the glacier’s edge, observing ice formations and the glacier’s movement.

Return Canoe and Break: Head back across the lake, enjoying hot drinks and reflection time.

Drive Back to Mount Roberts Tramway: With a chance to review the day’s highlights and take in scenic views.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour provides a comprehensive package: all transportation, professional guides, and top-quality gear—rain jackets, pants, boots, helmets, dry bags, paddling gloves, life jackets, and trekking poles. It also includes snacks, bottled water, and a hot beverage at the end, making it well-rounded.

For your part, dress warmly and bring sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and layered clothing to handle varying weather. Bathrooms are available at the meeting point, and the tour runs rain or shine, so flexibility is key.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for participants aged 12 and above, as the activities involve paddling, hiking, and glacier terrain that might be challenging for younger children.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves. The tour provides rain gear, but layering is best to stay comfortable in changing weather.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be canceled in case of abnormally high winds or dangerous weather conditions, with a full refund.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts around five hours, including transportation, briefings, paddling, hiking, and exploration.

Do I need paddling experience?
No, guides provide instructions, and paddling is a team effort suitable for beginners.

Where do I meet the guides?
Norwegian cruise guests meet at AJ Dock, holding a sign reading “Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure.” Others meet outside the Goldbelt Tramway building.

Are meals or snacks included?
Yes, snacks, bottled water, and hot beverages are provided.

What if I have limited mobility?
It’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to terrain and activity requirements.

Is this tour good value?
Considering the guided experience, gear, transportation, and unique glacier access, it offers good value for travelers wanting an active, comprehensive tour.

Final Thoughts

This Mendenhall Glacier adventure combines guided outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and educational insights into a well-rounded Alaska experience. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge elevate the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing outing.

If you’re seeking a memorable day where you paddle, hike, and explore one of the world’s most iconic glaciers, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for active travelers who value authentic wilderness encounters and don’t mind getting a little wet or muddy along the way.

For those looking for a scenic, relaxed cruise day, this might be a bit too adventurous. But if you’re craving a true taste of Alaska’s natural power and beauty, this tour will leave you with stories—and photos—to cherish for a lifetime.