Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

Travelers craving a truly immersive, multi-faceted Alaska experience will find this Norris Adventure tour a standout. Combining a scenic floatplane flight, a glacier hike, and a packrafting trip all in just five hours, it offers a whirlwind glimpse of some of Juneau’s most stunning icy landscapes. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the guides’ expertise makes navigating this rugged terrain not just exciting but safe.

What we love most about this tour is how it masterfully blends adventure and scenery, giving you a taste of Alaska’s wild beauty in a manageable, well-organized package. The experienced guides like Cory and Abby are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the trip more engaging.

One potential consideration is the physical nature of the experience—you should be comfortable paddling, hiking uneven terrain, and wearing appropriate gear. Also, weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so flexibility and proper clothing are key.

This tour is best suited for active travelers aged 10 and up, who enjoy outdoor adventures and don’t mind a bit of wind or rain. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines flightseeing, glacier exploration, and paddling, this is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Unique combo of floatplane, glacier hike, and packrafting in one tour.
• Small-group format enhances the experience with personalized guides.
• Stunning scenery with views of Norris and Taku glaciers.
• Active and physically demanding, suitable for those in good shape.
• Expert guides like Cory and Abby provide safety and insights.
• All gear and safety equipment included, with rain gear and rubber boots.

The Experience in Detail

Scenic Flight to Norris Glacier

The adventure kicks off with a roundtrip van transfer from Juneau’s meeting point at 490 S Franklin St. After a quick gear-up at the main office, you’ll hop into a floatplane for a 25-minute scenic flight over Juneau’s rugged coastline and glaciers, heading towards Norris Glacier. The flight itself is a highlight, offering jaw-dropping aerial views of ice-streaked mountains and glacial valleys—something you’ll never forget.

Reviewers often mention how stunning the flight is, with one describing it as “stunningly beautiful,” and appreciating the chance to see Alaska from a different perspective. The small plane’s novelty adds to the thrill, and guides like Cory are praised for their professionalism and knowledge.

Landing and Glacier Hike

Upon landing on a glacial-fed lake at Norris Glacier, your adventure truly begins. Here, you’ll hike across glacially carved terrain, walking through a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet—craggy, moon-like, and dotted with ice formations. Guides will navigate the group safely through the terrain, pointing out features like crevasses, moulin pools, and ice caves.

While the possibility of visiting ice caves or moulins cannot be guaranteed—due to safety and weather conditions—your guide’s judgment will ensure you explore only safe areas. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was very informative and made the hike super fun, highlighting the importance of knowledgeable guides in such unpredictable environments.

Packrafting to the Glacial Face

Next, your guides will outfit you with single-passenger packrafts, introducing paddling techniques in a quick safety briefing. You’ll paddle past floating icebergs and around the edges of Norris Glacier, heading toward its icy face. The paddle to the glacier provides incredible up-close views of the ice, with many mentioning how emotional it is to float past such ancient, towering ice formations.

The highlight for most is the ability to beach your raft right on the glacier—a rare, almost surreal experience. Once ashore, you’ll switch to micro-spikes for a short trek over the glacier’s surface, exploring the vast, moon-like terrain. Some reviewers noted that this part of the trip offers panoramic views and the chance to see moulins and glacier pools.

Glacier Exploration

Guided by experts, you’ll traverse the glacier landscape, looking for interesting ice features. The guides assess the safety of entering certain areas, so unexpected visits to ice caves or moulins are not guaranteed—but even just standing on the glacier surface is awe-inspiring.

Many who have done this say they appreciated the informative commentary from guides, who explained how the glacier’s features form and change over time. The experience of walking on and exploring a real glacier is quite different from seeing it from afar, and the micro-spikes make walking on the ice manageable even for those with minimal experience.

Return and Reflection

After your glacier exploration, you’ll paddle back to the lake, enjoy the scenic flight back to Juneau, and then return to your pickup point. The entire experience lasts about five hours, but it feels like a full day of adventure packed into a compact trip.

The Value of the Tour

Given the included roundtrip transportation, gear, snacks, water, and all safety equipment, many reviewers feel it’s a good value, especially considering the diverse activities packed into such a short window. While the price is around $784.98 per person, the combination of flightseeing, glacier hiking, and paddling—plus the expert guides—means you’re paying for a comprehensive, authentic Alaskan experience.

Some reviews emphasize that despite the cost, it’s worth every penny. One traveler called it a “not-to-be-missed opportunity,” highlighting the value of the guided expertise and the unforgettable scenery.

Small Group Dynamics

With a maximum of six travelers, the tour offers an intimate experience. Reviewers have praised the small group size for allowing more interaction with guides, quicker safety assessments, and a more personalized adventure. This small-group approach enhances both safety and fun, especially on the glacier hike and paddling sections.

Weather and Physical Demands

The tour operates in all weather conditions, which is typical for Alaskan adventures. Participants should be prepared for rain or shine and dress accordingly. The experience is physically demanding—you’ll need to be able to paddle for about an hour roundtrip, hike on uneven terrain for up to 2 miles, and be comfortable in potentially cold or wet conditions.

Several reviews mention the good level of fitness required, with guides like Cory and Abby emphasizing safety and proper gear. The tour is suitable for ages 10 and up, but participants should be in good health and able to handle moderate physical activity.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 5 hours, including transportation, flight, and activities.
• Price: $784.98 per person, which many agree offers good value given the inclusions.
• Group Size: Max 6 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Age & Weight Restrictions: Minimum age 10, 250-pound weight limit due to floatplane capacity.
• Clothing: Wear layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes. Rain gear and rubber boots are provided.
• Physical Fitness: You should be able to paddle for an hour and hike on uneven terrain for up to 2 miles.
• Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Weather-dependent, with the possibility of rescheduling or full refund.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many who have participated in this trip highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as the best parts. Reviewers like “John” said it was his favorite Juneau excursion because of the small group size and varied activities. Others point out how well-organized the trip is, with everything from gear to safety instructions managed smoothly.

One reviewer, who called it a “great day on the glacier,” appreciated the informative guide and the chance to see a real glacier up close. Multiple comments mention the stunning vistas of Norris and Taku glaciers, which seem to leave a lasting impression.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for active, adventure-loving travelers who want to pack a lot into a short window. It’s perfect for those who are comfortable with physical activity, enjoy outdoor exploration, and appreciate small-group intimacy. The tour is suitable for families with kids over 10, provided they’re physically fit and ready for a glacier hike and paddling.

If you’re looking for a unique, all-in-one Alaskan adventure that combines the thrill of flightseeing with the awe of glaciers and the fun of paddling, this tour checks all boxes. Just remember, weather can change quickly in Alaska, so pack layers, waterproof gear, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
All necessary paddling and glacier equipment, rain gear, rubber boots, bottled water, snacks, roundtrip transportation, and forest service fees are included. Guides provide safety instructions and paddling techniques.

How physically demanding is the tour?
You should be able to paddle for about an hour roundtrip and hike on uneven terrain for up to 2 miles. It’s designed for active travelers in good shape.

Can children participate?
Yes, the minimum age is 10 years old. Participants should be able to handle the physical activities involved.

What is the maximum group size?
Six travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience and easier safety management.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, the maximum weight per person is 250 pounds, due to floatplane capacity.

Final Thoughts

This Norris Adventure tour offers a rare chance to combine the thrill of a scenic floatplane flight with the adventure of glacier exploration and paddling on pristine waters. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances scenic beauty, adventure, and safety, all guided by knowledgeable professionals like Cory and Abby.

While the price might seem steep, many reviewers feel that the value of the experience—a full day of iconic Alaskan activities—more than justifies the cost. It’s well-suited to travelers who are physically active and eager for a genuine wilderness encounter.

If you’re after a unique, once-in-a-lifetime trip that takes you right into the heart of Alaska’s icy wilderness, this tour is a top contender. Prepare to be awe-struck, a little chilly, and incredibly glad you signed up for this Arctic adventure.