Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

Imagine paddling across Mendenhall Lake with mountain peaks and icebergs shimmering all around you, then exploring the Tongass National Forest on foot, hunting for eagles and waterfalls. That’s exactly what you get with the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour — a 5-hour guided journey in Juneau that combines kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing for an unforgettable taste of Alaska’s wild side. Priced at $359 per person, this tour is a full day of adventure, with all gear, transportation, and expert guides included.

What we love about this experience is how intimate it feels — small group sizes mean personalized attention and interaction, while the scenery is jaw-dropping. Plus, the chance to paddle close to icebergs and walk near the glacier’s edge makes every moment uniquely memorable. The only downside? It’s physically demanding, with canoeing and hiking over uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those with a good level of fitness.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just a distant view of the glacier. If you’re comfortable paddling, hiking over rocky landscapes, and enthusiastic about spotting eagles or waterfalls, you’ll find this tour highly rewarding. It’s especially perfect for those craving an active, authentic Alaskan experience rather than just a bus or boat ride.

Key Points

• Active and authentic: Combines kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting, suited for physically capable travelers.
• Expert guides: Guides like Meg, Jordan, Molly, and others are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Breathtaking scenery: Expect views of icebergs, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and the receding glacier.
• All gear included: Waterproof clothing, boots, helmets, paddles, and life vests are provided.
• Small-group experience: Max 14 travelers, ensuring personal attention and safety.
• Flexible and immersive: Stops at remote beaches, ice caves, and moulins make each trip unique.

A Detailed Look at the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

We begin in downtown Juneau, where the ease of transportation is a real plus. The tour company arranges a van pickup at Goldbelt Tram, 490 S Franklin St, making it straightforward to meet your guides without fuss. The tour lasts roughly 5 hours, which includes plenty of time on the water, on foot, and engaging with the landscape.

What’s important here is the all-inclusive nature. You’ll be provided with rain jackets, waterproof pants, boots, gloves, helmets, trekking poles, and life vests. This attention to gear means you can focus on the adventure rather than worrying about getting wet or cold — a big comfort for many travelers, especially in Alaskan weather.

Kayaking Across Mendenhall Lake

The first part of your trip involves paddling across Mendenhall Lake, a moment that many reviews highlight as the tour’s highlight. The calm, cold waters are filled with floating icebergs and the distant roar of waterfalls. Guides like Jordan, notably mentioned for their humor and knowledge, will teach you proper paddling techniques and safety.

Expect about an hour of paddling each way — enough to get close to the glacier but not so long as to be overly tiring. Reviewers frequently mention how scenic and peaceful it is, with some describing the experience as “like rowing on a pristine, otherworldly landscape.” One reviewer even comments on how the guides’ dad jokes kept everyone entertained during paddling, making the physical effort enjoyable.

Wildlife and Waterfalls

While paddling, you’ll likely see bald eagles, often flying low above the lake or perched on trees. Multiple reviews mention the abundance of bald eagles and the thrill of spotting them in their natural habitat. Waterfalls cascade from the mountain peaks into the lake below, adding to the scenery’s drama.

The Remote Beach and Glacial Hike

After paddling, the tour stops at a remote beach, where you’ll lace up your hiking boots for a walk close to the glacier. Guides like Molly and Shayla are celebrated for their ability to balance safety with fun. The hike is about 1 to 2 miles over uneven terrain, offering a chance to see ice caves and moulins — natural features created by moving ice.

One review describes this experience as “out of this world,” with vivid glacier colors and the presence of glaciers receding over time, making this hike a rare opportunity to get close to the ice. Another reviewer notes how they loved walking along rocks toward the glacier to see Nugget Falls up close.

Near the Glacier: Ice Caves and Moulins

While the tour doesn’t include walking directly on the glacier ice, it offers incredible views of the glacier’s edge and ice formations. Many travelers find this proximity impressive, especially as the glacier is constantly moving, ensuring no two trips are exactly alike.

The 60-Minute Glacier Stop

The last major stop is around the glacier itself, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring the moraine — rocky debris left by the glacier — and taking in the impressive ice formations. Many reviews highlight that guides like Sophie and Devin make the explanations engaging, deepening your understanding of the glacier’s history and current state.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for active travelers with a decent fitness level. The canoeing on the lake and hiking over uneven terrain require stamina, but the guides’ expertise and gear make it manageable. It’s perfect if you want to see breathtaking scenery up close, learn about glaciers and wilderness, and enjoy an intimate experience with Alaska’s natural beauty.

Those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, fresh air, and a mix of outdoor activities will find this tour hits the mark. It’s also a fantastic option for repeat visitors or those returning for a second Alaska trip, as many reviews mention going back for the second time.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $359, this tour provides a comprehensive experience that covers transportation, gear, guides, and multiple highlights in one package. Compared to other options, it’s a well-rounded way to see the glacier and its surrounding wilderness firsthand. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate, and the variety of activities keeps boredom at bay.

The reviews really underscore the value — many reviewers describe guides as “knowledgeable,” “fun,” and “professional,” making the experience both educational and memorable. Plus, being able to paddle close to the glacier and hike near ice caves offers a level of intimacy and adventure you can’t get from a bus tour or cruise ship excursion.

Final Thoughts

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour is a standout experience for those who love outdoor activities and authentic wilderness encounters. It’s a well-organized, safety-conscious adventure that combines paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing into a manageable yet exciting 5-hour trip. The scenery is unmatched, and the guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

While it demands a good physical effort, the rewards — incredible views, close encounters with glaciers, and the thrill of being on the water — make it worth it. If you’re in decent shape, eager for adventure, and want to see Alaska beyond the typical bus ride, this tour will leave you with unforgettable memories.

For those seeking a fully immersive, active day that highlights Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife, this trip is hard to beat. Just remember to bring your warm layers, a camera, and an adventurous spirit.

FAQ

Is transportation from downtown Juneau included?
Yes, transportation from downtown Juneau to the tour start point is provided, making it easy to meet your guides and gear up without fuss.

What gear is included?
All necessary gear — waterproof jackets and pants, boots, helmets, trekking poles, life vests — are provided, so you’re ready for the elements.

Can I see glaciers or ice caves?
While the tour doesn’t walk on ice or explore ice caves, you get close enough for stunning views of the glacier’s edges, ice formations, and moulins.

What’s the physical level required?
A good physical fitness level is recommended. The tour includes canoe paddling for about an hour each way and walking over uneven terrain, covering 1-2 miles.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers consistently praise guides like Meg, Jordan, Molly, Shayla, and others for their expertise, humor, and ability to enhance the experience.

What should I bring?
Bring warm layers — including wool socks, beanies, gloves — and a camera. Although gear is provided, personal items should go in waterproof bags.

Is this suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old, and participants should be able to handle physical activity for up to 2 hours canoeing and 1.5 hours hiking.

What about weather?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

In essence, the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour offers a rare chance to get close to Alaska’s iconic ice formations, wildlife, and wilderness in an active, guided setting. It’s an experience that will resonate long after your trip ends, especially for those who love hands-on adventure and natural beauty.