Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

We’re always on the lookout for thrilling outdoor adventures that showcase nature’s grandeur. The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, USA, seems to fit the bill perfectly. Paddling across Mendenhall Lake and hiking near the magnificent glacier, all while surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, sounds like an experience that’ll leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive deeper into what this tour has to offer and why it’s a favorite among travelers.

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Key Points

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour offers an immersive wilderness experience in Juneau, USA, including paddling across Mendenhall Lake and hiking near the glacier.
Participants can explore the Tongass National Forest, with opportunities to witness icebergs, waterfalls, and wildlife during the small-group tour.
Expert guides lead the tour, providing safety, engagement, and extensive knowledge about the local environment.
The tour includes necessary gear, such as rain jackets, pants, waterproof boots, and trekking poles, along with warm beverage and snack provisions.
The tour has specific requirements, including a minimum age of 12, a weight limit of 240 lbs, and strong physical fitness for paddling and hiking.

Tour Overview

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, USA offers an immersive wilderness experience.

Paddle across Mendenhall Lake and hike near the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Explore Tongass National Forest, taking in views of icebergs, waterfalls, and wildlife.

This small-group tour provides a unique adventure, as the ever-changing glacier offers different perspectives on each visit. Expert guides lead the way, ensuring a safe and engaging experience.

Transportation, gear, and refreshments are all included, so we can focus on soaking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a memorable Alaskan excursion, this tour delivers.

Looking for more options in Juneau? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Tour Inclusions

On the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour, we’re provided with all the necessary gear and amenities to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.

The tour includes:

Expert wilderness guides who share their extensive knowledge and stories
Bottled water and snacks to keep us energized
A warm and cozy hot beverage to sip on during our adventure
Rain jacket, pants, waterproof boots, life vest, helmet, and trekking pole to protect us from the elements
Recommendations on essential warm layers like a beanie, wool socks, and gloves to stay comfortable.

Photos are allowed, though gratuities for the guides aren’t included.

Meeting and Pickup

To get started on our Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour, we’ll meet at the Goldbelt Tram located at 490 S Franklin St in downtown Juneau.

A blue sign with the tour name will be held by your guide, so keep an eye out. If you’re an NCL Encore or NCL Bliss guest, you’ll meet at the AJ dock instead.

The tour includes transportation from downtown Juneau, so you can relax and enjoy the ride to the starting point.

Be sure to arrive on time, as the tour has a set schedule to stick to.

Let’s get ready for an unforgettable glacier adventure!

Tour Requirements

Minimum age for this tour is 12 years, and we’ve a minimum weight requirement of 90 lbs.

However, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind:

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back or hip problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
A strong level of physical fitness is required, as you’ll need to paddle for 2 hours and hike 1-2 miles over uneven terrain.
You’ll need to sign a liability waiver before participating.
The maximum weight limit is 240 lbs.
If you don’t meet these requirements, we may not be able to accommodate you on this tour.

Physical Fitness Expectations

Because this tour requires a strong level of physical fitness, we expect participants to be able to paddle for 2 hours and hike 1-2 miles over uneven terrain.

The minimum weight requirement is 90 lbs, and the maximum is 240 lbs. We don’t recommend this tour for those with back or hip problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

A signed liability waiver is required. Given the strenuous nature of the activities, a high level of physical fitness is essential for you to fully enjoy and safely participate in this Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour.

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Liability Waiver

As part of the booking process, we require all participants to sign a liability waiver.

This important document outlines the inherent risks involved in the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour, including:

Potential exposure to cold, wet, and slippery conditions
Possibility of falling or sustaining injuries while hiking and paddling
Encounters with wildlife in the Tongass National Forest
Unpredictable nature of the glacier and its surrounding environment
Potential for delays or disruptions due to changing weather and glacier conditions

Customer Feedback

What do past participants have to say about the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour? Travelers rave about the expert wilderness guides, who are praised for their knowledge, fun personalities, and commitment to safety. Breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife sightings, and engaging storytelling are common highlights. Many declare this tour a must-do activity in Juneau. Let’s take a look at some of the key customer feedback:

Positive Experiences	Memorable Moments	Recommendations
Kayaking	Glacier views	Unique experience
Hiking	Waterfalls	Unforgettable adventure
Stunning landscapes	Wildlife encounters	Highly rated tour

Across various reviews, this tour consistently earns high marks, with 99% of travelers recommending the experience.

Unique Experiences

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience in Juneau’s stunning wilderness. This small-group tour takes you on a journey across the serene Mendenhall Lake, where you’ll paddle alongside icebergs and marvel at the towering Mendenhall Glacier.

The experience is further enhanced by:

Exploring the Tongass National Forest and spotting diverse wildlife
Witnessing awe-inspiring waterfalls and glacial landscapes
Engaging with expert guides who share captivating stories and insights
Accessing remote areas not easily accessible to the general public
Leaving with a deep appreciation for the glacier’s ever-changing beauty

This is an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of Juneau’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take My Children on This Tour?

We can take our children on this tour, but they must meet the minimum age and weight requirements. The strenuous physical activity makes it unsuitable for younger kids or those with health concerns. Be sure to review the restrictions carefully.

How Difficult Is the Kayaking Portion of the Tour?

The kayaking portion can be moderately challenging, as it requires paddling for up to 2 hours. However, the guides provide thorough instruction and support to ensure we can navigate the lake safely and comfortably throughout the tour.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

According to the tour information, we can cancel or modify our reservation up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled tour without penalty. Within 72 hours, cancellations are subject to a service fee and may not be fully refundable.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Equipment for the Hike?

No, we don’t need to bring our own equipment for the hike. The tour provides all the necessary gear, including rain jackets, pants, waterproof boots, life vests, helmets, and trekking poles. We just need to wear warm, non-cotton layers.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for This Tour?

No, there’s no minimum group size for this tour. You can book as a solo traveler or with a small group, and you’ll still get the same wonderful wilderness experience with expert guides.

The Sum Up

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Juneau’s Tongass National Forest. With expert guidance, we’ll paddle across the lake, hike near the glacier, and witness incredible icebergs and wildlife. This small-group experience guarantees an unforgettable adventure, making it a must-do for any traveler seeking an immersive outdoor experience.