Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure

No visit to Juneau is complete without experiencing the grandeur of the Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long river of ice that lies just 12 miles out of town in a magnificent wilderness setting of snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls, pristine forests, and the tranquil waters of Mendenhall Lake. The Mendenhall Glacier Kayak tour takes you out onto the glassy waters of the lake, where you’ll enjoy three hours of scenic splendor while gliding past glowing blue icebergs, drifting up close to the looming face of the glacier, and spotting an amazing range of wildlife, including nesting gulls and arctic terns, mountain goats, black bears, porcupines, river otters, beavers, and bald eagles. Few tours in Juneau Alaska are as stunning as this one! Permits for guided trips on Mendenhall Lake were allowed for the first time in 2016, so you could be among the first people in the world to experience this awe-inspiring Alaskan adventure!

Convenient pick-up from the Mount Roberts tram near the cruise docks is included in the tour price, as is transport to the kayak base at Auke Harbor, where you’ll be fitted with gear and equipment. Your small group and guide will then be transferred to the kayak launch station on the west side of Mendenhall Lake. You’ll receive an in-depth safety orientation before launching your two-person kayak for a 5 ½-mile loop around the lake, where you’ll take in views of the towering Tongass National Forest, the grand peaks of the Coastal Mountain range, Nugget Falls, and, of course, the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier itself. The Mendenhall Glacier Kayak tour is a family-friendly shore excursion suitable for all levels, with no previous kayaking experience required. One of the most exclusive tours in Juneau Alaska, this excursion is sure to be a highlight of your Alaskan adventure!

If you’re looking to explore atop the glacier itself, you might consider the stunning Mendenhall Glacier Trek.