The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long river of flowing ice. It is 1,800 ft. deep and a half-mile wide and even though it is the most visited glacier in Alaska, most people only see if from afar. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time to get the best pictures, get your full of glacier water, and do a little dance on the glacier ice itself. Be one of the few to experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier, exclusively and safely.

Your exploration begins at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau, where you’re greeted by our professional guides to officially start your adventure. They sweep your small group away on a narrated ride deep into the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States, which is where the Mendenhall Glacier resides. We go directly to the West Glacier parking area where your equipment and safety gear awaits you. After getting suited up, your guides teach you how to paddle safely and efficiently across the Mendenhall Lake.

The journey is just as important as the destination, and that’s why we access the glacier via a traditional native-style canoe ride. Anyone in a kayak would be jealous, as we cruise speedily across the lake.  As we paddle, you get the chance to experience the serenity of the Alaskan wilderness. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the thundering Nugget Falls, icebergs, and native wildlife; this voyage to the glacier is unforgettable.

Once arriving on rocky shore right next to the glacier, follow your guides on a short hike on glacier moraine to the glacier ice. Strap on your crampons and be one the few to walk on the Mendenhall Glacier. Our professional guides are on the ice every day and thrive on showing off what the  Mendenhall Glacier has to offer.

One of the most unique aspects of our trip is that the glacial environment is in a constant state of movement and change, meaning no one tour is the same as the next.  The glacier periodically forms ice caves, blue ice pools, moulins, and other incredible features as it melts. Our expert guides will determine if any such ice features are safe to explore on the day of tour, and may add them to the trip as a bonus.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in North America and the National Forest Service limits the number of permits allowed on the glacier each year. Be one of the few to actually experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier. Liquid Alaska’s group sizes are small and personal. We provide 1:7 guide to guest ratio for enjoyment and safety.

• All of our guides are Wilderness First Responders.
• No canoe experience necessary
• This is an all-inclusive tour. We provide everything you need to be safe and dry.
• Please remember to dress for the weather. We suggest wearing comfortable, non-cotton layers. If it is cooler, please bring a hat, gloves, and wear warm socks. If there is sun, please bring sunglasses
• No specific glacier ice features can be guaranteed or predicted, including Mendenhall ice caves, bright blue ice pools, or ridge-line overlooks.