Mendenhall Lake kayak tour: paddle to the glacier

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Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Paddle among icebergs to the face of Mendenhall Glacier

A guided kayak tour on Mendenhall Lake puts you in a two-person kayak paddling across iceberg-studded water toward Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, with a live guide who teaches proper technique and points out native wildlife. The tour operates under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit that keeps group size small; life jackets, rain gear, and snacks are included. The 3.5-hour outing is grouped by paddling ability so beginners and experienced kayakers travel at a comfortable pace.

3h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour to Mendenhall Glacier

Arrive at Mendenhall Lake
Receive life jackets and rain gear
Learn kayaking techniques
Board two-person kayak
Kayak across iceberg-studded lake
Listen to guide's nature and history talk
Approach Mendenhall Glacier face safely
Skirt base of Nugget Falls
Kayak back across the lake
Enjoy snack of Alaskan-style fare

The Experience

You arrive at Mendenhall Lake and your guide outfits you with a life jacket, rain gear, and boots before walking you through proper kayaking technique. Then you board a stable two-person kayak with a traveling companion or someone you meet that morning and push off across water studded with icebergs. The guide paddles alongside, pointing out native wildlife and explaining the geology and history of Mendenhall Glacier as you navigate toward it. You venture within a safe distance of the glacier's face, then paddle to the base of Nugget Falls before turning back across the lake.

The guide groups paddlers by ability, so the pace stays comfortable whether you've never held a paddle or kayak regularly. The tour operates in all weather—rain is common in Southeast Alaska—and the included rain gear and boots handle it. After paddling back, you refuel with Alaskan-style snacks and have time to take in the last views of the glacier before heading out. The whole outing takes 3.5 hours.

This tour runs under a very limited U.S. Forest Service permit, which is why only a select number of kayakers can paddle here on any given day. That constraint is what keeps the experience intimate and the water from becoming crowded. Gloves and an extra pair of socks are worth bringing; the guide can advise on fit and comfort once you arrive.

What’s included

Life jackets, full rain gear (pants, jacket, and boots), Alaskan-style snacks, all required permits, and transportation to and from Mendenhall Lake are included; your guide teaches kayaking technique and paddles alongside you the entire time.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for back problems

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to paddle among icebergs and stand (or float) in front of Mendenhall Glacier's face—the limited Forest Service permit keeps the group small and the water uncrowded, which is what makes the experience feel like you've found something few travelers get to see.