Mendenhall Lake kayak tour: Paddle to the glacier

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 30 Apr 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What do I need to know about paddling ability before I book this kayak tour?

The Mendenhall Lake tour groups paddlers by ability and your guide will teach proper technique at the start, so beginners are welcome. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for 3.5 hours, and the guide will ensure you travel at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for your group.

Can I kayak on Mendenhall Lake if I've never paddled before?

Yes. Your experienced guide will instruct you on proper kayaking techniques before you board the two-person kayak and will group you with paddlers of similar ability so you can travel at a comfortable pace while staying safe.

How close do you actually get to Mendenhall Glacier?

You venture within a safe distance of the massive face of Mendenhall Glacier and also paddle to the base of Nugget Falls. The guide determines the exact approach based on ice conditions and safety on the day of your tour.

What happens if I'm taller than 6 feet 3 inches or have a larger frame?

Kayak cockpits are 16.5" by 10", so guests taller than 6'3" will steer with the paddle oar instead of foot pedals, and guests with a larger waist size may not fit the cockpit. You can contact the operator before booking to confirm the kayak will work for your frame.

What's included in the tour price, and what should I bring?

The Mendenhall Lake tour includes life jackets, full rain gear (pants, jacket, boots), snacks, permits, and transportation. Gloves and an extra pair of socks are recommended. The guide can advise on other items once you arrive.