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Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

4.7
106 reviews

Excursion Overview

Enjoy the Mendenhall Glacier from a different view on this exhilarating float tour down Juneau's Mendenhall River!

This Mendenhall Glacier float trip has a lot to offer as you weave your way through the forest, look out for wildlife, and enjoy the beautiful Alaska scenery.

First, you will board a bus right in downtown Juneau, for an informative trip through the Mendenhall Valley. Your driver will entertain you all the way up to the shores of Mendenhall Lake where your raft awaits you. Here you will be outfitted in all the necessary gear to keep you safe and dry while meeting your guides who will row you down the river!

The lake is speckled with icebergs that have calved from the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, which stands at 150 feet high and spans 1.5 miles across. You will glide through the lake before starting downstream on your 6-mile route. At times, you will wander and wind in a lazy fashion, enjoying all of the scenery around you. Other times, you will experience the thrill of Class I and II whitewater rapids. Don't worry, this tour is safe for beginners and those of all ages! Don't miss the photographer waiting on shore to snap your pictures.

Before reaching the end of your journey, the river will level out and give you another chance to relax. Your guides will tell you all about the history of the Mendenhall Glacier, river, and city of Juneau. Keep your eye open for wildlife that lies just beyond the trees as you might even catch a glimpse of bald eagles, otters, seals, or even a black bear!

At your haul-out point, our friendly staff will make sure to get you safely back on dry land. Then it's time to bask in the shade of the 7,000-foot mountains that tower above you and grab a snack! Available for purchase are your action shot photographs and a cup of "Martha's Mendenhall Madness" to celebrate accomplishing your adventure and conquering the river.

This tour operation is under permit with the Tongass National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Life jackets, rain jackets, rain pants, boots
  • Snacks (Water and apple cider, crackers, smoked salmon spread, cheese, and veggie sticks)
  • Beer, Martha’s Mendenhall Madness Punch, and soda are available for purchase at the end of the trip
  • Souvenir “I Shot the Mendenhall” pin
  • Photos, t-shirts, and hats available for purchase

Requirements:

  • The minimum weight is 50 lbs to fit into the required lifejacket
  • The maximum weight is 275 lbs to fit into the required lifejacket
  • Low to moderate physical activity is required. This tour is not recommended for guests with back problems

Duration: 3.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 50 minutes - roundtrip narrated transfer to Mendenhall Lake
  • 20 minutes - outfitting, orientation, risk acknowledgment, divide into groups, board raft
  • 1.75 hours - narrated float tour across Mendenhall Lake and down Mendenhall River
  • 15 minutes - guest take out point, turn in gear, enjoy the snack

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum weight is 50 lbs.

It is up to you! We offer 2 raft options, an oar raft, where the guide does the work, and a paddle raft (when available), where you paddle along with the guide.

Each raft can hold a maximum of 10 passengers.

The trip lives up to its name. It is truly a float trip with just enough rapids to make it exciting. If you want a wilder ride, be sure to request a paddle raft.

You will be on Glacier Lake so you will have a view from approx. 1.5 miles away.

Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl are all common sights. Porpoises and even humpback whales occasionally surface for air, however, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Weather depending, you are encouraged to wear gloves, light layers, and an extra pair of socks in case yours get wet in the boots.

Yes, all bags and other belongings you don’t want in the raft will be locked up in a vehicle onshore.

Yes, a snack and beverages consisting of Reindeer sausage, cheese, crackers, salmon spread, water, and hot apple cider are provided.

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

 

Guest Reviews

4.7

106 total

77%
17%
5%
1%
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Lindsey B

On Jul 2025

This was great for our family of 12 ages 8-80. They put us all in the same boat and let us paddle a bit. They took professional photos from shore and a bridge as we floated down the river. The photo download did cost extra, but the quality was worth it for the memory. Our guide, Luis, was very knowledgeable and personable. Fun for the whole family!

Sara G

On Jul 2025

We had lots of fun during this excursion! A great way to experience the scenary at the same time as doing a fun activity. Jason did a great job drivning us through streams in a safe manner, and gave us some laughs along the way.

David C

On Jul 2025

A little disappointed. Over crowded in boat and river float was not very secluded. Basically floated through people's backyards and residential areas. Was under impression we would be away from civilization.

Diane B

On Jul 2025

It was a wonderful experience. We had been on this same excursions in 2000 and we eager to go again. Trent was our guide and he was wonderful. In fact all of the staff were great, friendly and helpful. Fine and skilled young people. Trent made sure we understood the safety instructions and his skills at guiding us through the lake and river while providing us with the narrative of the area were perfect. We were a family group of 7 from 9 years old to 74 and the "rapids' were just enough to provide some excitement for everyone.

Gretchen S

On Jun 2025

From start to finish, the Mendenhall Float Tour was a great experience. Pickup from the Tramway building was easy, and the bus ride to the start point was scenic and informative. Karter was our guide on the tour. It was a fabulous trip! Karter did a great job getting us down the river safely and mostly dry, while sharing facts about the area and some pretty corny jokes. Snacks and hot apple cider were available at the end while we waited for our bus ride back to town. Well worth the money, we highly recommend this tour!

$209.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$209.00

Duration: 3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.5 hours



Adult (13+): $209.00

Must be 50 lbs or More

Child (12 and under): $156.00

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