Canoes, Ice, and Thunder: The Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
Paddle a wild Alaskan lake, walk the edge of living ice, and feel the Tongass breathe.
The wind comes off the ice like a living thing—cool, insistent, and briny with glacier-born minerals. Your paddle bites into the flat gray of Mendenhall Lake, and the canoe surges forward as if the current itself were impatient to meet the blue wall ahead. Icebergs drift like quiet giants, their undersides the color of a storm. Nugget Falls thunders to your right, sending up a mist that dares you to draw closer. The Tongass National Forest stands as a dark, rain-polished amphitheater around it all, cedars and spruce soaking in the same drizzle that freckles your jacket.
Trail Wisdom
Layer Like a Local
Wear a moisture-wicking base, warm midlayer, and a waterproof shell. Weather shifts quickly and spray from the lake can chill fast.
Aim for Morning Calm
Winds tend to build by afternoon on Mendenhall Lake. Early departures usually mean smoother paddling and fewer crowds.
Respect the Ice Line
Keep clear of the glacier face and the downwind sides of icebergs—calving and rolling can happen without warning.
Protect Your Tech
Use a small dry bag and a lens cloth. Glacial spray and drizzle can soak cameras and phones in minutes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Steep Creek boardwalk for salmon runs and bear viewing in late summer
- •Photo Point Trail for a quick, uncrowded angle on the glacier and Nugget Falls
Wildlife
Bald eagles, Black bears (seasonal, at Steep Creek boardwalk)
Conservation Note
Stay on durable rock and gravel, pack out all trash, and never approach wildlife. This is a sensitive, rapidly changing environment where low-impact travel matters.
The glacier is part of the vast Juneau Icefield and has been retreating steadily since the mid-20th century. The valley is the homeland of the Áakʼw Kwáan Tlingit people.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quieter lake traffic, Moody skies and dramatic light
Challenges: Cold water temps, Unsettled weather
May and early June bring long daylight and fewer crowds. Expect cool, wet conditions and dynamic cloudscapes.
summer
Best for: Stable conditions, Long daylight hours
Challenges: Busier trails and lake, Afternoon winds
June–August is prime season with milder temps and reliable operations. Book early and consider morning tours.
fall
Best for: Salmon and bear viewing nearby, Crisp air, thinner crowds
Challenges: Shorter days, Increased rain
September brings autumn color and wildlife at Steep Creek boardwalk. Rain gear and warm layers are essential.
winter
Best for: Snowy vistas
Challenges: Limited or no operations, Hazardous ice conditions
Most guided paddle tours pause in winter. Views from the visitor area can still be striking on clear days.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof/Breathable Shell JacketEssential
Rain and glacial spray are common; a reliable shell keeps you warm and focused on the scenery.
Synthetic or Merino Base LayersEssential
Quick-drying layers retain warmth even when damp—ideal for variable spring and shoulder-season weather.
Sturdy Waterproof Hiking BootsEssential
Wet, slick rock near the glacier demands solid traction and ankle support.
Small Dry Bag (5–10L)
Protects cameras, phones, and spare layers from spray and rain during the paddle.
Common Questions
Will we go inside ice caves?
Ice caves are highly condition-dependent and not guaranteed. Guides assess daily; safety and stability determine where you can go.
Do I need prior paddling experience?
No. Stable canoes and guide instruction make the paddle accessible to beginners with a basic level of fitness.
How cold is it on the lake and near the glacier?
Expect mid-40s to mid-50s°F even in summer, with cooler air draining off the ice. Wind and spray can make it feel colder—layer accordingly.
What wildlife might I see?
Bald eagles are common, and harbor seals occasionally surface among the bergs. In late summer, black bears may be observed from Steep Creek boardwalk—view from a safe distance.
What if it rains?
Tours run in typical Southeast Alaska rain. Quality rain gear keeps you comfortable, and the moody light can make photos pop.
I’m visiting by cruise—can I make it back in time?
Yes. Many departures are scheduled around ship calls. Confirm your tour’s start and end times to ensure a comfortable buffer.
What to Pack
Waterproof shell and pants to block rain and glacial spray; warm synthetic or merino layers for insulation; sturdy waterproof boots for traction on slick rock; a compact dry bag to keep phones and cameras safe.
Did You Know
Mendenhall Glacier is roughly 13 miles long and part of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield; it has retreated more than a mile since the mid-20th century due to warming temperatures.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning tour to beat wind and crowds; Bring a spare pair of warm gloves—wet hands get cold fast; Allow extra time if traveling from cruise docks due to peak-hour traffic; Don’t count on cell service at the lake—download maps and save confirmations offline.
Local Flavor
Refuel at Tracy’s King Crab Shack for bisque and crab cakes, then sample local beers at Alaskan Brewing Company’s tasting room. If you’ve got time before or after the tour, explore the Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus and the Alaska State Museum to connect the landscape to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Juneau International (JNU). Launch area: Mendenhall Lake, about 20 minutes (12 miles) from downtown Juneau. Cell service is spotty near the lake. No permits needed when joining a permitted guide; independent visitors may need a day-use pass for the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area’s visitor facilities.
Sustainability Note
Travel softly: stay on rock and gravel to protect fragile vegetation, keep a wide berth from wildlife, and pack out everything. This is a rapidly changing glacial system—your low-impact choices help ensure future access.
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