Mendenhall Glacier Rafting Tour from Juneau

While visiting Juneau, get up close to Alaska’s impressive Mendenhall Glacier on this exciting 3.5-hour rafting tour. Sit back and have fun as your guide paddles you through Class II and III rapids at the foot of the glacier. While you float down the 6 -mile (9.6-km) route, take in the amazing sights of the glacier, the sheer mountains and the abundant wildlife. No rafting experience is required, and this tour is suitable for the whole family.

Hold on for a safe and exhilarating river-rafting experience on this Mendenhall Glacier rafting tour from Juneau! As you travel at the foot of the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll be awed by views of towering mountains, forests and wildlife.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive up Mendenhall Valley. When you reach the shore of Mendenhall Lake, don protective raingear and a lifejacket, and board your raft. Each raft holds up to 12 and is rowed by an experienced guide. If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, you may join a paddle-raft team.

Glide across the iceberg-studded lake, marveling at the 1.5-mile-wide (2.4 km) glacier, and set course downstream on a connected river. The 6-mile (9.6-km) route combines winding stretches of water with Class II and III whitewater rapids. The rapids are perfectly safe – exciting for beginners and experienced rafters, and appropriate for all ages.

During the journey, encounter river features such as Tourist Trap, Moon Flats and Pin Ball Alley. Watch for the photographer on shore who will snap your picture, capturing the thrill of your adventure. The raft lasts approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.

When the river feeds into the lake and the rapids end, soak in the views of the riverbank, lush forests and 7,000-foot (2,134-meter) mountains rising above the valley floor. Learn about the natural history of the river, and keep your eyes open for bald eagles, birds nesting in rocky cliffs, black bears, otters and seals, and salmon during spawning season.

At the finish point, celebrate with an Alaskan-style snack and toast your adventure with a cup of Martha’s Mendenhall Madness (a strong wine cocktail) or hot cider. You can purchase the action photo of yourself as a lasting memento of a trip you’ll never forget.

• 3.5-hour rafting tour from Juneau
• 1.5-2 hours on the water
• Professional guide
• Snacks
• All equipment: raingear, lifejacket
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Souvenir photo
• Gratuities (optional)