Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour

Seeing Mendenhall Glacier from the water changes your sense of scale. On a guided kayak tour you paddle out on Mendenhall Lake, the glacial lake at the foot of the ice, where the surface is dotted with icebergs that have calved from the face and drifted across the water. Guides provide the kayaks, safety gear and instruction, so paddling experience is not required, and a typical outing combines time on the lake with a short briefing and shuttle from Juneau. The water is cold and the wind can turn, which is why the guide sets the route and watches the conditions. For many visitors it is the most memorable way to experience the glacier, because you see the blue light inside the ice and hear the quiet of a very big place.

The mood of the trip depends on the weather. On a calm day the lake is glassy, the glacier face is sharp and every iceberg doubles in the reflection. On a windy or rainy day the paddle is more of a workout, though guides adjust the route to stay safe and comfortable. Expect a briefing on strokes, safety and glacier etiquette before you launch.

Guides explain why you cannot paddle too close to the face, since calving ice can create waves and drop heavy chunks into the water, and why the lake itself is a relatively new feature that has grown as the glacier has retreated. Tandem kayaks are common, which makes the activity accessible to couples, parents with teens and anyone who prefers shared paddling.

Preparation is straightforward. Wear quick-drying layers and avoid cotton, bring a warm hat and gloves, and expect the operator to provide waterproof outer layers, life jackets and spray skirts if needed. Waterproof shoes help on the launch beach, and a dry bag protects a phone or camera. The trip is physically active but not extreme; most people with ordinary fitness can handle it, and guides set a pace that suits the group.

Check the minimum age, weight limits and any health restrictions with the operator. Cold water is a hazard, so follow the guide's instructions closely, and be ready for the operator to change or cancel a departure if wind or ice conditions make the lake unsafe.

This tour suits travelers who want an activity rather than a viewpoint and who are comfortable getting a little wet. It works well alongside a visit to the visitor center and Nugget Falls, since the kayak outing gives you a perspective that the trails cannot match. If you want a gentler time on the water, consider a canoe or a scenic float rather than a kayak, and if you want to stand on the ice, look at the helicopter and icefield options elsewhere in this guide.

Book early in the summer season because small-group departures have limited places. Allow a buffer on cruise days, and ask whether transport from the docks is included so that you do not have to arrange it yourself. Photographers should bring a waterproof case or dry bag, and anyone who wears glasses should add a strap. Ask the operator whether a short walk or a viewpoint stop is included before or after the paddle.