Self-Guided Mendenhall Lake Paddle This trip is featured on the cover page of the December 2009 issue of Canoe & Kayak Magazine! One of the best Alaskan wilderness experiences nestled just 20-minutes away from downtown Juneau! This self-guided kayak package is great if you want the gratification of being “out there” on your own. Participants who are physically fit and have previously paddled canoe or kayaks will enjoy this fully customizable self-guided route.

Our van shuttle picks you up from downtown Juneau and transports you to our kayak shop in Auke Bay harbor. We outfit you with gear, along with a safety briefing and instructional demo of the rental boat. A short 10-minute drive to the launch site on the west side of the lake yields spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Tongass National Forest. Following the route specified on the laminated map takes you past icebergs, artic tern nesting cliffs, and giant waterfalls in route to the terminus of the glacier.

Have a picnic along one of the sandy beaches or atop a rocky outcrop. We give you the necessary gear and information to guide yourself and create your own adventure. This is our most popular self-guided rental package so reserve this trip early as there are limited permits per day for this route. Package Cost: $99 per person (no child rates) Trip Duration: Approximately 4.5 - 5 hours roundtrip Trip Highlights: Paddling near icebergs, close-up views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls Trip Rating: Easy to Moderate - Previous paddling experience recommended Sample Itinerary: 1/2 hour - Van pick up in downtown and transport to kayak shop 1/2 hour - Gear orientation and outfitting 15 minutes - Transport to Mendenhall Lake from kayak shop 15 minutes - Safety briefing and demo at lake  3 hours - Self-guided paddle on Mendenhall Lake 1/2 hour - Pick up by van at lake and transport back to downtown Included in price: Roundtrip van transport from Mt.Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau, safety briefing and orientation from our kayak shop in Auke Bay harbor, roundtrip transport from our kayak shop to Mendenhall Lake, single or double sea kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, life jackets, bilge pumps, paddle floats, rain gear, rubber boots, snack/bottled water, and map of lake. You Bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen. * Family Friendly Adventure