Mendenhall Lake Paddle

As close to the Mendenhall Glacier as you can safely get...

One of the most affordable and 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.

      

...we are the only outfitter permitted to rent kayaks on the lake. 

Enjoy 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 & water falls
Trip Rating: Easy to Moderate - Previous paddling experience recommended

Trip featured on the December, 09 cover of Canoe & Kayak Magazine.


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 transports
  • Safety briefing & orientation
  • Single or tandem sea kayak
  • Sprayskirt, life jacket, bilge pump, & paddle float
  • Rubber boots & rain gear
  • Snack & bottled water
  • USFS use permit & map 

You Bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

♦ Family Friendly Adventure

 

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