Self-Guided Mendenhall Lake Paddle (New for 2008) 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 along with information about the area printed on the back takes you past icebergs, artic tern nesting cliffs, and giant waterfalls in route to the terminus of the glacier.

Stretch your legs with a short hike along the edge of the glacier for views into ice caves, crevasses, and surface pools. 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: $95 per person Trip Duration: Approximately 2-6 hours roundtrip, depending on your schedule and how long you want to paddle 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 and transport to kayak shop for orientation, gear outfitting, and safety briefing 1/2 hour - Transport to Mendenhall Lake and launch kayaks 2 hours - Self-guided paddle on Mendenhall Glacier lake 1/2 hour - Pick up by van at lake and transport back to kayak shop to return gear 1/2 hour -Van transport back to town Included in price: Roundtrip van transport from Mt.Roberts Tramway, 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, map of lake, permit into Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier Recreational Area. You Bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen. * Family Friendly Adventure