Adventure Hike & Alaskan Brews

Forest by Foot, Peaks by Passions, and Tales by Trails
Book Now - $94

Escape the crowd and feel alive on an incredible hike along the forest edge of Mendenhall Glacier. Breath fresh air. Absorb breathtaking views. Finish with crisp Alaskan Brewing ales.

 

Expectations

This is you

You are a step apart from the rest. It takes a certain kind of person to leave the crowd and get out into the woods. That is exactly the type of person we want to take deeper into Juneau?s incredible temperate rainforest and coastal mountains along Mendenhall Glacier.

Details

What you’ll do

  • 4-5 miles hiking on uneven terrain. Expect tree roots and rocks.
  • Gain 700 feet (200 meters) to a spectacular view of Mendenhall Glacier.
  • 5 ? hour tour. 4 hours hiking. 1 hour for transportation. Half-hour at the brewery.
  • Free photos. Take home photos and memories for a lifetime.
  • Read the FAQ section below if you have questions.

 

Ecotourism

Give back to the wild

Clean water is essential. The salmon, whales, and all of us need it to survive. Our watersheds are feeling the threat of outside forces. By joining us, you help make a positive impact for the future of these ecosystems.

Ready to book?


FAQ - More details!

Get in contact with us or click blue rescue buoy icon in the bottom-right hand corner if we don’t answer your question below.

What is included?

We will provide you the following:

  • Water resistant daypack
  • Rain poncho
  • Water
  • Energy snacks (feel free to bring your own too)
  • Alaskan Brewing Co. beer tasting (must be 21 years of age)
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead from the cruise ship docks

What trail do you hike?

We hike West Glacier Trail.

Do you go to the Mendenhall ice caves?

No. Our hike goes along the west side of the glacier and does not depart from the trail towards the glacier face. The path to the ice caves is very difficult and we do not suggest attempting it unless you are an experienced hiker or you have a knowledgeable guide with you. We are not able to arrange a guided hike for you or provide instructions on how to get there. Our hiking tour takes you very close to the glacier to capture it’s magnitude and brilliance without the troubles of ice climbing gear or excessively difficult terrain.

How difficult is the trail?

See this page for a detailed breakdown of what to expect when hiking West Glacier trail as part of this tour.

How close will I get to the glacier?

You will be a couple hundred feet above the glacier ice (incredible views) and roughly a quarter mile away.

What wildlife will I see?

This is not a wildlife tour and wildlife is wild for a reason, so we do not guarantee any sightings. However, wildlife that could be seen are red squirrels, porcupine, and a large array of birds.

Will I see a bear?

Black bears do thrive in this area and we have seen bears on West Glacier Trail before. However, it is unlikely we will run into any bears on the hike. Your guide is trained in proper bear safety protocol and carries bear spray at all times.

Can I bring my own backpack and snacks?

Yes! Although we do provide a small pack and snacks, you are welcome to bring your own as well. You can leave personal items on the bus while hiking should you decide it isn’t needed.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures range in the summer from mid 40’s to mid 60?F typically. Juneau rains on average 62 inches per year with more rain coming in the later summer compared to spring and early summer. Conditions on the trail are about the same as they are in town. Prepare for cool weather and rain.

Does my cell phone work in Juneau?

Maybe. AT&T and Verizon are the only two providers who support Juneau. Neither Sprint or T-Mobile users will have service here unless they are roaming.

Do you pickup guests at the cruise ship docks?

Yes! Our primary pickup location is at the bus lot of the cruise ship terminal (CT dock, or Dock C). This is right next to the Mt. Roberts Tramway. It is a 5 minute walk from the Alaska Steamship dock and Franklin dock. Those who are dropped off at AJ dock are recommended to allow extra time to take the short shuttle ride that leaves you at the pickup location, CT dock. You will be provided detailed pickup instructions upon booking.

Do you pickup guests staying at a hotel?

Sometimes. We ask that all guests staying at downtown hotels or B&B’s walk to the pickup location near Mt. Roberts tram. This is anywhere from a 10-20 minute walk depending where you are located. We do pickup at hotels in the Valley (near the airport). Please let us know during booking that you would like pickup and which Valley hotel you are staying at. We will provide additional instructions for pickup after booking. We are not able to pickup anywhere on Douglas Island.

Where do you drop off?

We drop you off at the same location we pick you up.

What are these free photos you offer?

We believe you should stay focused on the nature and beauty of Alaska and not have to worry about taking photos. We want to keep you in the present moment. Your guide is a talented photographer, naturalist, historian, and all around good human being. Sticking with the photography part, your guide takes photos throughout your entire time on the trail. We have been on this trail many times so we know where to get the best angles for your perfect Instagram post, Facebook update, or for hanging in your hallway at home. A couple days after your tour, we email you a web link where you can view and download all of the photos we shot. They are yours to use however you wish at no additional cost.

Why do I need a headset on the trail?

This is how most non-Adventure Flow hiking tours work: walk on trail; group spreads apart; guide waits for everyone to come together; guide gives a few minute spiel; repeat. We do it different. We want you fully engaged with your guide throughout the whole tour and hearing your guide is difficult if they are 50 feet ahead and 4 other people are in-between. Using our specialized headset, you can hear the guides stories, jokes, and fun facts from wherever you are on the trail! This also let’s the guide become more conversational with the group because there is far more time for interpretation of the beautiful scenery. And don’t worry about missing out on the wonderful sounds of nature either. The headsets are bone-conducting and sit outside the ear. This leaves your ear canal wide open for hearing the rest of the world. And if you get tired of listening to your guide, you can always turn him off 🙂 Everyone wins!

What type of clothing should I wear?

This depends on the weather. We recommend wearing 2 layers plus a waterproof jacket. This could be a t-shirt, long-sleeve base layer, and rain jacket. Avoid cotton! Materials such as polyester, nylon, wool, or other wicking material that do not retain moisture are best. These material suggestions go for pants too. Consider wearing rain pants should conditions call for it. We do provide a durable waterproof rain poncho, however, having your own well-fitting clothing is more comfortable.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! If you are a large group, you can purchase 7 adult tickets and bring up to 10 people for the same price. This comes out to $658 ($94 * 7). Call to book.

Do you offer private tours?

Yes! If you go with the large group discount mentioned above, you may have a private tour for $658 ($94 * 7). You can bring up to 10 people. Pending availability. To combine this tour with other activities, we require the typical private tour flat rate of $130 per hour, minimum of 4 hours. See our private tour page or call to book.

What is your refund policy? 

See our refund policy by clicking here.

What if the tour is late returning and I miss my cruise ship?

No cruise passenger has ever missed their ship when on our tours. We guarantee you will make it back for yours. In the event this does happen, we provide you with a hotel room, food, and flight to meet your ship at the next port. Please feel free to contact us ahead of time to verify scheduling of the tour and cruise ship departure.

What if my ship is delayed getting into port?

Please notify us ASAP if you know your ship going to be late. Contact numbers are listed in your booking details which you can call or text. We will rearrange the schedule if possible to accommodate your changed arrival time. If we are unable to change the schedule, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket.

What if I miss my tour?

If you miss your tour for reasons within your control, our refund policy allows to still refund you 50% per your request. We think this is a pretty sweet deal! Only applies if you book directly with us and not a 3rd party re-seller. Tickets purchased through a re-seller forfeit the entire cost of the tour.

What if my tour is canceled by Adventure Flow due weather or other reason?

If Adventure Flow cancels your tour, we will refund you 100% the cost of your ticket.

Do I need to print my ticket?

We recommend printing the email confirmation we send you because it has detailed instructions for your tour. However, we store your booking information in our database and we will not ask you for any ticket.

Testimonials

  • This was the most amazing day in Juneau. The scenery on this hike is to die for. The glacier is awe inspiring. Seeing a porcupine, walking through icy cold creeks... it is memories I will have forever. The two Eric's are so informative, friendly, HILARIOUS!!, I was laughing so much on this very fun hike. Read more.

  • Eric was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We absolutely loved the hike. Views of the glacier were amazing! Would much rather see it from this perspective than land on it in a helicopter. Eric's photography and videography skills are impressive. We finished a little early and got to stop at Alaskan Brewery on the way back which was also fantastic. Highly recommend!

  • Robyn – ColoradoRobyn – ColoradoTripAdvisor

    Not booking a tour through the cruise is generally a little more complicated but Pat and Eric made it super convenient and easy. The view was unreal and is something I'll never forget. More than that, the entire hike was a great workout, inspirational and a terrific experience! I 100% recommend Adventure Flow and the Juneau Hiking Excursion. Read more.

  • Carol – CaliforniaCarol – CaliforniaTripAdvisor

    CarolSteve-HikingOnly the two of us and Eric, who is just a fantastic guide, naturalist and photographer (and they GIVE you ALL of the photos of the hike FREE of charge when done!). Read more

  • Ryan – FloridaRyan – FloridaTripAdvisor

    The tour took us off the beaten path to one of the most beautiful views of the glacier. When we got there he had healthy snacks and a zen like breathing exercise. Read more.

  • Weisman Family – MissouriWeisman Family – Missouri

    One word to describe this: Epic! It?s an epic adventure.

The Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Hiking tour is under permit with the Tongass National Forest. Adventure Flow is an equal opportunity service provider.