Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike through Tongass National Forest

Explore Tongass National Forest and the Mendenhall Glacier area on a 6-hour guided hike to a panoramic viewpoint with glacier-specific gear included.

Getting started

Meet your professional guides at the designated departure point and board the round-trip van transport to the Mendenhall Glacier area. On arrival, your guides review US Forest Service permits and give a safety briefing. You receive a backpack and safety equipment, then set out on the trail across steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain.

What to expect

Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier guided hike

This is a 6-hour guided hike from the van drop-off through forest and rocky terrain to a panoramic viewpoint of the Mendenhall Glacier. Expect approximately 3 to 6 miles of hiking on uneven ground while carrying a 10 lb backpack as you gain elevation toward the glacier views.

Features

• Rugged terrain adventure: The route involves up to 7 miles round trip on steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain, so you need to be able to hike for at least 4 hours at a steady pace. As you approach the panoramic viewpoint, the trail surface becomes more rugged and requires careful footing.

• Safety briefing: Your guides share safety instructions and monitor the group as you move between sections of forest, rock, and exposed ground near the glacier area, adjusting the pace if conditions change during the hike.

• Glacier gear included: Glacier-specific gear provided for the hike is issued and checked before you leave the trailhead, so you carry what you need for changing conditions around the Mendenhall Glacier.

• Safety is a priority: All safety gear, including trekking poles if needed, plus additional safety equipment, is available from your guides to help you manage the steep and uneven parts of the route.

• Rainwear provided: Rain gear, with a hooded jacket and pants, is provided so you can continue hiking comfortably even when the trip operates in wet or variable weather.

• Permits taken care of: US Forest Service permits for accessing the trail system are taken care of in advance, so your time at the Mendenhall Glacier area is focused on hiking rather than logistics.

• Recharge with a snack and take a souvenir home: A hearty, healthy snack and a souvenir water bottle are supplied so you can refuel and stay hydrated during breaks along the route.