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Up to 72 hours before the experience starts

Highlights

  • Take on a challenging 6-hour guided trek through Tongass National Forest, ending at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier.
  • Enjoy a true hiking-focused wilderness experience with no boats or aircraft involved, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking an immersive trail adventure.
  • Travel to the trailhead with included round-trip van transportation, then set out with all necessary permits, glacier gear, rainwear, a backpack, and safety equipment provided.
  • Cover approximately 3 to 6 miles of rugged terrain using trekking poles and glacier-specific gear while professional guides lead the route and maintain a safe pace.
  • Refuel with a snack along the way, learn about the surrounding landscape from your guides, and take home a souvenir water bottle at the end of the adventure.

Your Experience

Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike through Tongass National Forest Image 1
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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.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 6-hour guided hike through Tongass National Forest
  • Professional guides
  • Access to Tongass National Forest
  • US Forest Service permits
  • Viewpoint access with Mendenhall Glacier views
  • Round-trip van transport to/from the meeting point (Mt. Roberts Tramway, AJ Dock, or major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley)
  • Safety and glacier-specific gear (including trekking poles if needed)
  • Rain gear (hooded jacket and pants)
  • Dry backpack
  • Snacks
  • Souvenir water bottle
  • Hiking boots
  • Professional photography
  • Gratuities

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
  • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Bring your own sturdy hiking boots, as footwear is not provided. Wear clothing suitable for changing weather conditions and outdoor hiking. Inform your guide of any medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations before the hike begins.

Changes, modifications, or deletions to the required liability waiver are not permitted.

This tour involves a strenuous hike and requires a high level of physical fitness. Participants must be able to hike for at least 4 hours or approximately 7 miles while carrying a 10 lb backpack over steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain. Pregnant guests are not permitted to participate in this hike.

All participants must sign a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the tour. The experience includes a guided 6-hour hike from the van drop-off point to a panoramic glacier viewpoint. Expect challenging terrain throughout the route, including steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven sections. Tours operate in all weather conditions unless the operator determines conditions to be unsafe. Avoid scheduling other excursions immediately before or after this experience. Participation may be denied if you do not meet the required physical fitness standards. A rescue fee of USD 250 per participant applies if assistance is required due to undisclosed medical conditions or insufficient fitness. Tours may be canceled because of low enrollment, unsafe conditions, or other safety concerns; if the trip has not started, a full refund will be issued. Tours canceled due to cruise ship schedule changes are fully refundable when rescheduling is not possible.

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