MENDENHALL GLACIER GUIDE’S CHOICE TRAIL HIKE
This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion takes you on a guided hike through the Tongass National Forest. Led by a professional naturalist, you’ll walk through rainforest landscapes and enjoy views of an Alaskan landmark – the Mendenhall Glacier – along the way.
Excursion details
Cover several rewarding miles across established trails around the Mendenhall Glacier area during this excursion, lasting about four and a half hours.
After meeting your guide at the dock, board your vehicle for the transfer to the trailhead, which takes around 30 minutes. From here, you’ll begin a guided hike of approximately three and a half hours. The route covers between four and six miles, during which you’ll gradually climb up to 1,000 feet as you follow the trails.
The hike takes place within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States and one of its very few rainforests. As you walk, look out for spruce and hemlock trees, and admire the dense forest undergrowth. Your guide will provide commentary on the area’s natural and cultural history, including background on local legends and traditions. From certain points along the trail, you may also be able to see the Mendenhall Glacier itself, although please note that you won’t be walking on the glacier or visiting it directly.
Following the hike, the return transfer back to the port lasts around 30 minutes, accompanied by further commentary from your guide during the drive.
Important information: Guests must be physically able to participate in a strenuous hiking tour with elevation gains up to 1,000 feet, over 4-6 miles and on the trail for 3.5 hours. This tour is not available for guests with recent surgeries, injuries, or limited mobility which may inhibit their ability to participate on this tour. Guests do not walk on the glacier at any point in time during this excursion
