MENDENHALL LAKE KAYAKING & SALMON BAKE
Formed by the retreating Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Lake is an impressive and highly scenic natural wonder that you’ll get to see close-up during this excursion of about five hours. Experience the lake from a kayak before enjoying a meal of grilled, wild Alaskan salmon in a rainforest setting.
Excursion details
As the Mendenhall Glacier has retreated over the past 300 to 400 years, it has left behind a basin filled with meltwater, later christened Mendenhall Lake. An approximately five-hour excursion enables you to view this remarkable body of water in a two-person kayak, paddling past icebergs while looking out for wildlife.
Start the day with a transfer drive of approximately 30 minutes, accompanied by narration about the local area from an onboard guide. Once arrived at the lake, you’ll be given equipment and paddling instruction by your guide before being split into groups over 20 minutes or so. Then it’s time to head out onto the water.
The guided kayaking trip lasts about two hours, during which you’ll pass by Mendenhall Glacier and the rushing cascades of Nugget Falls – you’ll be close enough for memorable views, but still at a safe distance. Look out for wildlife as you glide over the water, but please note that sightings can’t be guaranteed.
Back on dry land, it takes about 20 minutes to return your gear, and you’ll also be given a souvenir pin as a reminder of the trip. There’s then a transfer of 20 minutes or so to local restaurant Gold Creek Salmon Bake, set within the sprawling Tongass National Forest – the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world.
Enjoy approximately one hour and 20 minutes here, tucking into grilled Alaskan salmon – the venue’s signature dish – and a range of sides, before enjoying the rural surroundings. You could stroll along part of the nearby nature trail and admire a small waterfall or there’s the option to roast marshmallows over an open fire. A short transfer back to the ship then concludes the excursion.
Important information: Guests must be in moderate to good physical health to participate as this tour involves approximately 2 hours of paddling. This tour is not available for women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Guests over 6’3″ tall will not be able to use the rudder pedals to steer. The maximum weight requirement is based on girth more than weight required to fit in a kayak cockpit comfortably.
The kayak cockpits are 35″ x 17″. Guests may be required to sign a waiver, which may only be available in English. It is recommended that guests wear warm, weather appropriate attire. Protective rain gear, boots, and life jackets are provided. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate. Return transportation from the Salmon Bake is by shuttle, with buses departing every 15-20 minutes. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed
