Be one of the chosen few to experience the majestic Mendenhall Glacier up close, traveling by kayak under a very limited US Forest Service permit, enjoying an all-you-can-eat Salmon Bake feast to refuel from your adventure. You will meet your friendly guide close to your Juneau cruise pier, you will be transferred to the Mendenhall Valley. Upon arrival at Mendenhall Lake, your friendly, knowledgea
ble guide will help outfit you with life jackets and rain gear while sharing important kayaking techniques. You will then board the two-person kayaks, with either a new friend or traveling companion, and set off on your Alaskan adventure.If you have never paddled before, no worries! Your experienced guide will group you into like abilities so that you can travel at a comfortable pace while ensuring that your experience is both safe and enjoyable. You will journey across Mendenhall Lake in your well-balanced kayak, navigating the iceberg-studded pristine water that is truly one of the jewels of the Tongass National Forest. As you travel, your local guide will explain the breathtaking nature surrounding you, pointing out native wildlife and fascinating you with the history and ecology of the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. You will venture within a safe distance of the massive, stunning face of the glacier and skirt the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. After paddling back across the lake and taking in the final glimpses of this extraordinary glacier, you will head to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake to refuel and reminisce about the adventure that is sure to be a highlight of your Alaska vacation. Your all-you-can-eat feast features Alaskan caught wild salmon accompanied by chicken, potatoes, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of salads, cornbread, lemonade, coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate as well as blueberry cake for dessert. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase. After your meal, roast marshmallows over a campfire or take a short walk along Salmon Creek, a salmon spawning stream, to the awe-inspiring waterfall where you can explore the remains of the historic Wagner mine and try your hand at gold panning. Following your experience, buses depart regularly to your Juneau cruise pier so you may return at your leisure.
