Adventure in Ketchikan!

Mendenhall Glacier

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

Day 1: Arrival and Kayaking Adventure

Begin your journey in Juneau, Alaska"s remote and scenic capital. After settling into your accommodation, gear up for an unforgettable kayaking experience on Mendenhall Lake. Paddle across the shimmering water, with imposing views of the glacier ahead. The lake is accessible from the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Juneau. Rentals and guided tours are available onsite, providing all necessary equipment and safety briefings. As you glide over the icy waters, keep your eyes peeled for floating icebergs and local wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears along the shore.

Day 2: Ice Caving and Glacier Trekking

Start your day early and meet up with your guided tour group at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Prepare for an exhilarating hike across rugged terrains and a chance to explore the ethereal world of ice caves beneath the glacier. These tours typically require pre-booking and offer an expert guide who ensures safety while providing insights about the glacier’s geology and environmental significance. The trek is moderately demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. As you traverse the icy paths, marvel at the surreal blue hues and massive ice formations.

Day 3: Nugget Falls and Photography

Conclude your adventure with a relatively easy hike to Nugget Falls, a spectacular waterfall that crashes adjacent to Mendenhall Glacier. The trailhead starts at the visitor center and is a 2-mile round trip on a well-maintained path. The falls present a perfect backdrop for awe-inspiring photography, combining the roaring water with the glacier in the distance.

Each step of your journey not only offers an adrenaline rush but also an intimate encounter with Alaska"s stunning natural beauty and the raw power of its landscapes.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Mt. Roberts Tramway

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Juneau, Alaska, where the majestic Mt. Roberts Tramway awaits to whisk you from the waterfront to the heights of the mountain"s subalpine realm. Start your journey in the heart of Juneau, easily accessible via Juneau International Airport, followed by a short shuttle or taxi ride to the downtown area.

Begin your adventure at the cruise ship docks, where the Mt. Roberts Tramway takes off. Buy your tickets at the tram’s base station, and prepare to ascend 1,800 feet in just a few minutes. As you glide upwards, the sprawling views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and distant glacier fields unfold dramatically. Each tram cabin offers 360-degree vistas, making for breathtaking photo opportunities for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Once at the top, step out into a different world. The Mountain House offers a range of attractions, including the Nature Center where you can learn about the local flora and fauna. For those seeking a heart-pumping experience, take the 4.5-mile loop along Mt. Roberts Trail. This trail promises rugged paths and the chance to spot wildlife, from bald eagles soaring overhead to marmots scurrying across your path.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Juneau Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle exhibit, an educational encounter with one of America’s most iconic birds. Afterward, satisfy your hunger at the Timberline Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy fresh Alaskan seafood while overlooking the panoramic views of the mountain and water below.

Conclude your visit by either hiking down the mountain for a more adventurous return or relaxing on the tramway ride back to the base, reflecting on a day filled with natural beauty and thrilling exploration.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Herbert Glacier

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Herbert Glacier, a hidden jewel nested in the wilderness near Juneau, Alaska. This adventure is tailor-made for those who crave excitement amidst nature"s raw beauty.

Day 1: Arrival in Juneau

Fly into Juneau International Airport, where your adventure begins. Settle into your accommodation in Juneau, the scenic capital of Alaska, surrounded by ocean and rugged peaks. Spend the evening preparing for your expedition, perhaps enjoying local seafood at a harborside eatery.

Day 2: Kayak to the Glacier

Start your day early by joining a guided kayak tour from Juneau’s Auke Bay. Paddle through the serene waters of Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life — sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales are common sights. After a few hours of paddling, the imposing face of Herbert Glacier becomes visible, its blue ice stark against the lush greenery.

Day 3: Ice Climbing and Exploration

Nothing compares to the thrill of ice climbing. After a safety briefing, strap on crampons and follow your guide up the icy expanse. As you climb, learn about the glacier’s dynamics and its impact on the local ecosystem. Herbert Glacier is a dynamic body of ice that has reshaped the landscape over millennia, a process visible in the striations and crevasses that mark its surface.

Day 4: Hiking and Return to Juneau

Conclude your glacier adventure with a scenic hike around the moraine and the newly exposed land, observing signs of glacial retreat and its revealing of ancient forests. Return to Juneau by late afternoon, where you can spend your evening relishing your achievements and exploring more of the local culture.

Departure

Depart from Juneau with unforgettable memories of Herbert Glacier, having experienced one of the most pristine environments on Earth in the most exhilarating manner possible.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Why Visit?

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Gustavus

Fly into Gustavus Airport, the gateway to Glacier Bay. Arrange your stay at one of the cozy lodges or campgrounds in town. Spend your evening at the Gustavus Beach, where the views at sunset are breathtaking, and you might spot humpback whales breaching in the distance.

Day 2: Into the Heart of Glacier Bay

Start your morning with a brisk kayaking tour organized by local operators. Paddle through serene waters, flanked by towering mountains and active glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters and seals lounging on ice floes. In the afternoon, join a guided boat tour that ventures deeper into the bay, offering close encounters with the magnificent Margerie Glacier—a tidewater glacier known for its dramatic calving events.

Day 3: Hiking the Bartlett Cove Forest Trail

Embark on the Bartlett Cove Forest Trail, an easy 2-mile loop that starts from the Glacier Bay Lodge. The trail meanders through lush rainforest and along the beach, revealing ancient Tlingit tribal artifacts and a variety of bird species. Visit the nearby Tribal House to learn about the indigenous Huna Tlingit"s deep connection with this land.

Day 4: Flightseeing & Departure

Conclude your adventure with a spectacular flightseeing tour. Soar over the park and marvel at the vast glaciers, rugged peaks, and remote wilderness from the sky. This aerial perspective highlights the sheer scale and beauty of Glacier Bay. After the tour, catch your return flight from Gustavus.

Quick Tips

- Book tours and accommodations in advance.

- Dress in layers and prepare for unpredictable weather.

- Stay environmentally conscious; respect wildlife guidelines.

Interesting Fact: Glacier Bay is a dynamic laboratory for studying the ebb and flow of glaciers—scientists frequently visit to research and understand climate change impacts.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Last Chance Mining Museum

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Last Chance Mining Museum Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Juneau, Alaska

Begin your adventure in June, Alaska. Settle into a local inn and prepare for a journey into the past, melding history with stunning landscapes.

Day 2: Trek to Last Chance Mining Museum

After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for the scenic and invigorating Perseverance Trail. The trailhead, just a few minutes from downtown Juneau, serves as your gateway. Follow the trail for about 2 miles amidst towering pines and the sound of Gold Creek, leading directly to the Last Chance Mining Museum.

Located in the compressor building of the historic Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated from 1912 until 1944, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Juneau’s gold rush era. Here, you"ll find one of the world’s largest air compressors and a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, and tools.

Interesting Fact: The AJ Mine, accessed through this site, was once one of the most productive mines, extracting approximately $80 million worth of gold during its operation—massive by early 20th-century standards.

Day 3: Gold Creek Exploration

Dive deeper into the miner’s life with a guided tour along Gold Creek, where prospectors once panned for gold. Don your rubber boots and try your hand at panning in the very same creek—a thrilling chance to find a flake or two of your own gold!

Day 4: Mount Roberts Tramway

Wrap up your adventure with a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, just a short walk from downtown. The tram takes you 1,800 feet up for panoramic views of Juneau and its surrounding wilderness. Hike the alpine trails or visit the Nature Center at the top.

Departure

As your adventure concludes, reflect on the rich history and natural beauty you"ve explored. Juneau’s combination of mining history and outdoor exploits provides a uniquely Alaskan adventure that’s hard to match.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.