Gastineau Guiding

Experience the power of ice through your lens. This day hike is designed to show off the unique faces of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. From far and near, this popular subject will feed your desire to get that perfect shot. The tour is led by a competent naturalist photo guide who will introduce you to town with a narrated drive out to the Steep Creek area of the glacier. Here you will pause to shoot glacial landscapes and floating icebergs. If the local wildlife is cooperative, this can be a great chance to shoot spawning salmon and black bears too.

Next, a short drives brings you to the trailhead at the west side of Mendenhall Lake. Here you will get several vantages of the glacier as you work your way up a forested path past rushing streams on the way to the spur trail. Once on the spur the terrain becomes more difficult and includes hiking on bedrock and some rock scrambling. Your efforts will be rewarded! As once you reach the crux of the hike, the glacier spans out below filling your lungs with cool artic air.

If time permits, you will have the opportunity to hike to the glacier`s edge. This allows for great photo ops as you explore the features of the lateral moraine. Striated bedrock andcrystal blue ceracs are subjected to your camera`s eye. Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show in this timeless land of snowcapped peaks and rugged icefalls. Come explore with us and develop your own story and portrait of this magnificent glacier.

This tour meets for departure in downtown Juneau. The hike itself is approximately 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 300`. Our experienced photo guides are trained as naturalists, and are certified in First Aid and CPR. The tour operates in all weather conditions. Group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people.