Norris Glacier: Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike
Soar above Alaska’s stunning landscapes, hike across a majestic glacier, and paddle through pristine glacial lakes on this exclusive 5-hour multi-sport adventure.
Duration
About 5 Hours
Activity
Glacier Trekking, Sightseeing, Floatplane FlightDifficulty
Moderate to StrenuousPrice
From $789 per person + taxThe Experience
Experience 3 iconic Alaskan adventures—flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting—all in just 5 hours! This is Juneau’s first multi-sport adventure of this kind. Packrafting is one of the fastest growing sports in Alaska.
This Packraft adventure begins with boarding a six-passenger floatplane and taking off from the water. The scenic flight will head towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a gateway to the flowing glaciers of the Juneau icefield. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, black bears and moose along the way. After landing on the Norris Glacier-fed lake, hike over the glacially carved terrain to a cove where your packraft awaits. From here, you will be outfitted in single person packrafts and introduced paddling techniques by your guides. Once you launch your packraft, your paddle to the glacier will take you past icebergs, all while taking in the stunning mountain and glacier landscapes around you.
Included In The Price
- Professional Guides
- Roundtrip van transport from the meeting location
- All paddling equipment & glacier gear
- US Forest Service permits
- Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants)
- Hearty and healthy snacks
- Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)
- All glacier safety gear including helmet, micro-spikes, harness, and trekking poles if needed
Not Included In Price
- Professional Photography
- Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.
Van transport to ABAK office for outfitting
Van transport to Juneau’s floatplane base for check-in and outfitting.
Gear outfitting & orientation, transport to the float pond
Get the rundown, the safety check, and acquainted with your guide.
Floatplane flight to Norris Glacier
A view of Juneau and surrounding majestic wilderness like no other. Buckle up and enjoy your flight.
Pack Rafting & Glacier Trekking
Hike to pack raft cove to start your glacier adventure!
Scenic Floatplane flight back to Juneau
Your Floatplane Pilot will meet you at the beach.
Return van transport to downtown, major hotels
Your van transport will be waiting to return you to the main office – Thanks for joining us!
Client Pickup Information
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
Clients arriving at AJ Dock:
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
Clients Staying Locally:
Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.
Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.
ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location information at 907-290-2318 or info@beyondak.com.
- Clients will be outfitted in single or double passenger pack rafts.
- A specific amount of time on the ice cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time on the glacier is dependent on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
- Visiting specific features such as ice caves, moulins, etc. cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will assess potential hazards on the trip to determine if a particular area is safe to trek upon or enter.
- Clients must be able and conditioned to paddle 1 hour roundtrip and hike on uneven terrain up to 2 miles.
- This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
- Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
- Due to aircraft restrictions, there is a 250 lbs per person weight limit on this tour. All passenger weights need to be provided at time of booking. Passengers may be weighed by float plane operator – those over 250 lbs may be subject to an additional fee.
- Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
- Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
- Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if you clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
- ABAK reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-ups, unsafe weather or route conditions, clients not meeting our physical requirements, and any other safety issues. In such an event, a full refund is given if the trip has not yet departed, but ABAK is not responsible for additional expenses incurred (i.e., non-refundable airline tickets, meals, accommodations, etc.)
Alaska Magazine wrote about our Norris Glacier trip.
Adventures For All
Juneau’s Norris Glacier
by Brianna Randall
From $789 per person + tax
Videos from our visitors to the Norris Glacier
We’ve got glaciers, what do you want to know?!
Above & Beyond Alaska offers guided adventures to both the Mendenhall Glacier and Norris Glacier. These include hiking, canoeing, and packrafting experiences, each providing unique perspectives of Alaska’s glacial landscapes.
Mendenhall Glacier is approximately 12 miles from downtown Juneau, accessible by road and a 3-4 mile hike. Norris Glacier is situated within the Tongass National Forest and is accessed via a scenic floatplane flight, offering a more remote wilderness experience.
Depending on the chosen tour, activities may include:
- Hiking: Guided treks through the Tongass National Rainforest to the glacier’s panoramic viewpoint.
- Canoeing: Paddling across glacial lake to approach the glacier.
- Packrafting: Inflatable raft adventures on glacial waters.
- Flightseeing: Scenic floatplane flights over the Juneau Icefield.
The prime season for glacier tours is from May to September. Each month offers unique experiences:
- May-June: Drier months with blooming flora.
- July-August: Warmer temperatures and peak wildlife activity.
- September: Cooler, wetter conditions with fewer visitors.
Tour durations vary based on the activity:
- Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike: Approximately 6 hours.
- Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike: Around 5.5 hours.
- Norris Glacier Fly-In Hike & Packraft: Full-day adventure lasting about 5 hours.
Yes, Above & Beyond Alaska works closely with cruise passengers to ensure timely returns to their ship. Departure and return times are carefully scheduled to accommodate cruise itineraries.
Yes, all glacier tours operate rain or shine. Guides provide appropriate gear to keep you comfortable in wet weather. However, in cases of extreme weather that may impact safety, tours may be rescheduled or canceled.
Glacier Tour Reservation Questions
Reservations can be made directly through Above & Beyond Alaska’s website or by contacting them via phone or email. Due to the popularity of these tours, booking in advance is recommended.
The tour price includes:
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional guides
- Glacier-specific gear
- Safety equipment
Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to a scheduled tour will be refunded in full.
Cancellations made under 72 hours of a scheduled tour are non-refundable.
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) may cancel a trip due to low enrollment, unsafe weather or route conditions, clients not meeting physical requirements, or other safety issues. A full refund will be issued if the trip has not started. However, ABAK is not responsible for additional expenses (e.g., non-refundable airfare, meals, lodging). ABAK will fully refund any tour cancellations due to changes in the cruise ship sailings that result in the tour not being rescheduled.
Glacier Tour Preparation and What to Bring
It is recommended to dress in layers with moisture-wicking and insulating materials such as polyester, wool, or fleece. Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are essential. Above & Beyond Alaska provides glacier-specific gear, including crampons and waterproof outerwear.
Light snacks are included in most tours. However, bringing your own reusable water bottle is encouraged.
Yes, glacier tours involve moderate physical activity:
- For hiking tours, participants should be able to hike 3-6 miles on uneven and rocky terrain.
- Canoeing tours require paddling for up to 6 miles.
- Packrafting tours involve light paddling and hiking on uneven terrain.
If you have specific concerns about physical fitness, contact Above & Beyond Alaska to discuss your needs.
For Pack Creek, participants should be able to confidently hike 1-2 miles in wilderness conditions.
The Waterfall Creek tour involves walking over uneven terrain and may require light hiking.
During The Tour
Safety is a top priority. Guides are certified in wilderness safety and first aid. They provide a thorough orientation and ensure that all participants are properly equipped with safety gear.
In the event of unsafe weather conditions, tours may be rescheduled or canceled. Guests will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the stunning glacial landscapes. Be sure to have a waterproof case or bag to protect your equipment from moisture.
From $789 per person + tax
