Mendenhall River Rafting

Hold on for a safe but exhilarating river-running experience! Put in at the lake at the foot of the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier, and be carried away by the river and views of towering mountains, forests and wildlife. There's a lot of everything in this trip!


Begin with a scenic tour up the Mendenhall Valley. On the shores of Mendenhall Lake, don protective raingear and life jackets, and board your raft. Each holds up to twelve, and is rowed by an experienced guide. Or, if you're looking for a hands-on experience, join a paddle-raft team.


Glide across the iceberg-studded lake, marveling at the 150-foot-high, 1.5-mile-wide glacier face, and set course downstream. The six-mile route combines meandering stretches with Class II and III whitewater. The rapids are perfectly safe, just exciting enough for beginners, and appropriate for all ages. A treat for experienced rafters, too! Encounter river features such as Moon Flats and Pin Ball Alley. Watch for the photographer on shore who snaps your picture, capturing the thrill of your adventure.


Where the river levels out, soak in the views of the riverbank, lush forests, and 7,000-foot mountains above the valley floor. Learn about the natural history of the river. You're likely to see bald eagles, birds nesting in rocky cliffs, black bears, otters and seals, and salmon during spawning season.


At the haul-out, celebrate with an Alaskan-style snack.You can purchase a cup of 'Martha's Mendenhall Madness' to toast your adventure or an action photo of yourself as a lasting memento of a trip you'll never forget.