Embarking on a captivating Alaskan adventure, this fly-in excursion to Norris Glacier promises an unparalleled blend of thrills and natural wonder. Soaring over the region’s breathtaking landscapes in a scenic floatplane, adventurers will then hike across the glacier’s icy expanses, taking in its captivating features. But the excitement doesn’t end there – the opportunity to don a packraft and explore the glacier’s edge adds an exhilarating twist to this unforgettable journey. With moderate fitness requirements, this tour offers an intimate connection to Alaska’s icy wilderness, leaving participants with memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- A scenic floatplane flight to Taku Inlet and Norris Glacier, providing a unique aerial perspective of the icy landscape.
- Opportunity to hike across the glacier’s surface and explore its captivating features, such as crevasses, pools, and moulins.
- Packrafting up close to the towering ice walls of the glacier, offering an intimate connection with the natural wonder.
- Suitable for adults with moderate fitness levels, with experienced guides ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey.
- Flexible cancellation policy and ‘pay later’ option, providing peace of mind for planning the Alaskan adventure.
Activity Details
The activity is priced at $850.39 per person and lasts for 5 hours, including roundtrip van transportation, floatplane flights, glacier gear, a packraft, a guide, snacks, and water.
However, it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, those over 254 lbs, or those with low fitness levels.
This adventure combines flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting. Guests will take a scenic floatplane flight towards Taku Inlet and Norris Glacier, then hike to a cove and packraft to the glacier’s edge.
Outfitted with micro-spikes, they’ll explore the glacier’s features like crevasses, pools, and moulins before paddling back to shore and returning by floatplane.
Highlights
This adventure offers a unique blend of experiences, starting with a scenic floatplane flight towards the Taku Inlet and the majestic Norris Glacier.
From there, guests will have the opportunity to packraft to the very edge of the glacier, seeing the captivating landscape.
Upon reaching the glacier, they’ll don micro-spikes and hike across its surface, marveling at the intricate features like crevasses, pools, and moulins that dot the ice.
This hands-on glacier exploration provides a truly intimate connection with the natural wonder of Southeast Alaska.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or seeking a thrilling new experience, the Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
Experience Overview
Combining the thrills of flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting, this Norris Glacier adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the stunning landscapes of Southeast Alaska.
The journey begins with a scenic floatplane flight towards Taku Inlet and the majestic Norris Glacier. Upon reaching the cove, adventurers will hike to the glacier’s edge and hop into their packrafts, paddling up close to the towering walls of ice.
The highlight of the tour is exploring the glacier on foot, equipped with micro-spikes to navigate the captivating features, from glistening crevasses to mesmerizing moulins.
After the glacier exploration, it’s time to paddle back to shore and return to Juneau by floatplane, having experienced the true essence of Alaska’s icy wilderness.
Logistics
Guests meet at a designated pickup point 10 minutes before the tour’s scheduled start time, ensuring a punctual departure into the stunning landscapes of Southeast Alaska.
This small group adventure is limited to just 6 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
Agility is key, as guests must be able to climb in and out of the floatplane with ease. The hike and packraft portions also require a moderate fitness level, as guests will navigate uneven terrain and potential rapids.
With careful planning and experienced guides, the logistics seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable journey through the remote Alaskan wilderness, from the air to the water to the ancient glacier below.
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator’s cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to book now and pay later to secure their spot for this thrilling Alaskan adventure.
This flexible policy provides peace of mind, as plans can often change unexpectedly. By booking early and taking advantage of the ‘pay later’ option, adventurers can ensure their place on the tour without the risk of losing their deposit.
Should anything come up, they can simply cancel with no penalty, making this an appealing option for those wanting to explore Norris Glacier by floatplane, packraft, and on foot.
The cancellation policy aligns with the tour’s overall focus on delivering a safe, unforgettable experience.
Scenic Floatplane Flight
With a thrilling floatplane flight, adventurers embark on their Alaskan journey, soaring over the breathtaking Taku Inlet and Norris Glacier. This scenic aerial tour transports participants to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the region’s rugged glacial landscape. As the floatplane glides effortlessly over the vast expanse of ice and water, guests are treated to a bird’s-eye view of the stunning natural beauty that lies ahead.
| Aerial Perspectives | Tranquil Waters | Rugged Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Taku Inlet’s serene fjords | Norris Glacier’s icy coves | Towering mountains and valleys |
| Winding rivers and streams | Reflective glacial pools | Crevasse-marked expanses |
| Sweeping vistas of untamed wilderness | Glistening glacial tongues | Carved, sculpted ice formations |
| Pristine, untouched landscapes | Meandering waterways | Dramatic, rocky outcrops |
Glacier Hike and Exploration
After the thrilling floatplane flight, adventurers eagerly embark on the glacier hike, outfitted with essential gear like micro-spikes.
Navigating the crevasse-marked expanses, they explore the dynamic ice formations, discovering mesmerizing features like glistening pools and dramatic moulins carved into the glacier’s surface.
Traversing the rugged terrain, they gain a deeper appreciation for the raw, untamed power of nature that has sculpted this icy wilderness over millennia.
The experience evokes a range of emotions:
- Awe at the glacier’s immense scale and beauty
- Wonder at the intricate patterns and textures of the ice
- Exhilaration from the physical challenge of hiking on the glacier
- Humility in the face of nature’s unrelenting forces
- A profound sense of connection to the Earth’s ancient geological processes.
Packrafting the Glacier Edge
Eagerly, the adventurers don their packrafts and glide across the tranquil waters towards the looming presence of Norris Glacier’s ice-carved edge, marveling at the sheer scale and power of this natural wonder.
As they approach the glacier, they’re struck by the intricate patterns and vibrant hues of the ancient ice. With paddles in hand, they navigate through the maze of floating ice, weaving between towering icy cliffs and peering into the deep, turquoise pools that dot the glacier’s surface.
The thrill of exploring this remote and pristine environment is palpable, as the adventurers savor the sense of being truly immersed in the raw beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a small group size, limited to just 6 participants. This intimate group allows for a more personalized and adventurous experience as guests explore the stunning Norris Glacier together by air, land, and water.
Do I Need Any Prior Experience With Glacier Hiking or Packrafting?
No prior experience with glacier hiking or packrafting is required for this thrilling adventure. The guided tour provides all the necessary equipment and training to safely explore the glacier and paddle through the stunning glacial landscape.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Clothing or Gear I Can Bring?
There are some clothing and gear restrictions for this adventure. Participants should pack warm, waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, and lightweight raingear. Special glacier gear like micro-spikes is provided. Personal items like sunglasses and snacks are recommended.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
This adventurous tour can be booked for a private group. The small group size allows for a personalized experience exploring the glacier. Guests can customize their itinerary and schedule with the tour operator to suit their group’s needs.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Adventurous travelers can opt for a longer exploration of the glacier, enjoying more time to hike, take in the stunning scenery, and enjoy the glacial landscape.
Recap
Set out on a thrilling Alaskan adventure that combines the beauty of a floatplane flight, the wonder of hiking across Norris Glacier, and the excitement of packrafting at its edge.
Enjoy the region’s icy wilderness, witness captivating glacier features, and create unforgettable memories in Southeast Alaska’s natural splendor.
