Norris Glacier Flightseeing, Hiking & Packrafting Adventure

Soar, trek, and paddle through Alaska’s wild beauty on this exclusive 5-hour multi-sport experience. This adventure combines three iconic Alaskan activities into one seamless journey: a floatplane flightseeing tour, a guided glacier hike, and an unforgettable paddle across an iceberg-studded glacial lake in your own packraft.

Your adventure begins at the seaplane dock, where you’ll board a six-passenger floatplane and lift off from the water, bound for the rugged wilderness of the Juneau Icefield. As you glide above snowcapped peaks and winding river valleys, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as mountain goats, black bears, and moose roaming the alpine terrain below. The flight offers an unmatched aerial perspective of Alaska’s untouched landscapes before touching down on a remote, glacier-fed lake at the base of Norris Glacier.

After disembarking, you’ll begin a moderately strenuous hike across rocky, glacially carved terrain toward your launch point. Along the way, your expert guides will interpret the geology and natural history of the area, enriching the experience as you move deeper into the remote wilderness.

Once at the water’s edge, you’ll be outfitted with a dry suit and gear for your next challenge: packrafting. These stable, single-person rafts are designed for backcountry exploration and are the perfect way to navigate the glacial lake. With guidance from your instructors, you’ll paddle across icy waters toward the face of Norris Glacier, surrounded by the towering peaks and sculpted blue ice that define Alaska’s wild interior.

This trip is ideal for active adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Alaska. It requires a moderate to high level of fitness and comfort with hiking on uneven terrain and paddling in variable conditions — but the reward is an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the raw power and beauty of the Alaskan backcountry.

Duration

5 Hours

30 Minutes - Van transport to ABAK office for outfitting
30 Minutes - Gear outfitting & orientation, transport to the float pond
30 Minutes - Floatplane flight to Norris Glacier
2 Hours - Pack Rafting & Glacier Trekking
30 Minutes - Scenic Floatplane flight back to Juneau
30 Minutes - Transport to ABAK office, change out of gear
30 Minutes - Return van transport to downtown

Location / Where to Meet

Standard Client Pickup Location

490 S Franklin St Juneau, AK 99801

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 should contact us after booking to arrange a meeting location.

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age: 10+

Maximum group size: 12 guests

Participants must be able and conditioned to paddle 1 hour round-trip and hike on uneven terrain up to 2 miles.

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.

What's Included

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
All glacier safety gear including helmet, micro-spikes, harness, and trekking poles if needed
Water: While we do provide a souvenir water bottle on our trips, we strongly encourage all guests to bring their own reusable water bottle to help minimize waste.

Not Included

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.

What to Bring / Wear

We provide all the kayaking gear on our trips. We recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine. Due to the cool, damp climate, it is best NOT to wear cotton or denim and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene. You are more than welcome to bring personal items on any of our tours (Camera, reusable water bottle, food, layers, etc.).

Dress in layers to stay warm and adaptable to changing weather
Avoid cotton or denim — instead wear quick-drying synthetic or wool materials.
Waterproof or water-resistant outer layer (jacket and pants recommended)
Warm hat or beanie, especially for cooler days
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get wet
Reusable water bottle
Snacks or small personal food items
Sunglasses with retention strap and sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska!)
Camera or phone (in a waterproof case or dry bag if possible)

Alaska Glacier Trek & Paddling Experience

Juneau Hiking and Trekking Adventures