The vibrant icy blue shade of this 3,000-year-old ice is stunning. We also landed in a lake and found some moose droppings on the shore :p The pilot also flew low to try to spot moose, bears, and sea lions; we did not see any whales. Im trying to decide which glacier is best to do the helicopter and dog sledding tour. The trail is easy to walk, with only a few areas where there are small cliffs and narrow spots. Which helicopter glacier tour is better - Mendenhall only or the 4 glacier tour? Date of experience: October 2012 Ask David L about Herbert Glacier 9 Thank David L In some instances, from 1:62,500 scale or 1:250,000 scale maps. We also wrote a desperate review for Juneau, Coastal Helicopter, we chose them and we made an excellent choice. Hey Bob! Primarily from U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000-scale topographic maps (or 1:25K, Puerto Rico 1:20K) and from U.S. Board on Geographic Names files. Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. We offer year round tours and seek to provide helpful information on all things Alaska outdoors related. (On a boat or a plane, that is!). That almost sounds even better? Mendenhall Glacier tours are very popular. Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier? Take comfy shoes, lots of watermaybe a weaponand go for it. The icefield is the source of many glaciers including the Mendenhall Glacier and the Taku Glacier. Took Coastal Helicopter tour (also highly recommend) to view the glacier. Thanks for the great info and link! It's been a long time since I was on this several-mile trail, but it follows ariver through woods to end at the Herbert Glacier face. Mount Adolph Knopf, Auke Mountain, Bullard Mountain, Camp 15 Peak, Dike Mountain, Mount Ernest Gruening, Folded Towers, Glacier Grub Tower, Glacier King, Horn Spire, Knowl, McGinnis Mountain, Mustang Peak, Rhino Peak, The Snow Towers, Snowdrift Peak, Snowpatch Crag, Snowpatch Craig, Spencer Peak, Stroller White Mountain, Thane Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Treasury Hill, Triangle Peak, Tricouni Peak, The Tusk, Mount Wrather. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. more. We visited the Herbert Glacier by booking Coastal Helicopters and it was awesome! Price: $219 per person. You can find out more on their website. thx. Just want to know which one is best. The views and the smooth helicopter ride was the peak of our Juneau trip. It's lush foliage and well kept trail makes for easy walking and great photos. As a family-run business, we know the importance of feeling comfort and nourishment while out of town and exploring new areas. more, Juneau Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This hike is 4.9 miles in to the glacier with minimal incline. In a state that can otherwise be overwhelming and challenging to explore, this easy access to one of the top Alaska glaciers is a big selling point. What you did sounds like what we'd like to do. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Watch this Topic Browse forums All Alaska forums Juneau forum joandjerry Brisbane, Australia Level Contributor 25 posts 79 reviews 33 helpful votes Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Citing his knowledge and experience, we witnessed the glacier at its peak performance. What a pleasant excursion. Do you need to book in advance to visit Herbert Glacier? Mendenhall Glacier, blue ice sheet, 12 miles (19 km) long, southeastern Alaska, U.S. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. U.S. Forest Service Rangers staff . more. Budgetqueen..your name suggests you wouldn't steer us wrong.will look into your suggestionthanks! heads at 583700N8 1343400W and trends SW to an unnamed lake at head of Herbert River, 2 mi. Name. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. You could revisit your plans in Skagway, possibly do the helicopter there. As you have read from other posters, seeing Mendenhall Glacier is very different from other glacier experiences. Which helicopter glacier tour is better - Mendenhall only or the 4 glacier tour? How long is the trail? Herbert Glacier is a 6.5-mile-long glacier located in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, with blue ice and scenic hiking trails. I really wanted to land on a glacier and so you can imagine my disappointment when the cruise ship cancelled by excursion because of weather. 2023 Alaska Handbook, All Rights Reserved. more. can we drive there from the cruise terminal or do we have to take a helicopter? The Blue Bus Glacier Express Is a fully narrated trip to the Mendenhall Glacier. if you have limited time, I would go to the Mendenhall and brave the tourist crowds for a more dramatic glacier withvisitor center amenities. In fact, of the icefield's 19 notable glaciers, the Taku Glacier is the only one presently advancing. [/quote, Glaciers are in a constant state of change with the fly in glaciers all worthwhile. The Juneau Icefield is an ice field located just north of Juneau, Alaska, continuing north through the border with British Columbia, extending through an area of 3,900 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi) in the Coast Range ranging 140 km (87 mi) north to south and 75 km (47 mi) east to west. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can arrange to kayak on the lake in front of the Glacier for unobstructed views of this immense beauty. 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There are 3 companies in Juneau, 1 in Skagwaty, 1 in Seward who operate these tours. Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier? There are other hikes in the area, including the short trek to Nugget Falls, which takes you to a beach just below the Mendenhall glacier and allows for alternative views of this massive Glacier. The view across from the glacier is one to remember. The cost is only $5 to get to the glacier and $3 to visit the Visitor's Center. The forest is beautiful and much of the trail follows the silty river that leads to the glacier. $$ - $$$ International Fusion Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Vegetarian Friendly, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Herbert Glacier Herbert trail, Juneau, Alaska Overview Tours & Tickets The Basics Further inland and more isolated than the neighboring and better-known Mendenhall Glacier, Herbert Glacier is most commonly visited on helicopter tours, though it can also be reached on foot along the Herbert Glacier Trail5 miles (8 kilometers) one-way. I have just done the Herbert Glacier Dog sledding tour with Coastal Helicopter tours. Our pilot Pete showed us a deep hole. We recommend booking Herbert Glacier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. See The Juneau Icefield And These 4 Amazing Alaska Glaciers Deciding between North Star/alaska HeliMush tours and Coastal helicopters .. 1 has extended time with the dogs and the other touches down on another glacier to let us walk around on the glacier for a short time . 5 years ago Save Hi There, Im trying to decide which glacier is best to do the helicopter and dog sledding tour. We also filled up water bottles with fresh cold and clean glacier water which was delicious. The icefield is home to over 40 large valley glaciers and 100 smaller ones. Another alternative is the canoe trip in Mendenhall Lake that takes you close to the face of it. 24 32 Better than Mendenhall Glacier! Juneau Tours Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk Take in all of the beauty Southeast Alaska has to offer on this once in a life-time helicopter tour to the Mendenhall Glacier. Arastra Creek, Auke Creek, Auke Nu Creek, Bacon Creek, Bay Creek, Boulder Creek, Canyon Creek, Canyon Creek, Duck Creek, Fall Creek, Goat Creek, Goose Creek, Jordan Creek, Lake Creek, Lena Creek, McGinnis Creek, Montana Creek, Nugget Creek, Peterson Creek, Sawmill Creek, Shrine Creek, Slate Creek, Steep Creek, Switzer Creek, Tee Creek, Tenk Creek, Tusta Creek, Vista Creek, Waydelich Creek, Windfall Creek. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Suzi, a new twist, I thought you had to go through the Visitor Center to get to the waterfall area near to the glacier. :), http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/trails.html. All the mushers are Iditarod/Quest finishers and Sebastian who runs the Coastal dog operation has won the Yukon Quest in 2009All of the glacier operations are good.I just happen to like Coastal best.and I know all of the guides who will be there this year.and I know many of the dogsand some of them will be mineso go.give 'em a hug and a kiss for me:) The land operations are also good but there are several people in a large cart and the dogs go around a loop. By Pitt-Duq " Wonderful " Aug 2019 We picked a perfect day for a helicopter ride from Coastal Helicopters. Actually, I'd rather have a beer when it's hot and sticky (like it is in TO today)..could you leave a Bloody Caesar instead please? As a kennel owner I can say.(but I am biased) that the sled dogs tours on the glacier are amazing.No, you don't drive a sled by yourself.You would not know where to go ro how to drive a sled but it is the closest thing to it.may get you excited enough to come back in the winter and actually learn how to do it..I prefer Coastal.That is where my dogs are going this year. Amalga Trail, Herbert Glacier Trail, Lemon Creek Trail, Mount McGinnis Trail, Montana Creek Trail, Nugget Creek Trail, Spaulding Trail, West Glacier Trail, Windfall Lake Trail, Yankee Basin Trail. :). I wanted to know a little more about the Herbert Glacier - can an 8 year old walk the trail? I was thinking of booking via Alaska Icefield Expeditions - akdogtour.com - and the Mendenhall early tours are all booked up so they suggested I do Herbert instead. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Just want to know which one is best. Not as crowded, more scenic and longer scenic trip to get there. Aaron Island, Battleship Island, Coghlan Island, Cohen Island, Indian Island, Kishbrock Island, Strauss Rock. Mendenhall Glacier. You also can not get any "information" on which glacier is "better" etc. It will take you to a man-made, wooden lookout area with benches. NW of Juneau, Coast Mts. If you can do a double landing, more is better. Herbert Glacier was named in 1890 by Lieutenant Commander H. B. Mansfield, U.S. Navy (USN), for Hon. MENDENHALL GLACIER (Juneau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Juneau Tours | Temsco Helicopters Inc. and then on to the waterfall? I think many of the one ways have more port time, versus the roundtrip sailings. Heli/dog sledding- Norris or Mendenhall glacier - Cruise Critic We also wrote a desperate review for Juneau, Coastal Helicopter, we chose them and we made an excellent choice. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. It was a good value though and a good way to spread out our budget some. Being actually on the glacier is like being in the middle of a bunch of snow & ice, only it's summer. Mendenhall Glacier | Juneau Glaciers & Glacier Tours When he threw a rock in, the sound of it hitting bottom took forever! The glacier extends from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake. Suzi, a new twist, I thought you had to go through the Visitor Center to get to the waterfall area near to the glacier. We too are trying to decide which company to use . Only 12 miles from our downtown Juneau Hotel, the Mendenhall Glacier is a great place to start when becoming acquainted with the Juneau Icefield. 15 min on each exploring and taking pictures. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in Auke Bay, Juneau, and is possibly the easiest glacier on this list to see. I'll let yo off the hook if you promise to write a review of your shore excursions! Saw all ages on this trail. It was a walk we will never forget. Herbert Glacier (Juneau) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023). Mendenhall is no "better" than any of the others, just more known. You can switch off depending on the group. Plus with my kids under 10, we sadly can't do any of the zip line, biking, kayaking, rafting tours we would love to do. Lemon Creek Glacier is only about 5 miles from downtown Juneau. 8 miles long. Here are the best ways to experience the Juneau Icefield: Those the above referenced Alaska glaciers are magnificent and worth every ounce of effort it takes to visit them, Juneau is also home to one of the easiest to access Alaska glaciers; Mendenhall Glacier. Took Coastal Helicopter tour (also highly recommend) to view the glacier. Spend a few days with us at our downtown Juneau Hotel, and well help you enjoy the very best of this fantastic city. My friends and I did this trail round trip in about 3 1/2 hours. Then we took a flightseeing tour over the Juneau Ice Fields with Alaska Seaplane Services. Only thing that. A very nice day outing. How long? Herbert Glacier (Juneau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Deciding between North Star/alaska HeliMush tours and Coastal helicopters .. 1 has extended time with the dogs and the other touches down on another glacier to let us walk around on the glacier for a short time . 8 Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Viator This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Do you actually walk on the glacier at Mendenhall ? We did neither. Alternatively, you may use, Pearsons Pond Luxury Suites and Vacation Rentals, Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection, Extended Stay America - Juneau - Shell Simmons Drive. Thanks in advance for any advice you all might have. We went on a helicopter - pilots choice - and flew over three glaciers stopping at two for a walk. View Details. You can see the spray of the falls at the far right, then some mountainous area, then the glacier: http://www.scrapbookideacenter.com/rickmendfalls.jpg. One of my favorite places in Alaska!!! We rented a car in Juneau, so we were able to go see the St. Terese Shrine which is about 26 miles from town. thanks! As you plan your adventure visiting these amazing Alaska Glaciers in the Juneau Icefield, we hope that youll make our Downtown Juneau Hotel your home away from home. This lake is situated 2 miles north of Windfall Lake and 20 miles northwest of Juneau, in the Coast Mountains. We had a great time. So my suggestion to you, if of interest, this is my top tour recommendation. It looks like Temsco has the Mendenhall helicopter tour but also a pilots choice with two glacier landings. Going back in the glacier was a wonderful experience. Experience this exciting dog sledding adventure on the Herbert Glacier. You can walk, bike, or ride public transit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center, where youll find paved and wheelchair-accessible trails and viewing points. All are well run tours by long established vendors. thanks! Roberts Tramway (right where your ship docks) at least twice/hour and drops you off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the admission ($5) to which is included in your ticket. Read our. We took our mountain bikes on the gravel trail to where the trail became walk-only. Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it's a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier? - Juneau Forum - Tripadvisor Just want to know which one is best. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What a pleasant excursion. Auke Bay, Dobson Landing, Fairhaven, Lemon Creek, Lena Beach, Mendenhall Valley, Mendenhaven, Saint Terese, Tee Harbor. Glacier footwear was provided.