We Rank Juneau’s 6 Top Hiking And Trekking Tours

Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska for Hiking and Trekking Tours, thanks to its rugged landscape, towering glaciers, and lush rainforests. Unlike many destinations, Juneau offers a variety of ways to explore its wild terrain—whether paddling past icebergs on a canoe or scrambling over rocky glacier ridges.

We particularly love the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike because it combines water and land adventures for a truly immersive experience.

On this tour, you paddle among floating ice and then enjoy a short hike with views of the glacier—perfect for those who want a hands-on way to see the ice up close.

If you prefer a more challenging trek, the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike takes you through the largest temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass. For those arriving on a cruise, the Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike offers a hassle-free, small-group experience that combines paddling and hiking to get close to the glacier’s face.

Lastly, the Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek explores remote forest paths and waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers wanting a quieter, more natural walk. Each of these options highlights Juneau’s outdoor beauty, but they cater to different fitness levels and interests.

1. Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau

Starting at number 1, this 5.5-hour combo adventure is a fantastic way to see the glacier from both water and land. You begin by paddling across Mendenhall Lake, where luminescent blue icebergs drift past cliffs and waterfalls. The guide provides all necessary paddling gear, rain gear, and boots, making this accessible even for those new to canoeing.

After the paddle, you enjoy a short hike to get closer to the glacier’s face and learn about the icy landscape directly from your guide.

What sets this tour apart is its small-group setting, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace. Reviewers rave about the “fantastic time” canoeing and hiking, and many appreciate the informative guides who point out wildlife and glacier facts. The tour costs about $402 per person but includes round-trip transfers from select hotels, making logistics simple.

It’s perfect for families, adventure-seekers, or anyone eager to experience glacier scenery from an active perspective.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for an engaging, hands-on glacier experience that combines paddling and hiking, this tour offers great value and memorable views, rain or shine.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Juneau

Number 2 on our list is a 6-hour guided hike through the Tongass National Forest, covering 6-7 miles of trail. This tour is ideal if you want to learn about Alaska’s largest temperate rainforest.

Your guide takes you past beaver ponds and steep rock scrambles, culminating in a stunning panoramic view of the jagged Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding peaks. The trail’s terrain varies from lush forest to exposed glacial terrain, offering a real sense of wilderness.

What makes this tour special is its focus on nature education—the guide shares insights about the forest ecology, wildlife, and glacial processes. Reviewers highlight guides like Julia and Halle as “amazing,” noting their ability to make challenging terrain manageable.

The tour costs roughly $225, with optional hotel or cruise pickup, which makes it a good choice for active travelers who want a challenging day in nature.

Bottom line: This guided hike is perfect for those with a good fitness level who crave mountain views and a true wilderness experience. Expect some scrambling, but be rewarded with stunning scenery and expert local knowledge.

3. Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

Number 3 offers a half-day small-group experience tailored for cruise ship visitors looking for a comprehensive glacier day. It includes land and water activities—canoeing across Mendenhall Lake and a short hike to close-up views of the glacier. The tour features all gear, park fees, rain gear, and snacks, making it convenient for travelers on tight schedules.

This tour is highly rated, with reviews praising the organized, friendly guides and the chance to get close to the glacier’s icebergs. The paddling can be strenuous (windy conditions can make it a workout), but most find it worthwhile for the view.

The 5.5-hour duration fits well with cruise schedules and offers a personalized experience with small groups. Cost is $402.09 per person, including round-trip transportation.

Bottom line: If you want a balanced mix of paddling, hiking, and scenery without the hassle of planning logistics, this shore excursion hits the mark.

4. Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

Number 4 delivers a 6-hour guided walk through the Tongass rainforest, emphasizing glacial views and wilderness. Using gear provided, you traverse 3.5 miles of forest trail, passing waterfalls, glacial formations, and ending at Nugget Falls. The guide leads you through a variety of terrains, making it suitable for those in good physical shape with some hiking experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the glacier’s environment—you’ll see icefall, blue crevasses, and learn about the glacier’s recession firsthand. Travelers describe guides like Halle and Kit as “amazing” and appreciate the small group setting that allows for better interaction and photo opportunities. The tour is priced at about $234, with easy pickup and drop-off options.

Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you want an authentic glacier hike combined with rainforest scenery, and you’re comfortable with a bit of physical effort.

5. Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek

Number 5 is a 5-hour trek through the Alaskan rainforest, focusing on waterfalls, wildlife, and the Mendenhall Glacier. Led by a naturalist guide, this trip explores less-traveled paths that highlight the region’s ecological diversity. The trek includes stops at remote waterfalls and wildlife viewing spots, with a focus on photography and learning about the ecosystem.

Reviews mention guides like Gene and Shannon as knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience engaging and educational. The trek is considered moderate in difficulty, suited for travelers who want a peaceful walk and a chance to learn about the region’s flora and fauna. The price is $249, including hotel or cruise pickup.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect for nature lovers seeking a quieter, more detailed exploration of Juneau’s wilderness beyond the busy trails.

6. Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

Number 6 is a full-on Alaskan experience, combining a seaplane flight, glacier hiking, and packing in just 5 hours. It begins with a scenic floatplane flight to Norris Glacier, where you hike on the ice, then paddle in packrafts on glacial lakes. The tour is the most expensive at $784.98 but offers three icons: flightseeing, glacier walking, and paddling—making it ideal for adventure junkies.

Guests rave about the scenic flight and the variety of activities packed into a short timeframe. Guides like Elle and Mel bring expertise and enthusiasm, ensuring safety and fun. This tour is best suited for experienced outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with a packed schedule and physical exertion.

Bottom line: For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime combo of flight, glacier, and paddling, this tour offers a comprehensive and thrilling adventure.

How to Choose Your Perfect Juneau Hiking or Trekking Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your fitness level, interests, and time constraints. For a relatively gentle but scenic experience, the Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek offers a peaceful walk with wildlife. If you’re after a challenging, immersive adventure, the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike with its rugged terrain is ideal.

Budget travelers might prefer the Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike for its all-in-one package.

For those wanting a high-adventure day, the Norris Adventure combines flightseeing with glacier trekking, but only for seasoned outdoor lovers. Meanwhile, families or less strenuous hikers will appreciate the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike, which balances activity with comfort.

Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular tours, and always check the weather forecast—Juneau’s outdoors are beautiful but unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

Juneau offers a range of hiking and trekking tours to match different interests and skill levels. Whether you want to paddle among glaciers, scramble over icy ridges, or walk through lush rainforests, there’s an option for you. For family adventures or those new to outdoor activities, the canoe and small-group hikes are perfect.

More adventurous travelers will find plenty of challenging options, like the glacier hikes or the full-package Norris Adventure.

No matter which tour you choose, booking early and preparing for variable weather will ensure you get the most out of Juneau’s stunning wilderness. These trips are a chance to see Alaska’s best features up close and personal—so pick your adventure and get ready to explore the last frontier.