Gallivanting among glaciers

A 4 day tour of Alaska
from our Western issue,
Summer 2012.

	A cruise ship approaches Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

See the mighty Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefield, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Tongass National Forest and other natural wonders in Alaska’s panhandle.

Day One

In the morning, a visit to Tongass National Forest’s Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center near Juneau helps your group begin to appreciate the enormous size of the Juneau Icefield, which comprises 38 glaciers and covers 1,500 square miles. 

Video and interactive displays are offered.  Check out the trail system around the visitor center, with black bear viewing June through September. 

Other activities near the glacier include rafting, kayaking and trekking onto the glacier itself. 

In the afternoon, several helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft companies offer unique opportunities to see and experience Juneau Icefield from above.

Trekking and dogsledding are other popular activities. 

You also can fly to nearby historic Taku Glacier Lodge to view massive Taku Glacier and enjoy a salmon bake. 

Spend an overnight in Juneau.

Day Two

A day-long cruise heads southeast of Juneau into the narrow granite Tracy Arm Fjord culminating at Twin Sawyer Glaciers. 

Enjoy waterfalls, wildlife and stunning scenery in Tongass National Forest and nearby.

The tour departs from the downtown Juneau dock at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. 

Spend an overnight in Juneau.

	Photo: Tongass National Forest/U.S. Forest Service
	A cruise ship navigates Tracy Arm Fjord in Tongass National Forest.

Day Three

Located 33 miles west of Juneau, Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. 

Take an early-morning commuter flight to catch the day-cruise up into Glacier Bay — renowned for great whale, mountain goat, bear and bird watching. The park covers 5,130 square miles. 

Spend the night at Glacier Bay Lodge or lodge in Gustavus. Air service is available by commuter service or an Alaska Airlines daily flight.

Day Four

Take the morning flight back to Juneau. 

Spend the day exploring Juneau’s downtown historic district, visiting museums, shopping or enjoying a variety of day tours and attractions. 

In the evening, celebrate your last night in Juneau with local seafood and a pint from Alaskan Brewery Co. Make some toasts to new friends — and great memories — made.

GO
Juneau, Gustavus

SEE
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
(907) 697-2230
www.nps.gov/glba

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
(907) 789-0097
www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall

Tongass National Forest
(907) 225-3101
www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass

EAT
Alaskan Brewery Co.
(907) 780-5866
www.alaskanbeer.com

Taku Glacier Lodge
(907) 586-8258
www.alaskaone.com/takulodge

STAY
Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours
(888) 229-8687
www.visitglacierbay.com

ASK
Juneau CVB
(888) 581-2201
www.traveljuneau.com

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