Above Ice and Dogs: Landing on Herbert Glacier
A short heli flight and a dog-team walk put you on the moving edge of the Juneau Icefield.
You first notice the scale from the air. Juneau shrinks quickly into a mosaic of spruce and fjord, and then the helicopter lifts over a creased white sea — the Juneau Icefield — until Herbert Glacier opens like a river of glass. The rotors settle and powdered snow exhaled by wind sparkles under an impossible northern light. When the skids touch the glacier, the world is stripped to basic elements: cold air, the hollow percussion of ice, and the sudden, almost surreal company of a dog team waiting at a camp carved out of a frozen plain.
Trail Wisdom
Dress in layers and windproof outerwear
Temperatures on the glacier will feel significantly colder than Juneau; a windproof shell and insulated mid-layer are essential.
Prepare for helicopter protocols
Bring only what operators allow, follow weight and carry-on rules, and arrive early for safety briefings.
Respect working dogs
Follow the musher’s directions: don’t approach kennels or harnessed animals without permission.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Short but windy flights can unsettle sensitive travelers—take precautions before boarding.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short shore walk near Auke Bay for tide pools and harbor views
- •Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center exhibits to contextualize the Juneau Icefield
Wildlife
bald eagles, mountain goats
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize low-impact landings and kenneling practices; visitors are encouraged to follow leave-no-trace principles and support providers using sustainable practices.
Herbert Glacier is an outlet of the Juneau Icefield; the area was historically part of Tlingit homelands and later explored during gold rush and surveying expeditions.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: crisp light for photography, active dog teams on firm snow, fewer crowds
Challenges: variable weather and wind, icy patches in morning
Late spring offers hard-packed snow and sharp light; conditions can still be harsh and weather windows short.
summer
Best for: long daylight hours, more reliable tour operations, easier travel logistics
Challenges: softer snow at lower elevations, warmer temperatures reducing contrast
Summer brings the most consistent flight opportunities and extended daylight, though snow texture may be softer on lower glacier sections.
fall
Best for: dramatic color transition in the valleys, golden-hour photography, less tourism traffic
Challenges: rapidly changing weather, increased cancellations as storms pick up
Fall can be beautifully stark and cinematic, but operators are more susceptible to weather delays as the season advances.
winter
Best for: extreme winter scenery, strong contrast and blue ice visibility, active dog teams
Challenges: limited daylight, colder temps and stricter safety limits
Winter is dramatic and solitary, but tours are rarer and subject to stricter safety and visibility checks.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Insulated, waterproof jacketEssential
Blocks wind on exposed ice and keeps you warm during camp stops.
Sturdy, insulated boots with good treadEssential
Provides traction on compacted snow and warmth for extended standing periods.
Gloves and a warm hatEssential
Protects extremities from wind chill while on the glacier or during helicopter loading.
Camera with spare batteries
Cold drains batteries fast; bring spares for on-ice photography.
Common Questions
How long is the helicopter flight to Herbert Glacier?
Flight time from Juneau to the glacier is typically 15–25 minutes each way, depending on routing and weather.
Are there weight limits for the helicopter tour?
Many operators have weight and carry-on restrictions and request advance notice for passengers over a certain weight; check with the provider when booking.
Can children participate in the dogsled experience?
Children are often welcome but age and size limits vary by operator—confirm specific policies before booking.
Do I need prior experience with dogsledding?
No prior experience is necessary; mushers run the teams and provide instruction for any guest participation.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Reputable operators will offer a full refund or reschedule; expect cancellations during high winds, low clouds, or heavy precipitation.
Is it possible to walk on the glacier unaided?
Guided access is recommended: glacier travel has hidden hazards such as crevasses and unstable snow; tours choose safer lower-basins for walkabouts.
What to Pack
Insulated layers for warmth; windproof shell to block glacier gusts; sturdy boots for traction on snow; spare camera batteries kept warm in an inner pocket.
Did You Know
Herbert Glacier is an outlet of the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States, and has shown measurable retreat in recent decades due to climate change.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning flights for calmer winds; confirm weight limits with your operator; bring layered clothing—even in July; allow flexibility in your schedule for weather delays.
Local Flavor
Juneau blends Tlingit cultural heritage, maritime history, and outdoor-focused hospitality; sample local seafood, visit a musher-run kennel if offered, and look for guided walks that interpret Indigenous place names and history.
Logistics Snapshot
Depart from Juneau; 15–25 minute heli flight; 3–5 hour total tour; operator provides safety briefing and on-ice refreshments; expect strict luggage and weight policies.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that limit landings, follow established campsite areas, and use canine programs that prioritize animal welfare and minimal environmental impact.