Glacier Adventures in Juneau with NorthStar Trekking - Juneau

Glacier Adventures in Juneau with NorthStar Trekking

Juneaumoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical condition to handle uneven ice terrain and extended walking periods.

Overview

NorthStar Trekking delivers unparalleled helicopter and glacier adventures in Juneau, Alaska, combining aerial views with hands-on glacier trekking and dog sledding. Discover why these trips are some of the most immersive ways to experience Alaska’s raw ice fields.

Details

Juneau, Alaska—framed by rugged mountains and icy fjords—offers a gateway to some of the most dramatic glacial landscapes in North America. At the heart of this wild frontier, NorthStar Trekking stands out for crafting unforgettable helicopter and glacier-based adventures that go beyond the typical sightseeing tours. Their portfolio includes the Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Adventure, Juneau Glacier Dog Sled Adventure, Helicopter Glacier Trek, Helicopter Glacier Walkabout, and an Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek that caters to the truly expedition-minded.

What makes these experiences exceptional is the seamless blend of aerial access and on-the-ground immersion. Helicopter flights whisk you above dense temperate rainforests and deep blue fjords before dropping you onto expansive icefields that constantly shift and crack with life. Taku Glacier is one of the largest in the region and provides a staggering display of crevasse patterns, moulins, and icefalls, framed by sky-scraping peaks dusted with snow.

The Juneau Glacier Dog Sled Adventure offers a unique window into traditional Alaskan ways of navigating harsh winter terrain, allowing visitors to engage directly with energetic sled dogs amid snowy expanses. For those looking to dig deeper into glacier trekking, NorthStar’s helicopter glacier walks and extended treks combine expert guiding, glacier travel skills, and awe-inspiring solitude.

This selection of trips highlights Juneau’s signature contrasts—lush coastal rainforest next to ancient ice. Founded well before large-scale tourism transformed other parts of Alaska, Juneau retains a wild character that NorthStar Trekking proudly channels. Their local expertise ensures safety while opening the door to breathtaking wilderness experiences inaccessible by foot or boat alone.

For outdoor adventurers craving both adrenaline and authentic connection to one of Alaska’s rawest environments, NorthStar Trekking’s glacier trips offer access, adventure, and insight into the living ice that continues to shape this coastal landscape.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Temperatures can vary widely on glaciers; layers help you adapt to cold ice winds and warmer helicopter cabins.

Bring sturdy boots

Glacier travel demands waterproof, insulated boots with good traction for ice and rocky terrain.

Stay hydrated

High energy activity and cold air can dehydrate you quickly—carry water and sip regularly during excursions.

Photography gear protection

Bring protective cases for cameras to shield from snow, ice spray, and temperature changes.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Ice caves accessible during colder months near Taku Glacier
  • Secluded alpine lakes visible from certain helicopter routes

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles soaring in glacier valleys
  • Harbor seals swimming in nearby fjords

History

Juneau was founded in 1880 during the gold rush era and remains a hub for access to Alaska's glaciers and wilderness.

Conservation

NorthStar Trekking practices minimal-impact guidelines, emphasizing glacier preservation and respect for local ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
midday with clear skies
overcast for diffused ice texture

Best Viewpoints

  • From helicopter above the glacier
  • on the icefield during treks
  • near the glacier’s edge where ice meets forest

What to Photograph

Expansive glacier formations
dog sled teams in motion
dynamic ice crevasses and deep blue melt pools

Recommended Gear

Insulated hiking boots

Essential

Keep feet warm and dry on icy glacial surfaces.

winter specific

Layered clothing system

Essential

Adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions on glaciers.

Polarized sunglasses

Essential

Reduce glare from ice and snow for safer vision.

summer specific

Waterproof gloves

Essential

Protect hands from cold wind and moisture during glacier walks.

fall specific