The City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, USA (August 1995)
We have a lot of experience with whitewater rafting so we were excited to hear about rafting in Juneau (map). There are indeed float trips down the Mendenhall River. They from the glacier with the same name down to the Gastineau Channel, and are available through several companies. An approximating of the route can be seen on Google Maps’ walking directions. Obviously rafts follow the adjacent river just to the west.
Notice that I am wearing rubber boot up to my knees. This water is extremely cold, barely above freezing, having just melted off the glacier The raft does catch some water and you don’t want to be dangling your feet in it. This gives rafters a whole lot of incentive to keep their vessels upright too.
The entire length of the river is just a few miles with small sections of mild whitewater. While it’s not a white-knuckle thrill ride, it’s a good time and a relaxing trip. Here we are putting into the water on a trip that will terminate down near the Juneau International Airport.
It’s a nice little trip and a pleasant afternoon through some mild Class II and III rapids with names like Scott’s Latola Hola, Tourist Trap, and Pin Ball Alley. It’s generally tame and a good beginner trip for those without much experience or for those who simply want to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
You may also be interested in my New River Gorge Rafting in West Virginia page.
Here is one final stretch of scenic river for your viewing enjoyment.
See the article index from the 1995 Southeast Alaska trip.
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