Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour and Salmon Bake: A Comprehensive Guide

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour offers a breathtaking aerial view of Alaska’s stunning landscape, including rainforests, ice spires, and meltwater pools. While the tour itself doesn’t include a salmon bake, many visitors combine these experiences for a full day of Alaskan adventure. The helicopter tour provides an up-close encounter with the glacier, allowing visitors to walk on its surface and learn about its formation from expert guides.

What Does a Typical Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour Include?

A typical Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour includes:

  1. Safety briefing
  2. Scenic flight over the glacier and surrounding landscape
  3. Landing on the glacier
  4. Guided walk on the ice
  5. Informative commentary from expert guides

The tour does not typically include a salmon bake, but this can be arranged separately.

How Long Does the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour Last?

mendenhall glacier helicopter tour and salmon bake

The duration of the tour varies depending on the package chosen:

  • Mendenhall Flight & Walk: Approximately 2.25 hours
  • 30 minutes of helicopter flight time
  • 20-25 minutes on the glacier
  • Pilot’s Choice: Approximately 2.75 hours
  • 50 minutes of flight time
  • 15 minutes on the glacier

What Are the Current Prices for Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tours?

The prices for Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tours are as follows:

Tour Package Duration Price
Mendenhall Flight & Walk 2.25 hours $389
Pilot’s Choice 2.75 hours $559

Note: Passengers weighing 250 pounds or more will be charged an additional $150 to reserve adequate space on the helicopter.

What Should I Wear for the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour?

For the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour, it’s recommended to wear:

  • Warm, layered clothing
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves
  • Hat or beanie

Glacier overboots are provided to wear over your shoes during the glacier walk.

Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions for the Tour?

Yes, there are some restrictions:

  • Participants must be able to walk a minimum of 100 feet over uneven snow
  • Ability to get in and out of the helicopter unassisted or with minimal assistance is required
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian
  • Children 13-17 need a signed parental consent form to participate without a parent or guardian

What Amenities and Facilities Are Available During the Tour?

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour provides:

  • Dock-to-dock transportation
  • Glacier overboots
  • Safety briefing
  • Expert guides and pilots

There are no specific facilities mentioned for a salmon bake as it’s not part of the standard helicopter tour package.

How Can I Combine the Helicopter Tour with a Salmon Bake Experience?

While the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour doesn’t include a salmon bake, you can create a full day experience by:

  1. Booking the helicopter tour separately
  2. Arranging a salmon bake experience with a local tour operator
  3. Scheduling them on the same day, allowing time for transportation between activities

Many tour operators in Juneau offer salmon bake experiences that can be easily combined with the helicopter tour for a comprehensive Alaskan adventure.

What Makes the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour Unique?

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour stands out for several reasons:

  • Breathtaking aerial views of the glacier and surrounding landscape
  • Opportunity to land and walk on the glacier
  • Expert commentary on glacier formation and local ecology
  • Flexible tour options to suit different preferences and time constraints
  • Highly trained pilots and guides ensuring safety and informative experience

How Do I Book a Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour?

To book a Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour:

  1. Visit the official websites of tour operators like TEMSCO Helicopters
  2. Check availability for your preferred date and tour package
  3. Make a reservation online or call the tour operator directly
  4. Provide necessary information, including weight for proper seating arrangements
  5. Arrange for transportation to the heliport or confirm pickup location if included

Remember to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

What Should I Expect from a Typical Alaskan Salmon Bake?

While not part of the helicopter tour, a typical Alaskan salmon bake often includes:

  • Fresh wild-caught Alaskan salmon grilled over an open fire
  • Side dishes such as baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread
  • Desserts like blueberry cake
  • Beverages including coffee, tea, and sometimes beer or wine
  • Rustic outdoor setting, often in a forest or near a stream
  • Live entertainment or educational presentations about Alaskan culture

Combining this experience with the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour can provide a well-rounded taste of Alaskan adventure and cuisine.

In conclusion, the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty. While it doesn’t include a salmon bake, combining these two experiences can create an unforgettable day of Alaskan exploration and culinary delight.

References:

  1. https://www.alaska.org/detail/temsco-helicopter-flightseeing
  2. https://www.juneauadventuretours.com/mendenhall-glacier-helicopter.html
  3. https://temscoair.com/mendenhall-glacier-and-guided-walk/

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