Sawyer Glacier – Tracy Arm Fjord

The Sawyer Glacier cruise was my first time to Alaska, and it was just as magnificent as I imagined. Every single day we woke up to awe-inspiring views surrounded by whales, waterfalls, and glaciers.  We sailed from Seattle and stopped in Skagway, Juneau, and Vancouver – with an awesome detour into the Tracy Arm Fjord for some whale watching and the spectacular Sawyer Glacier (above).

My family and I signed up for a Mendenhall glacier hike with Above and Beyond Alaska.  The hike left from from the southwestern shore of Mendenhall Lake and followed the coast until we reached the glacier before circling back. Round trip with our guide, the trip came out to about 9 miles, and we earned every inch of that. But it was so worth it. The hike was challenging and fun from scrambling up a rocky precipice, ice climbing across the glacier with our crampons, and taking in breathtaking views. This was so cool.

The glacier itself was beautiful. We got to hike down into a glacier cave, which is the single most amazing experience I’ve ever had. Its absolutely surreal to hike under a glacier and see the ice to crystal clear above you. At 100 feet thick, you can still daylight piercing through the deep blue glacial ice. Just amazing.

Mendenhall Glacier Hike

If you get to Juneau, you must do this! Find an experienced guide and go with a small group. It could be dangerous terrain if you don’t know the way.

Mendenhall Glacier