MCCARTHY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Among Building-Sized Ice: The Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle
A 10-hour fly-in paddling adventure out of McCarthy that lets participants of all ages paddle among colossal icebergs—this guide distills what to expect and how to plan.
Paddling Among Building-Sized Ice: The Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle.
The Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle is a full-day, 10-hour outing from McCarthy that flies guests into a glacial lake to paddle amid towering, building-sized icebergs. Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides, the trip is designed for a broad range of participants and emphasizes close-up contact with dramatic glacial ice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Building-Sized Icebergs
Paddlers float in a lake threaded with colossal icebergs described as towering like buildings, the central visual draw and reason most travelers choose this outing.
A True Fly-In Experience
The trip’s name and format indicate guests are flown to the glacial lake for the paddle, providing access to remote ice-scape vistas impossible to reach by road.
Open to All Ages, Minimal Experience Required
This outing welcomes participants of all ages and requires only minimal prior experience, making it approachable for families and mixed-ability groups.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Across a 10-hour day, participants are flown into a glacial lake basin and spend time paddling among immense chunks of ice, an experience that foregrounds the scale of the glacier and the stillness of the alpine lake.
THE LANDSCAPE
Building-Sized Icebergs
Paddlers float in a lake threaded with colossal icebergs described as towering like buildings, the central visual draw and reason most travelers choose this outing.
THE ACCESS
A True Fly-In Experience
The trip’s name and format indicate guests are flown to the glacial lake for the paddle, providing access to remote ice-scape vistas impossible to reach by road.
THE FIT
Open to All Ages, Minimal Experience Required
This outing welcomes participants of all ages and requires only minimal prior experience, making it approachable for families and mixed-ability groups.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a 10-hour day.
Pricing is quoted by group size: One person $2,100; Two people $3,700; Three people $4,650; Four people $7,020; Five people $7,200; Six people $9,150.
The operator states the trip requires minimal prior experience and welcomes all ages; specific gear lists are provided by the operator at booking.
Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides out of the McCarthy, Alaska area; consult the operator for booking and detailed pre-trip information.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle?
The trip is a 10-hour outing.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes — the trip welcomes all ages.
Do I need prior paddling experience?
Only minimal prior experience is required; the trip is designed to accommodate participants with limited experience.
How much does the trip cost?
Rates are by group size: One person $2,100; Two people $3,700; Three people $4,650; Four people $7,020; Five people $7,200; Six people $9,150.
Who operates this trip and where is it based?
The trip is offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides and runs out of the McCarthy, Alaska area.