About NorthStar Trekking
NorthStar Trekking is Juneau's helicopter glacier trekking specialist, flying from its base at Renshaw Way near Juneau International Airport up onto the Juneau Icefield. While several operators land helicopters on the ice, NorthStar built its reputation on what happens after touchdown: guided treks that let guests actually explore the glacier's surface rather than just stand beside the aircraft.
Trek options are tiered by ambition. The entry-level glacier walk suits first-timers with basic mobility, mid-level treks cover more terrain with crampons and trekking poles, and the extended trek ropes guests up to climb through ice features, crevasse walls, and meltwater channels. All technical gear — boots, crampons, harnesses, outerwear — is provided. From its Douglas Island base the company also runs a helicopter dog sledding experience at a summer mushing camp on the ice, plus flightseeing over the Taku and Mendenhall glaciers. Tours run through the May-to-September season with cruise-schedule-friendly departures.
The difference is guide quality and structure. Treks are led by experienced glacier guides with small guest-to-guide ratios, and the tiered format means honeymooners and serious hikers each get an honest version of the icefield rather than one-size-fits-all. For cruise visitors with one shot at standing on a glacier, it is among the most capable operators in Southeast Alaska.
