Hi diane,

We did the Mendehall Glacier Float, in May 2006, we were travelling with a dear friend who (at the time) was int he early Stages of ALS, she really wanted to do it (she would not be able to do it now) and of course wanted to make sure it would be safe for her, even though she wanted some thrills and not be totally bored.

Long story short..we had a patch of class 3 (almost 4) rapids towards the middle of the float, other than that it was VERY calm; however we went in May, which is early in the season, as the season progresses it gets "wilder" so I would expect that by the time you go it won't be as "calm" but certainly nothing class 5..... It is pretty nice to see the glacier up front, and you go through a state park, however, people have houses on the edge of the river so it's a little quirky. Would I do it again? Certainly. Would I try the canoe ride (similiar excursion) probably my first choice next time, as I understand they get REALLY close to the glacier (we got somewhat close but not THAT close). You need all that gear because even if the weather is warm, that glacier does make is chilly and the eqiupment makes it toasty! Nobody got wet tho....