A Travel Guide to Mendenhall Glacier
Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible and breathtaking natural wonders. This 13.6-mile-long glacier, part of the Juneau Icefield, flows into Mendenhall Lake, creating a stunning landscape of blue ice, floating icebergs, and cascading waterfalls framed by the rugged peaks of the Tongass National Forest. Whether you’re visiting via cruise ship or exploring Alaska independently, this guide will help you plan a memorable trip to Mendenhall Glacier, a must-see destination that captures the wild beauty of the Last Frontier.
Why Visit Mendenhall Glacier?
Mendenhall Glacier is a highlight of Southeast Alaska, renowned for its accessibility and dramatic scenery. As one of the few glaciers reachable by road, it attracts over 500,000 visitors annually to its world-class Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which offers interactive exhibits and panoramic views. The glacier’s active face regularly calves icebergs into Mendenhall Lake, creating a dynamic spectacle. Surrounded by lush forests, Nugget Falls, and diverse wildlife like black bears, mountain goats, and spawning salmon, the area offers a mix of natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and educational experiences. However, the glacier is retreating due to climate change, making now a critical time to witness its majesty before it recedes further.
How to Get There
Mendenhall Glacier is located in the Mendenhall Valley, within the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service in the Tongass National Forest. Here’s how to reach it from Juneau:
By Car: Drive 13 miles from downtown Juneau via Egan Drive to Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn right, then continue straight onto Glacier Spur Road, which leads to the Visitor Center (about 1.5 miles). The drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Parking is available at two lots near the Visitor Center (¥5–10/hour). Car Rental: Companies like Explore Juneau offer rentals near the cruise port, ideal for cruise passengers. Book early due to limited availability.
By Public Bus: Take the Capital Transit Bus (Number 2) from the Downtown Transit Center, a 0.5-mile walk from the cruise dock. The bus stops at Mendenhall Loop Road and Dredge Lake, about 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center. The fare is ¥2, and the trip takes around 1 hour. Be prepared for the walk along Glacier Spur Road.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi from downtown Juneau or the cruise port costs approximately ¥65 one way (¥40 round-trip with passes included for a group of three or more). Ride-hailing services like Uber are limited in Juneau, so taxis are more reliable.
By Guided Tour: Many tour operators, such as Above & Beyond Alaska or Alaska Shore Excursions, offer shuttle services from the cruise port or hotels, often combined with activities like whale watching or glacier trekking. Prices range from ¥50–¥200 depending on the tour.
From Anchorage: Fly from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Juneau International Airport (JNU) (1.5–2 hours, ¥150–¥300 round-trip via Alaska Airlines). From JNU, it’s a 10-minute drive to the glacier. Alternatively, take a ferry from Whittier to Juneau (multi-day journey, ¥200–¥400).
Tip: If arriving by cruise ship, check your schedule (e.g., 7 AM–3 PM stops are common) to ensure enough time for a visit. Independent travel offers more flexibility than cruise-organized excursions, which can cost ¥200+ for a short visit.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (May–September): The ideal season with mild weather (50–65°F), long daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity (e.g., salmon spawning in Steep Creek from late July). The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. May and June offer fewer crowds and clearer skies.
Spring (April) and Fall (October): Shoulder seasons are quieter but cooler (40–55°F) with a higher chance of rain. Check for trail or Visitor Center closures.
Winter (November–March): The Visitor Center is open Friday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Snow-covered trails and frozen Nugget Falls create a magical scene, but dress warmly (20–35°F). The Fireside Lecture Series (January–March) offers cultural and ecological talks.
Note: The glacier’s accessibility makes it busy in summer. Arrive early (8–9 AM) to avoid crowds, especially if on a cruise schedule. Check weather and safety advisories, as glacial outburst floods from Suicide Basin have occurred annually since 2011.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: Hours: May–September: 8:00 AM–7:30 PM daily; October and April: intermittent hours; November–March: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Friday–Sunday, closed federal holidays). Admission: ¥5 for adults (16+); free for children under 16. Federal recreation passes (e.g., America the Beautiful) are accepted. Inclusions: Access to indoor exhibits, a 15-minute film, ranger talks, spotting scopes, and a bookstore operated by Discovery Southeast. No food or drinks (except water) are allowed May–September due to bear activity.
Trails and Outdoor Areas: Free to access, but parking fees may apply. Guided Tours: Prices vary (¥50–¥200). Book in advance for activities like canoeing or helicopter tours, as permits are limited.
Tip: Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center or online via the U.S. Forest Service website. Combo tours (e.g., glacier and whale watching) are cost-effective for cruise passengers.
What to See and Do
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: Features state-of-the-art exhibits on the glacier’s geology, wildlife, and climate change impacts. Watch a 15-minute film and use spotting scopes to view mountain goats on Mt. Bullard. Ranger-led talks provide insights into the glacier’s history. Don’t miss the exhibit on Romeo, a beloved wolf who lived near the glacier from 2003–2009.
Hiking Trails: Photo Point Trail (0.6 miles, paved, easy): A flat trail leading to a peninsula in Mendenhall Lake with head-on glacier views and a coastal mountain backdrop. Ideal for all ages. Nugget Falls Trail (1 mile round-trip, easy): A flat, gravel path to the 400-foot-tall Nugget Falls, offering close-up views of the glacier and waterfall. Perfect for photography. Trail of Time (0.5 miles, paved, easy): An interpretive loop with markers showing the glacier’s retreat since the 1930s. East Glacier Loop (3.5 miles, moderate): A 500-foot elevation gain with elevated views of the ice and surrounding terrain. West Glacier Trail (3.4 miles one-way, strenuous): A rugged route along the lake’s western shore, leading to panoramic glacier views. Recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear (e.g., hiking boots, bear spray if available).
Water-Based Activities: Canoe or Kayak Tours: Paddle across Mendenhall Lake with operators like Above & Beyond Alaska or Liquid Alaska Tours for up-close glacier views. Tours (5–6 hours, ¥100–¥150) are limited by permits, so book early. Participants must weigh under 250 lbs and be mobile. Rafting: Mendenhall Glacier Float offers an 8–12-person raft experience across the iceberg-dotted lake.
Helicopter and Glacier Trekking: Helicopter tours (¥300–¥500) with operators like Alaska Icefield Expeditions land on the glacier for a guided walk or dog-sledding experience. Ice cave visits are possible but dangerous and not recommended without a guide due to unstable ice. Note: Ice caves, popularized on social media, are hazardous and often inaccessible. Only join guided tours with experienced operators like Above & Beyond Alaska.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot black bears, beavers, and spawning sockeye/coho salmon (late July–early September) at Steep Creek. Mountain goats are visible on cliffs, and bald eagles soar overhead. Bring binoculars for better views.
Safety Note: Bears are common, especially near Steep Creek. Make noise while hiking, avoid food, and check with rangers for recent bear sightings. Bear spray is recommended but cannot be brought on planes or cruises; purchase locally if needed.
Where to Eat
On-Site: No food or beverage services are available at the Visitor Center (May–September) to prevent bear activity. Bring water and pack out all trash.
Nearby: Head to downtown Juneau (13 miles away) for dining options like Tracy’s King Crab Shack for fresh crab legs (¥30–¥50) or Alaskan Brewing Co. for craft beer and pub fare (¥15–¥25).
Picnic: Pack a lunch to enjoy at designated areas near the Visitor Center, but follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.
Where to Stay
Downtown Juneau (13 miles away): Juneau Hotel (3-star, ¥150–¥250/night): Modern with shuttle services, ideal for cruise passengers. Silverbow Inn (boutique, ¥120–¥200/night): Historic charm with easy access to the cruise port.
Mendenhall Valley (closer to glacier): Best Western Country Lane Inn (3-star, ¥100–¥180/night): Affordable and near the airport. Camping: Limited options exist in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Try Auke Bay Campground (7 miles away, ¥10–¥20/night). Book early for summer.
Tip: Book accommodations early, as Juneau’s hotels fill up quickly during cruise season (May–September). Use platforms like Booking.com or Travel Juneau.
Tips for a Great Visit
Dress in Layers: Juneau’s weather is unpredictable, with summer temperatures ranging from 50–65°F and frequent rain. Bring waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes, and warm layers. Photography: The glacier’s blue hue is most vibrant after rain. Standard cameras may not capture ice caves well, so focus on lake and waterfall shots.
Respect the Environment: Stay on designated trails, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Combine Activities: Pair your visit with whale watching or a trip to Tracy Arm Fjord for a full Juneau experience. Combo tours save time and money.
Check Flood Risks: Annual glacial outburst floods from Suicide Basin can affect trails and safety. Monitor updates from the National Weather Service or U.S. Forest Service. Cruise Passengers: Allow 4–6 hours for a visit, including transport. Independent travel saves money compared to cruise excursions.
Final Thoughts
Mendenhall Glacier is a captivating blend of natural splendor and ecological significance, offering everything from easy scenic walks to thrilling glacier treks. Its accessibility, just a short drive from Juneau, makes it an unmissable stop for cruise passengers and Alaska adventurers alike. As the glacier continues to retreat due to climate change, visiting now is a chance to witness a vanishing wonder. Whether you’re paddling across Mendenhall Lake, hiking to Nugget Falls, or learning about the region’s history at the Visitor Center, Mendenhall Glacier promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.
Happy travels!
