Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is the crown jewel of Juneau's natural attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As part of the Juneau Icefield, a 1,500-square-mile expanse of ice, Mendenhall is unique because of its accessibility. You don't need a bush plane or a multi-day expedition to see it; a simple 20-minute drive from the state capital brings you face-to-face with this ancient, flowing ice.

The area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which maintains the excellent Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the glaciology, history, and the rapid retreat of the ice due to climate change. The surrounding landscape is a dynamic ecosystem where the retreating ice leaves behind barren rock that is quickly colonized by a lush, temperate rainforest. This transition zone is prime habitat for a variety of Alaskan wildlife, making it a dual destination for both ice viewing and nature safaris.

Reasons to Visit

• Unmatched Accessibility: It is one of the only major glaciers in North America accessible by a paved road.
• Nugget Falls: A spectacular 377-foot waterfall that cascades directly into Mendenhall Lake, accessible via an easy, flat trail.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Steep Creek boardwalk offers some of the safest and most reliable black bear and salmon viewing in Alaska during late summer.
• Educational Experience: The Visitor Center provides high-quality exhibits, short films, and knowledgeable rangers to explain the glacial ecosystem.
• Adventure Hub: Serves as the launching point for kayaking, ice trekking, and helicopter tours.

Things to Avoid

• Feeding Wildlife: Never feed bears, birds, or any other animals. It is illegal and dangerous.
• Ignoring Trail Warnings: Do not bypass closed trail signs, especially near the glacier face or ice caves, as ice falls and collapses are fatal.
• Relying Solely on Rideshares: Uber and Lyft operate in Juneau but can be scarce at the glacier when you want to return; book a shuttle or know the bus schedule.
• Underestimating the Weather: Avoid wearing cotton. The weather can change from sunny to freezing rain in minutes.

Local Transportation Tips

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from downtown Juneau is straightforward. The most popular option for cruise ship passengers is the Glacier Shuttle (the 'Blue Bus' or 'White Bus'), which departs regularly from the cruise terminal and costs about $45 round trip. For budget travelers, the Capital Transit city bus (Routes 3 or 4) costs only $2 each way, but it drops you at the corner of Glacier Spur Road, requiring a flat, 1.5-mile walk to the visitor center. Taxis and rideshares are also available but can be pricey and less reliable for the return trip.

Travel Etiquette

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. There are limited trash cans to prevent attracting bears.
• Give Wildlife Space: Maintain at least 100 yards from bears. If a bear approaches, back away slowly; do not run.
• Respect the Silence: Keep noise levels down on the trails to enhance wildlife viewing for everyone.
• Stay on the Boardwalks: When walking the Steep Creek trail, do not step off the elevated platforms, as this damages the fragile salmon spawning habitat.

Recommended Age Group

Mendenhall Glacier is a highly versatile destination that caters to almost every age group, offering both passive viewing and extreme adventure.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The visitor center and the Photo Point trail are fully stroller accessible, but the weather can be harsh, and there are no specific facilities for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the interactive exhibits in the visitor center, the easy hike to Nugget Falls, and the chance to see bears and salmon.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Older kids can engage in more thrilling activities like guided kayaking on the lake or longer hikes on the East Glacier Loop.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can take full advantage of all the area has to offer, from strenuous backcountry hikes to photography and helicopter tours.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The infrastructure is excellent for seniors. Elevators in the visitor center, paved paths to major viewpoints, and accessible restrooms make it a comfortable visit.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps and an elevator.
• The Photo Point Trail and the Steep Creek Bear Viewing Boardwalk are paved or smoothly boarded, making them easily navigable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and the pavilion area.
• The trail to Nugget Falls is wide and packed with hard gravel, which is manageable for sturdy strollers and some rugged mobility devices, though it is not officially ADA paved.

Did You Know?

Mendenhall Glacier was originally known as 'Sitaantaagu' (the Glacier Behind the Town) and 'Aak'wtaaksit' (the Glacier Back of the Little Lake) by the indigenous Tlingit people. It was renamed in 1891 to honor Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an American autodidact physicist and meteorologist who never actually visited Alaska.

Cool Statistics

• Length: Approximately 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long.
• Retreat Rate: The glacier has retreated about 2.5 miles since 1500, with the rate accelerating significantly in recent decades.
• Ice Thickness: The ice is estimated to be up to 2,000 feet deep in some areas of the Juneau Icefield.
• Lake Depth: Mendenhall Lake, formed by the retreating glacier, is over 200 feet deep in places.