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Glacier · Juneau, Alaska
Mendenhall Glacier
A glacier of about 22 km that descends from the Juneau Icefield to the lake of the same name, about 20 km from downtown. The visitor center and short trails lead to ice viewpoints and Nugget Falls; in summer black bears fish for salmon in a nearby stream.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier begins at the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest in North America, and descends about 22 km to the Mendenhall Valley, roughly 20 km from the city center. It lies within Tongass National Forest. At its end the blue ice face meets Mendenhall Lake, formed by melting since 1929.
The glacier has retreated several kilometers in recent decades, and the ice front, which once extended broadly to the water, now touches the lake only in parts. Signs along the trails show how far the ice reached in different eras. The visitor center, opened in 1962 at a location that at the time was near the glacier, has exhibits about the ice and wildlife.
The most popular trail, about 1.3 km, leads from the visitor center to Nugget Falls, which plunges beside the glacier. Other trails climb the slopes to higher viewpoints. At Steep Creek, near the parking area, boardwalks allow viewing of salmon swimming upstream to spawn and, from July to September, black bears that come to fish for them.
Kayak and canoe tours cross the lake to near the ice, and helicopter tours land on the icefield up high.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, with the visitor center, the Nugget Falls trail and Steep Creek.
Best time
From May to September, with the visitor center open; from July to September bears usually appear at Steep Creek. On cloudy days the ice’s blue color can be more intense. On days with many ships in port, arrive early.
How to get there
The glacier is in the Mendenhall Valley, about a 25-minute drive north of downtown via Egan Drive and Mendenhall Loop Road. In summer, tour buses depart from the cruise ship port; city buses stop about 2 km away. The visitor center charges admission in season; check the website.
Tip
Hike to Nugget Falls and stop at the Steep Creek boardwalks on the return. Keep distance from bears and follow the instructions of forest rangers.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mendenhall Glacier
How far is Juneau from the Mendenhall Glacier?
About 20 km from downtown, roughly a 25-minute drive.
Can you see bears at Mendenhall Glacier?
From July to September, black bears often fish for salmon at Steep Creek, near the visitor center, viewable from boardwalks.
Which trail to do at Mendenhall Glacier?
The Nugget Falls trail, about 1.3 km, which starts at the visitor center and reaches close to the waterfall, beside the ice.