Just a short drive from Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier offers an incredible glimpse into Alaska’s icy wilderness. This massive 13-mile-long glacier flows down from the vast Juneau Icefield, ending in Mendenhall Lake, with breathtaking views and activities for any time of year, especially from May to September when the weather is milder, and the days are longer.
Named in 1891 for scientist Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, the glacier has been an iconic part of Alaska’s landscape for centuries and is known to Native Alaskans as “Sitaantaagu” or “the Glacier Behind the Town.” The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, built by the U.S. Forest Service, is a great starting point to learn more about the area. You’ll see exhibits about the glacier’s history, including how it formed and its impact on the local environment. Expansive windows and outdoor observation decks offer stunning glacier views and U.S. Forest Service Rangers are on hand to answer questions.
Hiking Trails and Sights Around the Glacier
For a closer view, Mendenhall offers a range of trails:
- Nugget Falls Trail: A short, easy walk that takes you to Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall near the glacier. It’s a family-friendly trail with unforgettable views.
- East Glacier Loop Trail: A moderate hike through dense rainforest with beautiful viewpoints along the way. This trail offers a closer look at Alaska’s natural side, with excellent glacier views.
- Photo Point Trail: This short trail is perfect for capturing panoramic glacier and lake views and is accessible to all visitors.
The Mendenhall Glacier area is a hotspot for wildlife sightings, especially during salmon spawning season. Black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife can often be seen near the trails. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance, read trail signage for wildlife tips, and use binoculars for the best views.
What Do Visitors of Mendenhall Glacier Say About It?
We’ve found that a helpful resource for travel is Tripadvisor.com. Here is what people are saying about this glacial location.
Visitors to Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier consistently rave about the breathtaking scenery and easy access to nature that this glacier offers. The trip is often highlighted as a “must-see” experience in Juneau, with many travelers recommending the short hike to Nugget Falls, which gives you an impressive, close-up view of the glacier. One visitor shared that taking the city bus and walking the final mile was well worth it, as they could explore the area at their own pace while saving money on a tour.
For those looking to make the most of their time, some visitors recommend driving or using a quick taxi ride to arrive early, which helps beat the cruise ship crowds. At the Visitor Center, there’s a short film on the glacier’s history and climate change impact, which adds interest to the visit. Many found this educational element valuable, noting how photos from decades ago show the glacier’s changes. Seeing the glacier from the viewing window vantage point “was beautiful,” according to one traveler, who felt the experience was a powerful reminder of nature’s beauty and vulnerability.
Whether you’re on a quick stop in Juneau or staying to explore, Mendenhall Glacier is a unique place to visit. It’s accessible in several ways, stunning, and full of incredible sights that make it one of Alaska’s true natural wonders, and it’s one more reason we love doing business in the state. Let us know if you have any upcoming freight shipping needs; we ship door-to-door, even in remote Alaska locations.
