Wander along a trail and admire cascading waterfalls, a dense rainforest and southeastern Alaska’s Coast Mountains from this spectacular glacier.
The Mendenhall Glacier is a designated area of Tongass National Forest. Learn about this natural marvel from U.S. Forest Service rangers. Stroll along trails in the surrounding Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area and see black bears, beavers and porcupines.
This body of ice and water stretches about 14 miles (22 kilometers). Stop at the visitor center and plan a hike. Find a thick moss-covered rainforest with stunning overlooks. Hike to a breathtaking waterfall from Mendenhall Lake. Mendenhall Glacier features a visitor center with an observation deck.
Walk along the Photo Point Trail, a short paved walkway with excellent views of the glacier. Discover a thundering waterfall from the Nugget Falls Trail and the East Glacier Trail. Mountain goats live in the wilderness and majestic bald eagles circle above. The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area also features more challenging walking trails.
Stop at the visitor center and learn about the effect of the warming climate on the glacier. Watch a short film focusing on this natural marvel or visit the glacier observation area. The visitor center has an emphasis on environmental awareness and wildlife protection. It also features exhibits covering the history of the glacier and the area’s wildlife.
See black bears fish for sockeye salmon at Nugget Falls. This two-tiered waterfall drops about 375 feet (115 meters) into Mendenhall Lake. Watch torrents of water rush from Nugget Creek into the freshwater pool at the face of the Mendenhall Glacier.
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is open May to September and for limited hours October to April. The area is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from downtown Juneau. There is an entrance fee for people aged 16 and over. Use parking near the visitor center, where you will also find access to several of the walking trails.
Learn about specific trail locations with an interpretive smartphone tour on the Nugget Falls Trail at Mendenhall Glacier.
