Mendenhall Glacier

The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall’s grand edifice plunges from the immense Juneau Icefield, dropping 4,500 feet over 13 miles. Its active face regularly calves big icebergs and brash into its lake. The glacier has been retreating for 300 to 400 years, since the Little Ice Age, and has peeled back another 1.75 miles since 1929. Punctuated by waterfalls and lush forest, the glacier’s rugged and crevassed reach anchors an extraordinary mountain vista. This natural setting—both summer and winter—is one of the most spectacular and interesting in the Alaska, and the visitor center is considered world class with museum quality exhibits that draw about 500,000 visitors a year. Spotting scopes will bring the glacier’s shimmering face close.

Best Viewing Spots

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Start at the visitor center, with an indoor viewing area and a 15-minute film about the glacier’s dynamics. A paved, flat .6 mile trail leads to Photo Point with a head-on view of the face across the lake against a coastal mountain panorama. Five other trails feature short hikes near the visitor center, including the one-mile trail to Nugget Falls along the shore. The Trail of Time, a .5-mile paved interpretive walk, features signs marking the glacier’s recession. The 3.5-mile East Glacier Trail loop has 500 feet of elevation gain, offering a elevated views of the ice and surrounding terrain. The Mendenhall area is as good as it gets.

West Glacier Trail

For ambitious backcountry hikers, the 3.4-mile (one way) West Glacier Trail skirts the western shore of the lake, leading to a trail junction with a route to Mt. McGinnis. Another very rugged route extends further from the main trail toward the glacier itself, but is recommended only for experienced backcountry travelers prepared for route finding. The area is notorious for lone hikers getting lost or injured and then requiring rescue. The trailhead on the lake’s southwest corner off Skater’s Cabin Road beyond the Mendenhall Campground.

Best Tours to See Mendenhall Glacier

By Air

For an unforgettable on-foot experience, fly straight to Mendenhall Glacier and explore with TEMSCO Helicopters or NorthStar Helicopters, where you’ll trek across the ice—whether it’s a gentle walk, a challenging hike, or even climbing a frozen wall—all with panoramic views and deep-blue glacier features underfoot.

TEMSCO also offers the option to trade your helicopter seat for a sled and ride behind a team of huskies across the snow-packed ice, combining the thrill of dog sledding with the unbeatable scenery of a glacier you can only reach by air.

By Water

Mendenhall Glacier Float offers a front-row seat to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier in an 8-12 person raft, where you’ll paddle across an iceberg-dotted lake for dramatic, up-close views of its 1½-mile-wide, 150-foot-high face—an unforgettable vantage point on one of Alaska’s most iconic sights.

Canoe across Mendenhall Lake—past icefalls, waterfalls, and wildlife and land on a beach where you can walk right up to its ancient, crevassed face with Liquid Alaska Tours or Above & Beyond Alaska.

If you prefer to stay farther out while soaking in Juneau’s wild surroundings, you can opt for the whale-watching paddle adventure with Above & Beyond Alaska. This trip doesn’t take you directly to Mendenhall, but offers glimpses of the glacier from afar as you kayak through nearby waters filled with whales, sea lions, and dramatic views of the Inside Passage. Another option for a peaceful paddle with postcard views is with Glacier View Sea Kayaking. Glide across quiet waters with Mendenhall Glacier in the distance and wildlife often just an arm’s length away.

With Dolphin Jet Boat Tours and Whale Watching Adventure you’ll scan the waters for breaching humpbacks and playful sea lions—all while taking in sweeping views of Mendenhall Glacier from the comfort of a smooth, eco-friendly jet boat. Board a small, fast boat for an intimate whale watching experience with Alaska Tales, where your adventure ends with a stop at Mendenhall Glacier. Explore the visitor center before or after your time on the water.