Things to do nearMendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is an outlet glacier of the Juneau Icefield, a vast expanse of ice covering more than 1,500 square miles across southeastern Alaska and British Columbia. For centuries the glacier was a landmark for the Tlingit people, who called it Sitaantaagu, meaning the Glacier Behind the Town. The U.S. Forest Service established the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area to preserve and interpret this landscape for visitors.

The visitor center sits at the lake's edge and offers exhibits on glaciology, local wildlife, and the effects of climate change on the ice. Rangers lead interpretive programs throughout the summer season. Outside, a network of trails ranges from a short paved walk to the multi-mile West Glacier Trail, which takes you onto rocky terrain with sweeping views of the ice.

Guided experiences include kayaking on Mendenhall Lake among floating icebergs, helicopter tours that land on the icefield above, and guided hikes onto the glacier itself. Each offers a distinct perspective on the scale and texture of the ice.

Mendenhall Glacier rewards visitors with a rare combination of raw wilderness and genuine accessibility, making it one of Alaska's most memorable natural encounters.