Things to do nearMendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska is a living river of ice offering dramatic viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and accessible wilderness just minutes from downtown.
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.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier
Visit in the early morning to catch the glacier's blue tones in soft light and avoid the midday crowds that arrive with cruise ship tours.
Hike the East Glacier Trail for close-up views of the ice face and Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall that drops directly beside the glacier.
Bring waterproof layers even in summer, as the glacial lake generates its own cool, damp microclimate regardless of Juneau's daily forecast.
Look for black bears along the Steep Creek Trail in late summer, when salmon run through the stream near the visitor center.
Book a guided ice cave or glacier trek tour in advance, as permits and group sizes are limited during peak season.
Top tours & experiences near Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier Canoe & Moraine Trek
Paddle Mendenhall Lake and explore glacial terrain with expert guides
Mendenhall Glacier Guided Canoe Tour
Canoe Mendenhall Lake for close views of glacier ice, cliffs, and waterfalls
Juneau 3-Hour Whale Watching Cruise
An 18-passenger cruise with captain and naturalist insight
Juneau Whale Watching & Lighthouse Cruise
Pair a historic lighthouse visit with Mendenhall Glacier views
Climb Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter From Juneau
Fly by helicopter to the glacier and hike with ice-climbing gear
Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Tour In Juneau
Cruise-friendly whale watching with time at Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk
Fly by helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier and take a guided walk on the ice
Hike Nugget Falls & Whale Watching Tour in Juneau
Easy Nugget Falls hike plus time on the water to look for whales
Guided 6-Hour Mendenhall Glacier View Hike
Hike through Tongass National Forest to panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier
Guided Mendenhall Glacier Canoe & Hike
Paddle Mendenhall Lake and hike to close views of the glacier
Guided Juneau City Tour With Douglas Island
See downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and Brotherhood Park with photo stops
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Dog Sledding Tour
Fly to Mendenhall Glacier for hands-on dog sledding with Alaskan huskies
Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Pair a 2-hour whale watch with time to explore Mendenhall Glacier
3-Hour Mendenhall Glacier Bus Tour From Juneau
Reserved-seat transport and two hours to explore Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau Coastal Rainforest Segway Tour
Glacier views, coastal paths, and a forest beach walk by Segway
Juneau 3-Brewery Guided Tour
Pair Juneau craft beer with local stories, kelp salsa, and glacier-view photo stops
Private Guided Tour of Juneau
Build a private Juneau road trip around your interests with a local guide
Juneau Forest Mindfulness Tour
Reconnect with nature through guided mindfulness, local stories, and Alaskan flavors
Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Bike & Beer Tasting Tour
Cycle through glacier country and finish with a local brewery tasting
10-Mile Juneau Guided Bike Tour
Cycle through Juneau with guide insights and support along the route
Guided Juneau Wetlands Kayak Tour With Glacier Views
Quiet wetland paddling with glacier views and guided wildlife spotting
Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Two hours of whale watching with a quick Mendenhall Glacier stop