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Mendenhall Glacier at the head of the lake, seen across green wetland from Photo Point

Things to see

Things to see and do at Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area packs a visitor center, waterfalls, salmon streams and glacier viewpoints into a few square miles. Here is what to see, and what to add if you have more time in Juneau.

Around the visitor center

All within a few minutes’ walk of the car park and the bus drop-off.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on a forested ridge below misty mountains Visitor center

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The best seat in the house

Big windows look straight across the lake to the glacier face. Inside are exhibits, a short film and rangers who can tell you where the bears were seen today.

Visitors on the Photo Point walkway as a double rainbow arcs over the glacier and lake Accessible path

Photo Point Trail

The classic glacier photo

A short, paved path from the visitor center to a lakeshore viewpoint facing the glacier. Come early or late in the day to avoid the busiest cruise-ship hours.

A black bear wading through Steep Creek among green plants Wildlife

Steep Creek

Black bears and spawning salmon

A raised boardwalk follows the creek near the visitor center. When the salmon run in late summer, black bears often fish just below the walkway.

Trails and the lake

From an easy walk to the waterfall to a full-day hike above the ice.

Nugget Falls pouring into Mendenhall Lake below a steep forested mountainside Easy walk

Nugget Falls

A 377-foot waterfall beside the ice

A flat, easy walk of about two miles there and back from the visitor center ends on a gravel beach at the foot of the falls, with one of the best ground-level views of the glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier and lake seen through spruce trees from the East Glacier Loop Hiking

East Glacier Loop

A forest loop with glacier views

A moderate loop of about three and a half miles from the visitor center, climbing through rainforest to viewpoints over the lake and the ice. Allow two to three hours.

Hikers on a forest trail high above the wide, white tongue of Mendenhall Glacier Hiking

West Glacier Trail

The hiker’s route above the ice

A rugged trail on the far side of the lake climbs through forest to open rock with huge views over the glacier. Allow most of a day and wear good boots.

Two kayakers paddling on calm Mendenhall Lake with the glacier in the distance Lake

Mendenhall Lake

Icebergs on a young glacial lake

The lake formed in the last century as the glacier retreated, and it is still growing. Paddle it on a guided tour, or walk its shore from the campground and East Glacier trails.

Beyond the glacier

Juneau’s other highlights, all within an hour of downtown.

Franklin Street in downtown Juneau at dusk, with old storefronts and a street clock Town

Downtown Juneau

Alaska’s capital on foot

Historic storefronts, the State Capitol, museums and seafood stands, all a short walk from the cruise docks. The Alaska State Museum is a good rainy-day choice.

Cruise ships docked in Juneau seen from high on Mount Roberts Viewpoint

Goldbelt Tram & Mount Roberts

From sea level to the tree line

The tram rises from the waterfront to trails, a nature center and wide views over Gastineau Channel. Fit hikers can walk up the Mount Roberts Trail instead.

Fishing boats crowded into the harbor at Auke Bay Harbor

Auke Bay

Where the whale boats leave from

A working harbor north of the glacier and the starting point for most whale-watching trips. The ferry terminal is close by.

The stone chapel of the Shrine of St. Therese among tall spruce trees Quiet spot

Shrine of St. Therese

A stone chapel by the sea

A small chapel on a wooded island reached by a causeway, about 22 miles north of downtown. Peaceful grounds, a shoreline trail and views across Lynn Canal.

Small icebergs floating in the green water of Tracy Arm fjord between steep cliffs Day trip

Tracy Arm fjord

A full day among tidewater glaciers

A long, narrow fjord south of Juneau that ends at the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Reached only by boat or air, usually as a full-day cruise from downtown.

Planning your route

Most visitors spend two to four hours at the glacier. Everything below starts from the visitor center car park, where the shuttle buses and tours drop off.

Two hours

  1. Walk the paved Photo Point Trail for the classic view across the lake.
  2. Visit the visitor center exhibits and the observation windows.
  3. Check Steep Creek from the boardwalk on your way back to the bus.

Half a day

Add the Nugget Falls Trail, an easy, flat walk of about two miles there and back. Stand at the foot of the falls with the glacier on your left, then return along the lakeshore.

A full day

Hike the East Glacier Loop in the morning, or the longer West Glacier Trail on the far side of the lake. In the afternoon, add a paddling tour on Mendenhall Lake or head north to Auke Bay for whale watching.

Bears and safety

Black bears live throughout the area. Stay on the trails and boardwalks, keep food sealed, and give bears plenty of space. If a ranger closes a trail because of bear activity, respect the closure.

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