Why Go
No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier. The Juneau Icefield's most visible ambassador, 13-mile long Mendenhall Glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the Forest Service's historic visitor center. Here's what you'll find here:
- Modern, accessible visitor center (nominal entry fee, federal rec passes accepted) with movie every 20 minutes, interactive exhibits, telescopes, ranger talks, children’s activities and bookstore
- Spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier and icebergs floating in the lake
- Trails, easy to moderate, through the forest and along the lake
- Wildlife-- mountain goats, bears, beavers, spawning salmon in season
- Nugget Falls cascading down the mountainside near the glacier
- No food or drink other than water, May through September due to bear activity.
Transportation
- Bus tour or taxi from downtown Juneau, 12 miles
- Taxi from Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, 7 miles
- Taxi from Juneau Airport, 5 miles
- City bus stops 1 1/4 miles from the visitor center
When to Go
May through September open daily 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. October through April open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Trails and outdoor areas open all year.
Length of Stay
45 minutes to all day. Day use only, visitor center area closes at night
Lodging
A range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Juneau
