Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Visitor center · Juneau

1

@atlasobscura

"Mendenhall Glacier, not far from downtown Juneau, is is one of the few Alaskan glaciers with an “EZ-pass”: It’s surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, but you can easily get there by car, by air, by foot, and even by cruise ship.  This 13-mile ribbon of ice flows from the Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500-square-mile frozen plateau that feeds 38 major glaciers. Leftover from the last ice age, the ice field and its solid river offspring have been in a period of retreat, and the wilderness surrounding Mendenhall has found itself in a good news/bad news scenario. The bad news is the ice, which has been steadily receding since the time of the Little Ice Age (a global cooling period between the 16th and 19th centuries) continues to shrink as the planet continues to warm. The good news is that the expansion of Mendenhall Lake – which was born in the early 1930s from the melting ice – as well as concentrated conservation efforts, have resulted in a stronger, more resilient ecosystem for the forest and its native fish and wildlife populations, such as mountain goats, bears, beavers. Mendenhall is located on land owned by the federal Forest Service, which provides facilities, park rangers, a visitor center, and year-round exhibits and educational outreach. The trails from the visitor center – some lazy and looping, others more challenging – will get you up-close and personal with the glacier and its waterfall neighbor, Nugget Falls, raining down just next door." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

12 Natural Wonders You Can Visit Via Public Transportation
Bob Familiar / CC BY 2.0

6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801 Get directions

fs.usda.gov
@u.s.forestservice

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine

Indian restaurant · Juneau

Nestled in downtown Juneau, this vibrant spot showcases flavorful southern Indian dishes crafted from family recipes, perfect for those seeking a taste of India in a relaxed atmosphere.

1 Postcard

Above and Beyond Alaska

Sightseeing tour agency · Juneau

Experience unforgettable wilderness excursions in Juneau with expert guides who'll take you hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching around stunning landscapes.

1 Postcard

Pel'meni

Russian restaurant · Juneau

This cozy spot in Juneau serves up homemade Russian dumplings with a choice of beef or potato, topped generously with zesty sauces and warm rye bread.

1 Postcard

In Bocca al Lupo

Italian restaurant · Juneau

This cozy seasonal Italian spot in Juneau serves up delicious pizzas, hearty pastas, and friendly service, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

2 Postcards

Juneau Hostel

Hostel · Juneau

Nestled on a hill in Juneau, this nonprofit hostel offers budget-friendly dorms and family rooms, boasting lovely communal spaces and stunning mountain views.

0 Postcards

Silverbow Inn

Hotel · Juneau

Nestled just steps from downtown Juneau's highlights, this charming boutique inn offers cozy, uniquely decorated rooms, a rooftop hot tub, and a cozy lobby stocked with snacks and a serve-yourself breakfast.

0 Postcards

Mendenhall Glacier

Glacier · Juneau

Nestled in the stunning Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier offers breathtaking views, easy trails, and a mesmerizing waterfall—all must-sees in Juneau.

3 Postcards

Douglas Cafe

American restaurant · Juneau

This cozy spot serves up comforting American favorites like burgers, pizza, and hearty mains in a friendly setting that feels just right for brunch or late-night bites.

0 Postcards

Deckhand Dave's Fish Tacos

Seafood restaurant · Juneau

Deckhand Dave's is a hidden gem in Juneau serving fresh Mexican fish tacos amidst a vibrant outdoor food truck scene—perfect for a quick, tasty bite.

1 Postcard

SALT

Eclectic restaurant · Juneau

Nestled in downtown Juneau, Salt serves up craft cocktails and regionally inspired New American dishes amidst a cozy, chic ambiance perfect for special occasions.

1 Postcard