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Closer view of the glacier in the winter A glacier cave under Mendenhall Glacier. Mendenhall Glacier (in Tlingit language “Sít”) is a glacier about 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Juneau in the southeast area of the U.S. state of Alaska.
The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall’s grand edifice plunges from the immense Juneau Icefield, dropping 4,500 feet over 13 miles. Its active face regularly calves big icebergs and brash into its lake.
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in the U.S., loved for its dazzling blue glacial ice that stretches for 13.6 miles.
Apr 3, 2024 · Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular attractions in Juneau, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. The glacier is in the Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles from downtown Juneau. It’s one of the most accessible glaciers by road and a breathtaking sight, with its blue ice and stunning surroundings.
The Visitor Center provides a great introduction to Mendenhall Glacier and Tsongas National Forest where the glacier is located. The walk from the parking lot to the Visitor Center is lovely with far away views of the glacier and Nugget Falls.
Aug 20, 2022 · What is Mendenhall Glacier? Mendenhall Glacier is a valley glacier only 20 minutes away from Downtown Juneau. Found in Tongass National Forest, it’s a beautiful 13.6 mile long, 1.5 mile wide glacier with a face towering more than 100 feet at its terminus in Mendenhall Lake.
Mendenhall, one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America, is just 13 miles from downtown Juneau and a few minutes from the airport. It’s a must-see destination for any Alaska vacation. You won’t believe your ice! A half-mile wide, with ice up to 1,800 feet deep, it’s little wonder this is Juneau’s most popular destination.
At a Glance. General Information. Directions: From downtown: 12 miles. Take Egan Drive and turn right at Mendenhall Loop Road. Mendenhall Loop Road turns into Glacier Spur Road and ends at the visitor center. From the Juneau International Airport: 5 miles. Exiting the airport, turn left on Yandukin Drive. Turn right on Shell-Simmons Drive.
Mendenhall Glacier flows into Mendenhall Lake. Pioneering shrubs and herbs on the lake margin. Note the brownish carpet of mosses, lichens and short sedges in the spaces between the shrubs.
You can ride atop Mendenhall Lake by kayak, canoe, or raft or you can fly to the glacier via helicopter. For a truly exciting trip, the Ice Adventure tour can include a visit to the famous Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves if conditions are favorable.
