August 9, 2023 | Plan Your Trip

Glacier Exploration in Juneau: Unveiling Alaska's Icy Treasures

Visiting Alaska is an exhilarating experience combining awe-inspiring natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich history. Among its numerous natural wonders, the glaciers around Juneau—the capital city—stand out as a testament to the region's breathtaking beauty. Here, in the heart of the Last Frontier, you can feel the intense force of Mother Nature in a landscape that seems untouched by the passage of time.

Arriving by cruise ship lets you soak in the stunning Alaskan scenery, including its vast, icy glaciers. The glaciers around Juneau—Mendenhall, Sawyer, Dawes, and those within Glacier Bay National Park—offer a variety of activities, from guided tours to adventurous hiking and kayaking. This article is your comprehensive guide to glacier exploration in Juneau, including how to reach the Mendenhall Glacier.

List of Glaciers in Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier

Possibly the most famous Glacier in Juneau, it offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is conveniently accessible from downtown Juneau.

Herbert Glacier

It is located northeast of Juneau and is part of the Juneau Icefield.

Eagle Glacier

Also part of the Juneau Icefield, it lies north of the city and is popular among hikers.

Lemon Creek Glacier

It's a small valley glacier located south of Juneau and is often studied by scientists due to its rapid retreat.

Gilkey Glacier

Located in the remote parts of the Juneau Icefield, it is often visited by researchers and adventurous hikers.

Taku Glacier

Known as the deepest and thickest alpine temperate Glacier known in the world, Taku is one of the few glaciers that is advancing.

Sawyer Glacier

It's located in the Tracy Arm Fjord south of Juneau and is known for its dramatic calving events.

Dawes Glacier

Another jewel of the Tracy Arm Fjord, Dawes is a tidewater glacier that offers unique opportunities for sightseeing.

Glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park hosts an array of glaciers, including Glacier Bay National Park, Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Grand Pacific Glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier: A Majestic Gem in Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most easily accessible and well-known glaciers in Alaska. It's located approximately 12 miles from downtown Juneau in the Tongass National Forest and is part of the expansive Juneau Icefield. Stretching over 13 miles, the Glacier is a magnificent sight, with its brilliant blue ice contrasting with the surrounding dark mountain peaks and verdant forest.

The Glacier's visitor center, run by the U.S. Forest Service, offers numerous exhibits, interactive displays, and a short film that details the history and science behind this natural wonder. Panoramic windows provide stunning views of the Glacier, and telescopes allow visitors to spot wildlife or observe the Glacier in detail.

Here are some activities visitors can enjoy at the Mendenhall Glacier:

Guided Tours

U.S. Forest Service staff offer scheduled talks and presentations about the Glacier, its formation, and its surrounding ecosystem. They are well-versed in the local flora, fauna, and geology, making the tour educational and entertaining.

Hiking

There are several well-maintained trails in the area that suit different fitness levels. The Photo Point Trail offers an easy, flat path to an incredible viewpoint of the Glacier, while the Nugget Falls Trail takes visitors on a moderately easy 2-mile round trip to a stunning waterfall near the Glacier's edge. More experienced hikers might opt for the challenging West Glacier Trail, a 3.5-mile trail that offers views of the Glacier's expanse not seen from the visitor center.

Kayaking

Try a kayaking tour for a unique and exciting perspective of the Glacier. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, formed by the Glacier's meltwater, amidst floating icebergs, and get a breathtaking view of the Glacier's face from the water. Remember, kayaking in such a unique environment should be done with a professional guide for safety.

Wildlife Viewing

The area around the Glacier is rich in wildlife. You might spot black bears, beavers, porcupines, bald eagles, and various species of salmon in Steep Creek, which runs adjacent to the visitor center.

Ice Caving

During the winter months, experienced adventurers can explore the Mendenhall ice caves. It's a strenuous trek that requires special gear and should ideally be done with a local guide. Still, it offers the reward of experiencing a surreal, blue-tinted world inside the Glacier.

Remember that Mendenhall Glacier, like all glaciers, is a dynamic and changing environment. Always respect barriers and signs for your safety and be aware of potential hazards. This natural wonder is a testament to Alaska's raw, untouched beauty—a beauty we can all play a part in preserving for future generations.

How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier

To get from the cruise ship terminal in Juneau, Alaska, to the Mendenhall Glacier, you have a few transportation options:

Shuttle Bus

Many cruise lines and local tour operators offer shuttle buses from the cruise ship terminal directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. These shuttle buses are convenient and often have multiple departure times throughout the day.

Public Transportation

Juneau has a public bus system called Capital Transit, which operates bus routes throughout the city, including one that goes to the Mendenhall Glacier. Look for the bus route to the Glacier, and you can catch it from various stops in the city, including near the cruise ship terminal.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxi and rideshare services might also be available in Juneau. You can check if these services operate in the city and arrange a ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Tour Excursions

Many tour companies offer excursions specifically to the Mendenhall Glacier. These tours may include transportation to and from the cruise ship terminal and guided visits to the Glacier and nearby attractions.

Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier

Tracy Arm Fjord, located approximately 45 miles south of Juneau, is a magnificent fjord shrouded in the calmness of the wilderness. It is flanked by massive granite walls that rise over 3,000 feet from the sea and culminate in glacial blue peaks. Nestled in this fjord are the twin Sawyer Glaciers - North Sawyer and South Sawyer.

The South Sawyer Glacier is particularly captivating. It's a tidewater glacier, meaning it descends from the mountains and meets the ocean, creating an impressive spectacle as monumental chunks of ice, or 'calves,' crash into the fjord. The area is brimming with wildlife, including harbor seals, whales, and various bird species. The journey through Tracy Arm Fjord towards the Sawyer Glacier is an enchanting ride through narrow passages lined with icebergs and waterfalls, creating a pristine wilderness experience that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest

The highlight of Glacier Gardens is the iconic Upside-Down Tree Towers. These are tree trunks planted upside-down into the ground, their roots serving as baskets filled with vibrant arrays of flowering plants. The result is a dreamy, whimsical display of incredibly unique colors.

The gardens also offer guided tours aboard covered shuttles, during which the guides share insights into the local flora and fauna, the ecology of the rainforest, and the formation of the dramatic landscape surrounding Juneau.

Glacier Bay National Park

The Glacier Bay National Park is a world of its own, showcasing diverse glaciers. The park's significant glacial attractions are Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Grand Pacific Glacier. The national park, located west of Juneau, is typically accessible by a smaller boat tour, and cruise ship companies often offer excursion packages. It's common to see whales, seals, and various birds during your visit, making this a must-see for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Visiting the glaciers around Juneau is an extraordinary experience, offering an intimate look at some of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the planet. From the easily accessible Mendenhall Glacier to the wildlife-rich waters of the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park, glacier exploration in Juneau delivers unforgettable experiences.

The journey from your cruise ship to these icy wonders is part of the adventure, painting a vivid picture of Alaska's grandeur. With options for guided tours, hiking, and even kayaking, you can experience these majestic landscapes in a way that suits your spirit of adventure. So, set sail for Juneau, and prepare to explore Alaska's ice-crowned jewels.

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