Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a rapidly retreating 13-square-mile tongue of tied to LeConte Glacier and fed by the addition of nearby snowfield and glacier ice. Easy to reach just outside Juneau, it offers scenic hikes, lake views, and close-up observations of ice calving — the dramatic breaking of ice into _Mendenhall Lake_.
Learn More
Geography
| Address | Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK 99801-3012Mendenhall Glacier |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Northern Pacific Ranges/Coastal Alaska |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Juneau Borough |
| District | Mendenhall Valley |
| City | Juneau |
| Neighborhood | Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area |
| Postal Code | 99801-3012 |
| Timezone | AmericaJuneau |
| Latitude | 58.3226 |
| Longitude | -134.4867 |
| Maps |
5:13 PM LOCAL TIMEMendenhall Glacier sits just 12 miles from Juneau, accessible via paved park roads and a visitor center — a popular stop for cruise passengers and local visitors alike. The glacier flows from the upper slopes of the Alaska Range and the nearby Taku and LeConte glaciers, forming a mile-long ice river that terminates at _Mendenhall Lake_ — a cold, glacially fed body of water. Visitors come to watch ice calving, walk along interpretive trails, and learn about glacier science at the visitor center. For extended exploration, trails lead to nearby viewpoints and short hikes to exposure sites where the glacier's surface is visible - though be aware that rapid retreat has left many older pathways unreliable. The surrounding environment features temperate rainforest, with frequent rain and moss-covered forests that contrast sharply with the blue and white of the glacier surface. Expect changeable weather and prepare accordingly; the area offers year-round access, but winter conditions can be severe and facilities limited.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM