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The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes, and the cost is typically around $40. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes, and the cost is $10 per person. No matter how you choose to experience Mendenhall Glacier, you’re sure to have a memorable time. This natural wonder is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to the state. When exploring the glacier, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards. The glacier’s surface can be uneven, slippery, and unstable, so always watch your step and take care when walking on the ice.
Culture & History Of The Juneau Cruise Port
You may spot harbor seals sunning themselves on icebergs or swimming in the frigid waters. Additionally, be on the lookout for otters, porpoises, and even occasional sightings of whales, as they migrate through the nearby channels. Bald eagles are frequently seen soaring through the sky, perching on treetops, or fishing in the surrounding waters. Look up to the skies and keep your eyes peeled for these iconic birds of prey, as they add a touch of majesty to the already stunning landscape. Next, we’ll explore the exciting things you can do once you arrive at Mendenhall Glacier. So, grab your camera, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure to Mendenhall Glacier.
Other Wildlife
While you’re there, be sure to check out the jewelry, home decor, and artistic Lubiwood wooden puzzles. Glacier Silt Soap is a popular gift shop in Juneau that offers an assortment of handmade soaps. The tram to the top of Mt. Roberts is an easy way to view Juneau from above. If the top of the mountain is cloudy, you may not want to ride up. It’s the perfect spot for people interested in learning more about glaciers and how they form. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center welcomes you to learn about this beautiful glacier and its surrounding area.
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tours
Once on the glacier, experienced guides will lead you on a walking tour, pointing out interesting features and explaining the history and formation of the glacier. Mendenhall is a major glacier 13 miles north of the Juneau cruise port. The glacier, which is inland and not viewable from a cruise ship, is part of the 16-million-acre Tongass National Forest. The forest covers most of southeast Alaska and surrounds Juneau as well as most of the Inside Passage.
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On our first trip to Alaska, we had a fabulous whale watching experience, which I share on my post, Juneau whale-watching tours which guides you in choosing the best ones. It does cost $5 to enter, and you can get your ticket from the automated machines in the parking lot. With the entrance fee, you can access the salmon viewing boardwalk, the Photo Point trail, and the bookstore, among other features. Honestly, no one ever asked for a ticket, nor did I see a place to show it. When you cruise to Alaska, chances are good that you’ll visit Juneau, one of Alaska’s best cruise ports. Juneau has so many wonderful things to do that you’ll find it hard to fit them all into one day.
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Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare Service
Buses depart half-hourly from both points, provided you have a reservation. Juneau offers no shortage of activities, but you can easily see the best of Juneau in one day with this port guide. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious, and there are so many things to do, especially in the summer.
Watch for Wildlife
The bus ride is a good option for those who don’t want to hike, or for those who have limited time. By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and rewarding hiking experience at Mendenhall Glacier. Whether you choose a short stroll or a longer trek, exploring the hiking trails allows you to connect with nature and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier up close. With its stunning backdrop of the glacier and the surrounding mountains, Mendenhall Glacier provides the perfect setting for a picnic. Bring your own food or grab a bite to eat from the visitor center’s cafe and enjoy a tranquil meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The most popular way to visit the glacier is via the Mendenhall Visitor’s center. It takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the visitor center from the cruise port by car or shuttle. When visiting the Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise terminal, one of the exciting activities to look forward to is wildlife spotting. There are several opportunities to observe various animals in their natural habitat in this region. One of the most sought-after sightings is bears, as they can often be seen near the glacier or along the nearby trails. Eagles are also commonly spotted soaring overhead or perched in treetops, providing a magnificent aerial display.
Popular Travel Advice
Another very rugged route extends further from the main trail toward the glacier itself, but is recommended only for experienced backcountry travelers prepared for route finding. The area is notorious for lone hikers getting lost or injured and then requiring rescue. The trailhead on the lake’s southwest corner off Skater’s Cabin Road beyond the Mendenhall Campground. The highlight of this hike is that it is the best place to possibly see some bears in the wild. It is rare to see them when the area is crowded with your fellow cruise passengers, but even without wildlife spotting, you will have an enjoyable short walk through the forest. However, you’ll experience an unforgettable one as you see Mendenhall Glacier up close and, depending on the tour, even land on the glacier and walk around a bit.
Additionally, keep in mind that the Glacier Shuttle may become crowded during peak times, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid larger crowds and have a more serene experience at the glacier. This convenience allows you to make the most of your time at the glacier. Keep in mind that taxi and rideshare fares can add up, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time at the glacier. It’s essential to discuss prices and duration with the driver before starting your journey to ensure you have a clear understanding of the cost.
It may also be helpful to change the day of the week, as weekdays vs weekends may be different. But with the limit on Mendenhall Glacier tours, this isn’t necessarily something to count on if your cruise is summer 2023. You can also get to the Mendenhall Glacier by taxi, uber, lyft, or renting a car, according to the Juneau tourism people. For our most cost-effective method, Capital Transit (the city bus) will give you a ride most of the way for only $2 per person each way. If you only have five or six hours in town, you might not want to spend half of that time or more just at the glacier. Let’s look at the different ways to get out there using public transportation and you can decide which works best.
From the parking lot, you’ll get one of the best views of the Mendenhall Glacier. There is a visitors center that you can visit to deepen your knowledge before heading out on the trail. There are exhibits, a short informational documentary screening, and a bookstore. The nearest stop to the glacier is Mendenhall Loop Road and Mendenhall Loop Road (Dredge Lake). From there it is a 1.5-mile walk to the start of the glacier loop trail. The bus departs from Downtown Transit Center which is about a half-mile walk from the cruise dock.
You can choose from a guided hike, a boat tour, or a helicopter tour. Guided hikes are a great way to learn about the glacier and its history, while boat tours offer stunning views of the glacier from the water. Helicopter tours are the most expensive option, but they also offer the most dramatic views. So whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer excursion, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option to reach Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, public transportation is a convenient and accessible choice.
If you’re limited in time and want some great glacier shots, head to the Photo Point Trail instead. Here, you’ll have clear views across the water of the icebergs and the glacier’s terminus. There are a number of tour companies that offer tours to Mendenhall Glacier.
You can take a guided hike on the glacier, go kayaking on the lake, or take a flightseeing tour. It’s important to manage your time effectively when visiting Mendenhall Glacier. Be aware of the time you have available and plan your activities accordingly to ensure you can return to the cruise port or your transportation on time. Consider factors like transportation schedules, trail distances, and the time needed to explore various attractions. This convenience allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about practicalities.
With its crystal blue ice, towering ice walls, and cascading waterfalls, Mendenhall Glacier is a sight to behold. Mendenhall Glacier, located in the Tongass National Forest, is a breathtaking river of ice that has been slowly advancing for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular attractions in Juneau, Alaska, and draws thousands of visitors each year. There are a lot of stairs on this hike as well as some rock steps, rocky sections as well as some roots and mud.
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