1. Mendenhall Glacier is a 13.6-mile-long glacier in the Mendenhall Valley, located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska. It is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Interesting facts:
- The glacier was named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, who was a superintending geologist of the US Geological Survey.
- The glacier is estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
- Mendenhall Glacier is retreating at a rate of around 170 feet per year.
- The glacier is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and salmon.
2. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is open daily from May through September. From October through April it’s open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. The opening hours are from 8 am to 7:30 pm. You can call the visitor center at +1 907-789-0097 for more information.
3. Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is $10 per person, with children 15 and under admitted for free. There is no fee to access the glacier itself, but you will need to arrange transportation to get there. The easiest way to get to the glacier is to take a taxi or book a tour. Several companies offer glacier tours, including Alaska Shore Excursions, Juneau Tours and Whale Watch, and Gastineau Guiding. Prices vary depending on the provider and the length of the tour.
