juneau alaska cruise port to mendenhall glacier

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port

Are you planning a trip to Juneau to see the Mendenhall Glacier? Great! It’s beautiful and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

Once your cruise ship arrives in port, you’ll have to decide how you’re going to get there. It’s 12.5 miles from the cruise ship docks, so you won’t have time to walk. Nor would you want to, I imagine.

Let’s look at the different ways to get out there using public transportation and you can decide which works best.

(also be sure to check out our full Juneau itinerary to make the most of your time in port)

4 Ways To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Cruise Port

1. as part of a cruise excursion.

The easiest way possible is to simply have it booked as an excursion through your cruise ship company.

I’m not positive about the other companies, but I know that Princess Cruises offers it. It’s around $50 per person, they take you to the Glacier, show you the videos in the Visitor’s Center, then give you an hour to roam before driving you back to the docks.

The drawbacks of this method are that you might not be interested in the Visitor’s Center activities (watching videos, talking to a park ranger, etc) and the roundtrip journey is about three hours.

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.

2. Through A Private Tour Company

Another convenient option is to book a spot on a tour bus that leaves downtown from a parking lot right next to the docks.

There are multiple, but the one I’m familiar with (because a friend worked there a few years ago) is the Blue Bus Glacier Express.

For $45, they’ll pick you up from the Mount Roberts Tram parking lot, give you a narrated tour about Juneau and its history en route, drop you off at the glacier and then pick you up whenever you’re ready to come back.

If you want to be at the glacier for 30 minutes or five hours, you can choose. Buses depart half-hourly from both points, provided you have a reservation.

The only potential drawback is accidentally spending too much time at the glacier, which is very possible given all of the trails and walking routes nearby.

3. Via Capital Transit

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.

The downtown transit center is only a few blocks from where your ship will be anchored, but the nearest bus stop (at Dredge Lake) is a mile and a half from the glacier.

This is a great choice if you’re on a budget, have the time, and don’t mind a walk. There is a $5 fee to visit the Glacier if you aren’t part of a tour group that includes it, meaning it would cost $11.

The drawbacks are the walk, of course, and the fact that the bus ride is nearly an hour each way. Add the three-mile walk and it’ll be about three hours of your time, which doesn’t even include seeing the actual glacier.

It also makes it difficult to eat (meaning you miss out on Juneau’s amazing restaurants ), unless you bring a snack with you on the bus and eat it on the walk.

4. A Helicopter Tour

juneau alaska cruise port to mendenhall glacier

If you have the time and the money, you can take a helicopter tour that will land on the glacier and allow you to walk around.

They’re usually about $350 to $500 per person, but since you’re paying that much, they will send someone to pick you up from the docks and take you to the helipad.

The only drawback is that they only fly at certain times. I checked Temsco’s website and it looks like they’re only doing three flights a week.

The other perk of chartering a helicopter tour is that you’ll be able to get an aerial view of the glacier. Most people on the ground cannot actually fathom the vast expanse of ice as they only see the front side of it.

If someone I knew was coming into town and I couldn’t take them myself, I would recommend the Blue Bus or a similar company. That said, you should go with whichever option makes sense for you.

The only thing you should not do is call a taxi or a rideshare service. They’re more expensive, they aren’t always reliable, and you could get stuck out at the glacier if there aren’t any available when you want to leave.

However you choose to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, I guarantee you’ll have fun at one of the most beautiful places in a beautiful state. We can’t wait to see you soon!

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How To Go To Mendenhall Glacier From Cruise Port

Published: December 9, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Alfi Satterfield

Travel Guide
Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier! If you’re planning a cruise vacation and find yourself stopping at a port near Juneau, Alaska, then you’re in for a treat. Mendenhall Glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, is one of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders.

As one of the few accessible glaciers in Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier offers a unique opportunity to experience the icy beauty of this frozen giant up close. The glacier stretches over 12 miles and stands over 300 feet tall, making it an awe-inspiring sight for visitors of all ages.

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is a relatively straightforward process, with several transportation options available. Whether you prefer a guided tour or venture out on your own, there’s a method to suit your preferences and time constraints.

In this article, we’ll explore the different options for reaching Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, highlight the activities and attractions you can experience once you arrive, and provide some essential tips for a safe and enjoyable visit.

So, grab your camera, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure to Mendenhall Glacier.

Overview of Mendenhall Glacier

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.

The glacier is part of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, which spans over 5,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities and stunning landscapes. With its crystal blue ice, towering ice walls, and cascading waterfalls, Mendenhall Glacier is a sight to behold.

The glacier is easily accessible, making it a perfect destination for cruise ship passengers who want to explore the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers. Visitors can take advantage of the various trails and viewpoints to get an up-close and personal look at the glacier.

One of the most notable features of Mendenhall Glacier is the massive ice caves that form within the glacier. These enchanting caves offer a surreal experience, with sunlight filtering through the translucent ice, creating a magical atmosphere.

Aside from the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier, Mendenhall Glacier also serves an important role in scientific research. The glacier provides valuable data for scientists studying climate change and its impact on glacial retreat.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier is not just an opportunity to witness the power and beauty of nature; it is also a chance to learn about the delicate balance of our planet and the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations.

Now that we have an overview of Mendenhall Glacier, let’s delve into the different options for getting there from the cruise port.

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the Cruise Port

When your cruise ship docks at a port near Juneau, you’ll have several options for reaching Mendenhall Glacier. Let’s explore the most common transportation options:

Option 1: Shuttle Service

Many cruise lines and local tour operators provide shuttle services from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. These shuttles offer convenience and often include informative commentary along the way. They typically run on a regular schedule, allowing you to plan your visit accordingly and ensuring you don’t miss your ship’s departure time.

Shuttle services often provide a round-trip option, picking you up from the cruise port and returning you back in time for your ship’s departure. This is a hassle-free way to get to the glacier and allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about transportation logistics.

Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare Service

If you prefer more flexibility or want to explore additional attractions beyond Mendenhall Glacier, hiring a taxi or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a convenient option. Taxis and rideshare vehicles are readily available near the cruise port, and you can negotiate a more personalized itinerary with the driver.

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.

Option 3: Public Transportation

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take advantage of Juneau’s public transportation system to get to Mendenhall Glacier. The Capital Transit bus system offers regular service from the cruise port to the Mendenhall Loop Road, the main access road to the glacier.

Boarding the Glacier Shuttle, which is part of the Capital Transit bus system, will take you directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The bus ride provides a more local perspective and is a great way to immerse yourself in the local community while enjoying the scenic drive.

Option 4: Guided Tour

If you want a comprehensive and informative experience, joining a guided tour is highly recommended. Numerous tour operators in Juneau offer guided tours to Mendenhall Glacier, providing you with a knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating facts and stories about the glacier and its surroundings.

Guided tours often include transportation from the cruise port, allowing you to sit back and relax while the guide takes care of all the arrangements. They may also incorporate additional activities such as wildlife viewing, glacier hikes, or visits to other scenic spots in the area.

Now that you know the different transportation options, it’s time to plan your visit and explore the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier. Next, we’ll highlight some of the exciting things you can do once you reach your destination.

One of the most convenient and hassle-free ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is by taking a shuttle service. Many cruise lines and local tour operators offer shuttle services specifically designed to transport visitors to and from the glacier.

Shuttle services provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey and the stunning views along the way. Here’s what you can expect when choosing the shuttle service option:

Convenience and Schedule

Shuttle services typically operate on a regular schedule, ensuring that you have ample time to explore Mendenhall Glacier before returning to the cruise port. The departure and return times are designed to align with the docking times of the cruise ships, giving you peace of mind that you won’t miss your ship’s departure.

Because the shuttles have designated pick-up and drop-off points at the cruise port, you won’t have to worry about navigating your way through unfamiliar streets to find transportation. This convenience allows you to make the most of your time at the glacier.

Informative Commentary

Many shuttle services provide informative commentary during the journey, giving you valuable insights into the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. The knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and stories about Mendenhall Glacier, enhancing your overall experience and deepening your understanding of this natural wonder.

Flexibility and Options

Shuttle services often offer flexibility in terms of ticket options. Depending on your preferences, you may choose a one-way or round-trip ticket. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can opt for a shuttle that drops you off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and allows you to explore at your own pace. If you prefer a guided experience, you may find shuttle services that include a guided tour along with transportation.

Overall, taking a shuttle service to Mendenhall Glacier provides a convenient, stress-free, and informative experience. It allows you to focus on the beauty of the glacier and the surrounding nature without worrying about transportation logistics. With the knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedules, you can make the most of your visit to this extraordinary natural wonder.

Next, we’ll explore another transportation option: taxi or rideshare service.

If you prefer more flexibility or want to explore additional attractions beyond Mendenhall Glacier, hiring a taxi or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a convenient option. Taxis and rideshare vehicles are readily available near the cruise port, offering a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination.

Flexibility and Personalization

By opting for a taxi or rideshare service, you have the freedom to customize your itinerary according to your preferences. You can negotiate with the driver and discuss your desired duration at the glacier, allowing you to spend more time exploring or to visit other nearby attractions before returning to the cruise port.

The driver can also provide valuable local insights and recommendations based on your interests. Whether you want to visit a specific viewpoint, go on a wildlife spotting adventure, or explore nearby hiking trails, a taxi or rideshare service offers the flexibility to cater to your individual needs.

Comfort and Convenience

Taxis and rideshare vehicles provide comfort and convenience, especially for those who value privacy and flexibility. You can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable ride to Mendenhall Glacier, soaking in the scenery and preparing for the outdoor adventure that awaits.

If you are traveling with a group or have special accessibility needs, taxis or larger rideshare options can accommodate your specific requirements, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Cost Considerations

While using a taxi or rideshare service offers convenience and flexibility, it’s essential to consider the cost implications. The fares for taxis and rideshares can vary depending on the distance traveled, waiting time, and additional stops or attractions you wish to visit.

Discussing the fare and duration with the driver before starting the journey is crucial to avoid any unexpected costs. Make sure to communicate clearly about your destination and desired duration to ensure a mutual understanding of the price.

To sum up, opting for a taxi or rideshare service provides flexibility, personalization, and comfort during your journey to Mendenhall Glacier. You have the freedom to craft your own itinerary and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. However, it’s important to keep cost considerations in mind and communicate clearly with the driver to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Next, we’ll explore another transportation option: public transportation.

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. Juneau’s Capital Transit bus system offers regular service from the cruise port to the Mendenhall Loop Road, the main access road to the glacier.

The Glacier Shuttle

The Capital Transit bus system operates the Glacier Shuttle, a dedicated bus route that takes visitors directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The shuttle provides an affordable and scenic way to reach the glacier, allowing you to enjoy the journey while immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.

Convenience and Frequency

The Glacier Shuttle operates during the summer months when cruise ships are in port, ensuring you can easily access the glacier throughout the day. Buses run on a regular schedule, providing multiple departure and pick-up times from the cruise port area.

The convenience of the Glacier Shuttle allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. Whether you want to spend a few hours or the entire day at Mendenhall Glacier, the frequent shuttle service ensures you have ample time to explore and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

Affordability and Local Experience

Using public transportation to reach Mendenhall Glacier offers an affordable option compared to other transportation methods. The fare for the Glacier Shuttle is typically nominal, allowing you to save money while experiencing the beauty of the glacier.

Furthermore, taking the Glacier Shuttle provides a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and immerse yourself in the Juneau atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to interact with locals and fellow visitors, enhancing your overall experience and deepening your connection to the destination.

Considerations and Planning

While public transportation offers convenience and affordability, it’s important to consider a few factors when planning your visit to Mendenhall Glacier. The Glacier Shuttle operates on a fixed schedule, so it’s essential to check the departure and return times to ensure they align with your desired visit duration.

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.

Overall, public transportation, specifically the Glacier Shuttle, provides a cost-effective and convenient option to reach Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. Embrace the local experience, enjoy the scenic route, and appreciate the affordability it offers. Next, we’ll explore another transportation option: guided tours.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and enriching experience while visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, joining a guided tour is an excellent option. Guided tours provide a wealth of knowledge, convenience, and the opportunity to explore the glacier and its surroundings with a knowledgeable and experienced guide.

In-depth Commentary and Information

A guided tour to Mendenhall Glacier offers the benefit of expert commentary and information. Guides are well-versed in the history, geology, and wildlife of the area, providing fascinating insights and enriching your understanding of the glacier.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the formation and environmental significance of Mendenhall Glacier, as well as the various flora and fauna that call the area home. The guides are passionate about conservation and will share valuable insights into the impact of climate change on glaciers.

Transportation and Logistics

Guided tours typically include transportation from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier, taking the stress out of arranging transportation on your own. The tour operators ensure that you have a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the scenery.

By joining a guided tour, you’ll have the peace of mind that all logistics, such as transportation and timing, are taken care of, ensuring that you won’t miss your ship’s departure time. This convenience allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about practicalities.

Additional Activities and Experiences

Guided tours often offer added value in the form of additional activities and experiences. Depending on the tour, you may have the opportunity to partake in activities such as wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, or visiting other notable attractions in the area.

These added experiences provide a well-rounded adventure, allowing you to make the most of your time at Mendenhall Glacier and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. The guides are well-versed in the area and can take you to hidden gems and viewpoints that you may not discover on your own.

When considering a guided tour, it’s advised to research and compare different tour operators to find a tour that suits your interests, budget, and preferred level of activity. Whether you prefer a leisurely tour with minimal physical exertion or an adventurous exploration of the glacier, there are options to suit every preference.

By joining a guided tour, you’ll gain insights, convenience, and additional activities that will enhance your visit to Mendenhall Glacier. With the guidance of experienced professionals, you can create lasting memories and fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this natural wonder.

Next, we’ll explore the exciting things you can do once you arrive at Mendenhall Glacier.

Things to Do at Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier offers a variety of activities and attractions that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this natural wonder. Here are some of the top things to do when you arrive at Mendenhall Glacier:

1. Explore the Visitor Center

Start your visit by exploring the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find informative displays, exhibits, and interactive presentations that provide insights into the glacier’s formation, the surrounding ecosystem, and the impacts of climate change. Don’t miss the theater, which screens fascinating documentaries about the glacier and its history.

2. Take a Scenic Walk

Embark on a scenic walk along the trails near Mendenhall Glacier. The Nugget Falls Trail is a popular choice, leading you through lush forests and arriving at the foot of the breathtaking Nugget Falls, where you can witness the glacier and the cascading waterfall firsthand. The Photo Point Trail also offers stunning viewpoints for capturing memorable photographs.

3. Visit the Ice Caves

If conditions allow, consider joining a guided tour to explore the magical ice caves within the glacier. These remarkable formations offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you walk through translucent blue ice tunnels and witness the captivating light play. It’s important to note that access to the ice caves is subject to safety and environmental conditions, so be sure to check with local authorities or tour operators for availability.

4. Watch for Wildlife

Mendenhall Glacier is not just a sight to behold, but also a habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for the chance to spot black bears, eagles, beavers, and other local fauna in their natural environment. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with various trails and viewpoints providing a chance to observe these magnificent creatures from a safe distance.

5. Take a Kayak or Canoe Tour

For a unique perspective of the glacier, consider joining a kayak or canoe tour on Mendenhall Lake. Paddling through the calm waters allows you to get up close to the glacier and experience the magnificent ice walls from a different vantage point. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the glacier and the surrounding wilderness.

6. Enjoy a Picnic or Relaxation Time

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. Alternatively, find a quiet spot to sit and take in the serenity of the glacier, allowing yourself to fully relax and rejuvenate.

Remember to follow any guidelines or regulations set by park authorities to help preserve the fragile ecosystem and ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. With these activities and attractions, Mendenhall Glacier offers a truly unforgettable experience for all those who visit.

Next, we’ll provide essential information about the hiking trails available at Mendenhall Glacier.

Hiking Trails at Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is surrounded by a network of scenic hiking trails that offer a chance to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, there’s a hiking trail at Mendenhall Glacier to suit every interest and fitness level. Here are some of the notable trails to explore:

Nugget Falls Trail

The Nugget Falls Trail is one of the most popular and accessible trails at Mendenhall Glacier. This relatively easy and well-maintained trail takes you through the enchanting Tongass National Forest, offering stunning views of the glacier and the roaring Nugget Falls. The trail is approximately 2 miles round trip, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Photo Point Trail

If you’re looking for a shorter and more leisurely walk, the Photo Point Trail is a great option. This easy trail takes you to a scenic vantage point overlooking Mendenhall Lake and the glacier. With interpretive signs along the way, you’ll learn about the geology and natural history of the area. The trail is wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable choice for all visitors.

East Glacier Loop Trail

For those seeking a longer and more moderate hike, the East Glacier Loop Trail is a rewarding option. This 3.5-mile loop trail takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier and have the chance to spot wildlife. The trail does involve some elevation gain, so be prepared for moderate exertion.

West Glacier Trail

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a more challenging adventure, the West Glacier Trail is a popular choice. This 7.4-mile trail takes you through rugged terrain and offers stunning views of the glacier, icebergs, and surrounding mountains. As you navigate steep inclines and rocky sections, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas that make the effort worthwhile. It’s important to note that the West Glacier Trail requires proper hiking gear and preparation due to its difficulty level.

Trail Safety and Considerations

Before embarking on any hiking trail at Mendenhall Glacier, it’s essential to be prepared and take necessary safety precautions. Here are a few key considerations:

Check trail conditions and closures before heading out, as weather and wildlife activity can impact trail accessibility.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, including layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
Carry essential supplies such as water, snacks, a map, and a first aid kit.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Bears and other wildlife may be present in the area.
Stay on designated trails to minimize impact on the fragile ecosystem and preserve the natural environment.

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.

Next, we’ll delve into the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities at Mendenhall Glacier.

Wildivfe Viewing Opportunities

Mendenhall Glacier provides an incredible habitat for a variety of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Here are some of the wildlife viewing opportunities you may encounter while visiting Mendenhall Glacier:

Black Bears

Black bears are a common sight around Mendenhall Glacier, particularly during the summer months when they come to feed on salmon in nearby streams. The best chance of spotting these majestic creatures is along the hiking trails near the glacier, such as the Nugget Falls Trail and the East Glacier Loop Trail. Remember to maintain a safe distance, respect their space, and never approach or feed them.

Bald Eagles

Mendenhall Glacier is also an excellent spot for eagle-watching. 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.

Marine Wildlife

While exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area, keep an eye out for marine wildlife in Mendenhall Lake. 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.

Beavers and River Otters

The streams and ponds near Mendenhall Glacier are home to beavers and river otters. These playful and industrious animals can often be seen swimming or building their dams and lodges. Look for signs of beaver activity, such as chewed trees and dams along the trails or near bodies of water.

Other Wildlife

Mendenhall Glacier’s surrounding wilderness is also inhabited by a variety of other wildlife. Keep an eye out for Sitka black-tailed deer, marmots, and snowshoe hares. You may even spot smaller mammals like squirrels and shrews scurrying along the trails. Birdwatching enthusiasts may enjoy glimpses of songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl that inhabit the area.

Remember to maintain a respectful distance and observe wildlife from a safe standpoint. It’s important to follow guidelines and regulations to protect both the animals and yourself. Binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens can enhance your wildlife viewing experience without intruding on their natural habitat.

Experiencing the wildlife at Mendenhall Glacier offers a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of life in this pristine environment. Make sure to take your time, be patient, and fully immerse yourself in the wonder of observing these incredible creatures.

Next, we’ll explore important safety considerations and tips for visiting Mendenhall Glacier.

Safety and Important Considerations

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and be mindful of important considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Glacier Safety

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. Avoid getting too close to crevasses or areas with signs of meltwater as these can be dangerous.

Weather Conditions

Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be prepared for changing conditions. Dress in layers and bring appropriate rain gear as rain showers are common in the region. Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for the possibility of cold temperatures, wind, or fog, especially when hiking near the glacier.

Wildlife Safety

Respecting wildlife and their natural habitats is essential. Do not approach or feed any animals you encounter, including black bears and eagles. Maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar. If you spot a bear, make noise to alert them to your presence and slowly back away. Always carry bear spray and be knowledgeable about its proper use.

Trail Etiquette

When hiking the trails around Mendenhall Glacier, be mindful of trail etiquette. Yield to other hikers going uphill, stay on designated trails to protect the fragile vegetation, and pack out any trash or waste you bring in. Be considerate of fellow hikers and maintain a respectful distance from others on the trail.

Glacier Caves Safety

If you have the opportunity to explore the ice caves within Mendenhall Glacier, exercise extreme caution. Caves can be unstable, and accessing them may require specialized knowledge and equipment. Always go with a knowledgeable guide, and follow their instructions regarding safety precautions, such as wearing helmets and using proper lighting equipment.

Time Management

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.

By keeping these safety considerations in mind and being prepared, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit to Mendenhall Glacier. Respect the environment, wildlife, and fellow visitors to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Now, let’s conclude our exploration of Mendenhall Glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a glimpse into the awe-inspiring beauty and power of the Alaskan wilderness. While visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, you have a range of transportation options, including shuttle services, taxis or rideshare services, public transportation, and guided tours.

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Juneau Tours and Excursions - Juneau, AK

The Glacier Shuttle Tour is a quick and convenient way to travel to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors’ Center. Our tour is provided under a permit with the USDA Forest Service. We have departures almost every hour. It is a 30 minute narrated tour to the park, you get two hours to explore on your own, then meet your tour guide for the rest of your tour! Pickup and drop off is conveniently located at the cruise ship terminal next to the Goldbelt Tramway. This tour includes entrance fee to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors’ Center, which is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the summer months sits on the edge of the Mendenhall Glacier, one of 38 large glaciers that flow off the Juneau Icefield.

Once you arrive at Juneau’s natural treasure the Mendenhall Glacier , you’re free to explore this wonder from a variety of perspectives like Nugget Creek Falls , Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier’s face, or the East Glacier Loop. Check t rail times , difficulty and the shuttle departure times with your driver before you go. The hike time to the Nugget Falls and back is 40 minutes round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and have fun!

The granddaughter of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall on our shuttle.

There’s plenty to do outside, but for a closer look at the history and geology of the glacier, your ticket includes entrance to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center . You can study the elevated view of the glacier on display as well as interactive geological exhibits explaining glacial formation.

The glacier is named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall , a noted scientist, who served on the Alaska Boundary Commission that was responsible for surveying the international boundary between Canada and Alaska. In 1892, this glacier was renamed to honor Mendenhall. One of the founding board members of Ohio State University, Mendenhall never actually visited Alaska, however it was his techniques that ended a long-standing dispute over the actual boundaries of the country.

Canada is not far away. A short helicopter flight over the mountains will take you into British Columbia, just 40 or so miles away. The ice field is the reason that Juneau has no roads running in or out.

For more information call (907) 723-9209 or book online .

Juneau Tours LLC

PO Box 21795 Juneau AK 99802

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How to get from juneau cruise port to mendenhall glacier.

When I disembarked from the cruise ship in Juneau, my heart leaped with excitement at the thought of seeing the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. The immense size and otherworldly allure of this natural spectacle had fascinated me for a long time. Now, positioned at the lively port, my resolve was firm to discover the most efficient route to this frozen wonder.

Luckily, there are several options to choose from. One option is a scenic bus ride, where you can soak in the stunning Alaskan landscape as you make your way to the glacier. If you’re feeling adventurous, a helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the glacier, providing an unforgettable experience.

For those who prefer a more grounded approach, there is a hiking trail that takes you right to the glacier’s edge. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a convenient and hassle-free journey. Group tours are also available, allowing you to explore the glacier with fellow nature enthusiasts. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take public transportation.

No matter which method you choose, one thing is certain: the journey to Mendenhall Glacier will be a memorable one. So grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this icy wonderland.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Activities at Mendenhall Glacier include leisurely strolls, adventurous hikes, and the freedom to customize your itinerary.
Public transportation from Juneau cruise port to the glacier offers convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
The journey on public transportation provides comfortable seating, spectacular views, and the opportunity for wildlife sightings.
Choosing public transportation allows for an independent and personalized experience, with the ability to set your own pace and spend as much time as desired at the glacier.

Scenic Bus Ride

The scenic bus ride from the Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier is an absolute must-do for nature lovers. As you embark on this journey, get ready to feast your eyes on stunning landscapes and capture breathtaking moments through scenic photography.

The bus takes you through winding roads surrounded by lush greenery, with glimpses of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Keep your camera handy as you might spot some wildlife along the way, such as bald eagles soaring through the sky or black bears foraging for food.

The bus ride offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and get up close to Alaska’s incredible wildlife.

And now, let’s transition into the subsequent section about the ‘helicopter tour,’ where you’ll experience an even more exhilarating adventure.

Helicopter Tour

I recently had the opportunity to take a helicopter tour over the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, and it was an experience I will never forget. As we soared through the sky, I was in awe of the breathtaking views of the glacier from above. The sheer size and beauty of the ice formations were truly awe-inspiring.

Not only did the helicopter tour provide an incredible perspective of the glacier, but it also gave me a unique view of the surrounding mountains and fjords. From high above, I could see the jagged peaks and deep blue waters, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. It was a perspective that I would never have been able to witness from the ground.

For thrill-seekers like myself, the helicopter tour was an exciting and memorable adventure. The adrenaline rush of flying through the air, combined with the stunning scenery, made for an unforgettable experience. It was a thrilling way to explore the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience Breathtaking Views of the Glacier from Above

With a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of the glacier from above.

As the tram glides up the mountain, you’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of Mendenhall Glacier, with its majestic ice formations and stunning blue hues.

The panoramic vistas stretch out before you, offering countless photography opportunities to capture this natural wonder.

From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the immense scale of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. The sheer beauty of it all is simply breathtaking.

And as you continue your journey, you’ll get a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and fjords, showcasing the incredible beauty of Juneau’s natural surroundings.

Get a Unique Perspective of the Surrounding Mountains and Fjords

As you ascend the mountain on the Mount Roberts Tramway, prepare to be amazed by the unique perspective of Juneau’s surrounding mountains and fjords. This reveals a stunning landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.

From this vantage point, you’ll have the perfect opportunity for unique photography. You can capture the beauty of the mountains and the serenity of the fjords.

As you look out over the vast expanse, you might spot some of Alaska’s incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring through the sky or seals playing in the water below.

The breathtaking scenery combined with the possibility of encountering wildlife creates an unforgettable experience. It will leave you in awe.

So, get your camera ready and keep your eyes peeled as you embark on this exciting and memorable adventure for thrill-seekers.

Exciting and Memorable Adventure for Thrill-seekers

Prepare to be thrilled on this unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe of the stunning landscape and wildlife of Juneau’s surrounding mountains and fjords.

Juneau offers a wide range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers like me. From exhilarating ziplining experiences to heart-pounding whitewater rafting trips, there is something for everyone looking for an adrenaline rush.

As you embark on these thrilling adventures, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. You might spot bald eagles soaring overhead or even catch a glimpse of playful seals and sea lions in the crystal-clear waters below.

The combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and the chance to witness the incredible wildlife makes for an unforgettable experience. So buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Next, let’s move on to the hiking trail section, where we will discover the beauty of Mendenhall Glacier on foot.

Hiking Trail

To reach Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau cruise port, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail, because this is where the adventure begins!

The hiking trail to Mendenhall Glacier offers a thrilling experience for all adventure enthusiasts. The difficulty level of the trail is moderate, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels. The best time to hike is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the trail is easily accessible.

As you venture along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains. The trail is well-marked, ensuring you don’t lose your way.

After an exhilarating hike, you can transition into the subsequent section about ‘taxi or ride-sharing service’ for a convenient and comfortable ride back to the cruise port.

Taxi or Ride-sharing Service

Taxi or ride-sharing services are a convenient and direct transportation option for getting from the Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier.

With these services, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and make the most of your time exploring the glacier and its surroundings.

This option is particularly ideal for those with limited time or mobility concerns, as it provides a hassle-free and efficient way to reach the glacier and enjoy its beauty.

Convenient and Direct Transportation Option

Hop on the Glacier Express, the most convenient and direct transportation option, to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The Glacier Express is a direct shuttle service that offers a hassle-free way to reach the glacier. With its private transportation options, you can enjoy a comfortable and efficient journey. No need to worry about finding a taxi or navigating through unfamiliar roads. The Glacier Express provides a reliable and stress-free experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. To give you an idea of the Glacier Express schedule, here is a table detailing the departure times from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier:

With the Glacier Express, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and explore the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier at your own pace.

Flexibility to Customize Your Itinerary

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery as you chart your own course through the magnificent wonders that lie in wait. Customize your itinerary to create personalized experiences that suit your interests and preferences.

Here are three ways you can make the most of your time exploring the Mendenhall Glacier:

Choose your own adventure: Tailor your visit to the Mendenhall Glacier based on your desired level of activity and interests. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along the trails or a more adventurous hike to get up close to the glacier, the choice is yours.

Add on additional stops: Take advantage of the freedom to add other attractions or activities to your itinerary. Discover Juneau’s vibrant downtown area, visit historical landmarks, or even embark on a wildlife-watching excursion to see majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Spend as much time as you want: Unlike guided tours with strict schedules, a personalized itinerary allows you to spend as much time as you desire at the Mendenhall Glacier. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the ice formations, capture stunning photographs, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

With the flexibility to customize your itinerary, a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier is ideal for those with limited time or mobility concerns.

Ideal for Those with Limited Time or Mobility Concerns

Don’t miss out on the incredible experience of exploring the Mendenhall Glacier. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed, especially if you have limited time or mobility concerns.

Even if you’re short on time or have difficulty getting around, you can still enjoy the beauty and majesty of the glacier. Take advantage of the convenient transportation options available from the Juneau cruise port. These options are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility concerns, ensuring that everyone can experience the wonder of the Mendenhall Glacier.

So, whether you have limited time or mobility concerns, there’s no need to worry. Join a group tour to make the most of your visit to the glacier. It will allow you to see the highlights and learn about the glacier’s history and significance.

Unfortunately, joining a group tour is a great way to miss out on the freedom and flexibility of exploring Mendenhall Glacier on your own terms. While group tours can offer convenience and a structured itinerary, they often have large group sizes and limited time at each stop.

With a local guide leading the way, you may feel rushed and unable to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the glacier. Additionally, group tours may not cater to those with mobility concerns, as they often have a set pace and limited accessibility options.

However, if you’re looking for a more independent and personalized experience, consider exploring Mendenhall Glacier using public transportation. This allows you to set your own pace and spend as much time as you desire at the glacier, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling adventure.

Public Transportation

After considering the option of a group tour, let’s explore an alternative way to get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier: public transportation. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also provides a more flexible and independent experience. Public buses run regularly from the cruise port to the glacier, allowing you to set your own pace and timetable. Once you arrive at the glacier, you can embark on the breathtaking hiking trail that takes you closer to the glacier’s majestic ice formations. To help you visualize the journey, here’s a handy table:

With public transportation, you can embark on an exciting adventure to Mendenhall Glacier while enjoying the convenience and freedom it offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit mendenhall glacier.

The best time to visit Mendenhall Glacier is in the summer months when the weather is milder and the glacier is more accessible. You can witness the stunning blue ice and enjoy various outdoor activities.

Are there any age restrictions for the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier?

Yes, there are age restrictions for the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier. The tour company requires participants to be at least 10 years old. It’s an incredible experience, but make sure everyone meets the age requirement.

How long does it take to hike from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier?

Embarking on the hike from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier is an awe-inspiring adventure. The duration of the hike depends on your pace, but it typically takes around 2-3 hours. The difficulty level is moderate, with stunning vistas along the way.

Is it possible to visit Mendenhall Glacier independently without booking a tour?

Yes, it is possible to visit Mendenhall Glacier independently without booking a tour. There are various transportation options available for independent exploration, such as taxis, buses, or renting a car.

Are there any amenities or facilities available at Mendenhall Glacier, such as restrooms or food options?

Wow, let me tell you about the amazing amenities at Mendenhall Glacier! From clean restrooms to delicious food options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And don’t get me started on the convenient transportation options available to get there. It’s a dream come true!

In conclusion, experiencing the journey from the Juneau cruise port to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier is like embarking on a breathtaking adventure through nature’s masterpiece. Whether you choose the scenic bus ride, the exhilarating helicopter tour, or the invigorating hiking trail, each option promises to transport you to a world of awe-inspiring beauty.

With the convenience of taxis or ride-sharing services, group tours, and even public transportation, the possibilities are endless. So, let your heart be captivated and your soul be stirred as you embark on this unforgettable expedition to the enchanting Mendenhall Glacier.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

How Early to Arrive for a Cruise

How Is Princess Cruise Line Rated

Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond. Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

History of Lincoln Road

Established in 1912 by developer Carl Fisher as a pedestrian promenade in Miami Beach, Lincoln Road holds a significant place in the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. Fisher, a visionary, sought to create a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike to enjoy leisurely strolls and vibrant gatherings. The name 'Lincoln Road' was a deliberate choice by Fisher to disrupt the Confederate past and honor President Abraham Lincoln, symbolizing unity and progress.

Fisher's influence extended beyond Lincoln Road, as he also played a pivotal role in shaping other iconic Miami landmarks like the Lincoln Highway and Brickell Avenue, contributing significantly to the city's development. In the heart of South Beach, Lincoln Road became a beacon of inclusivity and diversity, embracing individuals from all walks of life. Over the years, the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID) has continued this legacy by fostering a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, further solidifying Lincoln Road's status as a symbol of love and acceptance in Miami Beach.

Shopping and Dining Experiences

Lincoln Road's vibrant atmosphere extends beyond its rich history, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a diverse array of shopping and dining experiences that cater to every taste and preference. As you stroll along this palm tree-lined road, you'll find a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and popular stores like Starbucks and Ghirardelli, perfect for a leisurely shopping spree.

When it comes to dining, Lincoln Road offers a culinary journey with iconic restaurants like Balans, Nexxt Cafe, and Van Dyke Cafe, known for their unique menus and vibrant atmospheres. Craving Italian cuisine? Indulge in delicious pasta dishes at one of the many Italian restaurants. For those seeking outdoor dining, enjoy a meal under the Miami sun with a beachy ambiance.

Don't miss out on happy hour specials at various eateries, adding a dash of fun to your dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, Lincoln Road has something for everyone.

Entertainment and Events

Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant world of entertainment and events at Lincoln Road! Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, nightlife options, a festive ambiance, ethnic dining experiences, or social events, Lincoln Road has something for everyone.

Check out the table below for a snapshot of the diverse entertainment and events you can enjoy at Lincoln Road:

Lincoln Road is not just a shopping and dining destination; it's a hub of entertainment and excitement waiting to be explored. So, come join us and discover the endless entertainment options this vibrant street has to offer!

Connectivity and Convenience

Exploring Lincoln Road not only unveils a vibrant world of entertainment but also reveals a seamless blend of connectivity and convenience for visitors. The Lincoln Road Mall boasts easy accessibility, with multiple parking garages and lots nearby, ensuring that visitors can reach this vibrant hub without hassle. Additionally, the area offers excellent connectivity through readily available ride-sharing services, making it convenient for visitors to travel to and from Lincoln Road with ease. The ongoing revitalization plans for the area further enhance its vibrant atmosphere, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for all to enjoy.

Moreover, the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of Lincoln Road adds to its charm, allowing visitors to explore the area comfortably on foot. This focus on convenience and connectivity not only improves the overall accessibility of Lincoln Road but also contributes to making it a bustling hub of activity in Miami Beach. Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Lincoln Road's connectivity and convenience make it a must-visit destination in Miami.

Embracing the Eclectic Vibe

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of attractions and experiences lining Lincoln Road in Miami, one finds a captivating embrace of eclectic vibes that beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a world of diverse delights. The street's essence, shaped by iconic architect Morris Lapidus, showcases a fusion of modern design and historical significance, creating a unique atmosphere that resonates with both locals and tourists alike.

Cuban Dishes : The aroma of savory Cuban dishes wafts through the air, enticing passersby to indulge in flavors that pay homage to Miami's rich cultural heritage.
Ice Cream : Sweet treats like artisanal ice cream from New World parlor add a refreshing touch to the bustling street, offering a cool respite on warm Miami days.
Draw Crowds : The eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and street performers draw crowds, creating a lively ambiance where every corner holds the promise of a new and exciting discovery.

Are There Any Hidden Gems or Lesser-Known Attractions on Lincoln Road That Visitors Should Check Out?

Sure thing! When exploring Lincoln Road, don't miss the hidden gems like local art galleries, quaint cafes, and unique boutiques tucked away from the main drag. These spots offer a more authentic Miami experience.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Lincoln Road to Avoid Crowds?

To dodge the hustle and bustle, we recommend strolling through Lincoln Road during the tranquil early morning hours. Experience the avenue's true essence as it awakens, unspoiled by the clamor of crowds.

Are There Any Free or Budget-Friendly Activities to Do on Lincoln Road?

Sure thing! There are plenty of free or budget-friendly activities to enjoy on Lincoln Road. From browsing unique shops and people-watching to catching live performances and enjoying delicious street food, there's something for everyone!

Can Visitors Bring Pets Along While Exploring Lincoln Road?

Yes, visitors can bring pets along while exploring Lincoln Road. Most shops, cafes, and restaurants are pet-friendly, offering water bowls and outdoor seating. Make sure to keep your furry friend leashed and clean up after them.

What Are Some Unique Souvenirs or Gifts That Can Be Found on Lincoln Road?

When exploring Lincoln Road, we uncover treasures like shimmering seashells washed ashore, symbolic of Miami's eclectic spirit. You'll find unique souvenirs like vibrant art pieces, handcrafted jewelry, and trendy fashion items.

As we bid farewell to the vibrant charm of Lincoln Road, we can't help but feel like we're leaving a piece of our hearts behind.

The eclectic mix of culture, dining, and shopping creates a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you in awe.

So, until we meet again, remember that Lincoln Road isn't just a destination, but a magical journey through the soul of Miami.

Come and experience the enchantment for yourself – you won't be disappointed!

How To Reseal A Wine Bottle For Cruise

An image capturing a hand firmly gripping a stainless steel wine bottle stopper, with a sparkling ocean backdrop

For vino enthusiasts, it’s quite discouraging to say goodbye to your selected wine bottle as you embark on a cruise journey. But fear not! I am here to guide you on how to reseal your valued wine, making it possible for you to savor it while cruising. Think of me as your personal wine connoisseur, ready to share my expertise so that not a single drop goes to waste.

In this article, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of resealing a wine bottle for your upcoming cruise adventure. From gathering the necessary supplies to properly storing the bottle, I will provide you with all the knowledge and techniques needed to keep your wine fresh and secure throughout your journey.

So grab a corkscrew and prepare yourself for an oenophile’s voyage of discovery. It’s time to unlock the secrets of resealing a wine bottle for that much-needed cruise getaway. Cheers!

Choose the right wine seal option for resealing a wine bottle for a cruise (synthetic corks, vacuum-sealed caps, etc.)
Properly remove the existing cork or cap before resealing the bottle
Clean the bottle opening thoroughly before inserting the new seal
Apply the appropriate pressure to securely seal the bottle and check for a tight fit

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Now, you’ll need to gather all the supplies you’ll need to reseal your wine bottle for your cruise adventure.

One of the most important aspects of resealing a wine bottle is choosing the right wine seal. There are various options available, such as synthetic corks or vacuum-sealed caps, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Synthetic corks provide a tight seal and prevent any unwanted oxygen from entering the bottle, while vacuum-sealed caps create an airtight environment that preserves the freshness of the wine.

Additionally, consider alternative methods for resealing wine bottles, like using specialized wine stoppers or even repurposing champagne stoppers for regular wine bottles. These options ensure that your precious cargo remains intact during your journey at sea.

Now that you have your supplies ready, let’s move on to removing the existing cork or cap for further preparations.

Remove the Existing Cork or Cap

To remove the existing cork or cap from a wine bottle, follow these steps:

Gently release the magical seal that guards the forbidden elixir within.
Use a wine opener to effortlessly remove the cork or cap without causing any damage.
Use a foil cutter to precisely cut the foil covering the top of the bottle, revealing the closure underneath.
Depending on the type of closure, use a corkscrew or bottle cap remover to remove the cork or cap.
Once the existing closure is removed, you can proceed with cleaning the bottle opening and preparing it for resealing.

By properly removing the existing cork or cap, you ensure the preservation and freshness of your wine throughout your cruise adventure.

Clean the Bottle Opening

To ensure the utmost preservation and freshness, it is imperative to delicately cleanse the opening of the bottle. A thorough cleaning technique is necessary to remove any residue or impurities that may affect the quality of the wine.

One effective method involves using warm water and mild dish soap. Gently scrub the bottle opening with a soft brush, ensuring all areas are reached. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Alternatively, you can use vinegar as a natural cleaning agent. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a small bowl, then soak a cotton ball in this solution. Rub the cotton ball around the bottle opening, paying attention to any stubborn stains or lingering odors.

Once the bottle opening is pristine and free from any contaminants, we can move on to preparing the new seal for our precious wine collection.

Prepare the New Seal

Once you’ve achieved a pristine and contaminant-free bottle opening, it’s time to get your new seal ready and experience the anticipation of preserving your precious collection. When it comes to choosing a new seal for your wine bottle, there are several options available. You can opt for traditional cork seals or explore alternative sealing methods such as synthetic corks, screw caps, or glass stoppers. Each option offers its own benefits and aesthetic appeal. To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison table showcasing the pros and cons of different seal options:

Now that you have explored the various new seal options, it’s time to insert the chosen seal into the bottle opening seamlessly.

Insert the New Seal into the Bottle Opening

As you elegantly slide the chosen seal into the pristine bottle opening, a sense of accomplishment and anticipation fills the air. The act of inserting a custom seal adds a personalized touch to your wine bottle, elevating it to a level of sophistication that is unmatched.

Consider using alternative sealing methods for a unique wine bottle experience, such as wax seals or decorative caps adorned with intricate designs. These options not only provide an extra layer of protection but also create a visual spectacle that captivates your guests’ attention.

Once the seal is securely in place, apply gentle pressure to ensure its snug fit. This ensures that no air will penetrate the bottle and compromise the quality of your precious wine.

Transitioning seamlessly into applying pressure to secure the seal, let’s explore how this simple yet crucial step completes the process of resealing your wine bottle for your cruise adventure.

Apply Pressure to Secure the Seal

After carefully inserting the new seal into the bottle opening, it’s time to ensure that it is securely in place. This step requires applying pressure to guarantee a tight and reliable seal.

Applying techniques to secure the seal is crucial to avoid any leakage during your cruise. Gently press down on the seal with your thumb, using firm yet controlled force. As you apply pressure, make sure to evenly distribute it across the entire surface of the seal, ensuring a uniform and effective closure.

Take your time and be mindful not to exert too much force that could potentially damage the bottle or compromise its integrity. Once you have secured the seal properly, it’s important to check for a tight fit before moving on to the next step without compromising its effectiveness.

Check for a Tight Seal

To ensure a tight seal, press down firmly on the seal with your thumb, picturing the satisfying click as it locks securely in place. Applying pressure is crucial to prevent any leaks during your cruise and maintain the freshness of your wine.

Once you have pressed down on the seal, run your finger along the edge to check for any gaps or irregularities. A properly sealed bottle should feel smooth and seamless.

If there are any concerns about potential leaks, consider alternative sealing methods such as using a vacuum pump or investing in resealable wine stoppers specifically designed for travel.

By taking these precautions, you can confidently store the bottle properly and enjoy your favorite wine throughout your cruise journey.

Store the Bottle Properly

After ensuring a tight seal on the wine bottle, it is crucial to store it properly to maintain its quality and prevent any potential leaks during your cruise. Proper storage includes considering temperature control and protecting the bottle from any unnecessary movement or exposure. To achieve this, I recommend following these guidelines:

Store the bottle horizontally: This position helps keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which could lead to air leakage.

Avoid extreme temperatures: Wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so find a cool and consistent spot in your cabin away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Use a wine bag or padded case: This will provide an extra layer of protection against accidental bumps or jostling.

By adhering to these proper storage practices, you can confidently transport your favorite wine on your cruise without compromising its taste or integrity. Now let’s move on to the next step – labeling the bottle for easy identification.

Label the Bottle for Identification

Labeling your bottle for easy identification is essential. This ensures that you can quickly locate your preferred wine amidst the sea of options available on board. Wine bottle decoration serves a practical purpose and adds an elegant touch to your sealed wine. Consider using personalized wine labels to make it truly unique and reflective of your taste. These labels can be customized with your name, the type of wine, or even a special message. By adding this personal touch, you will be able to easily spot your bottle among others and indulge in the pleasure of savoring exactly what you desire during your cruise. Take the time to create beautiful labels that will enhance both the visual appeal and enjoyment of your sealed wine on board.

Enjoy Your Sealed Wine on the Cruise

After carefully labeling your wine bottle for identification, it’s time to embark on your cruise and enjoy the sealed goodness.

As I step onto the luxurious ship, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the culinary delights that await me. However, before indulging in my favorite wines, I must familiarize myself with the cruise regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Cruise lines often have specific policies regarding bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages on board. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth sailing experience. To avoid any potential issues, consider exploring alternative wine storage options provided by the cruise line.

Some ships offer wine packages or onboard sommelier services that allow you to savor a variety of wines without worrying about resealing bottles.

As I settle into my elegant cabin, knowing that my carefully sealed wine is awaiting me adds an extra layer of excitement. With the soothing sound of waves outside my window and a perfectly chilled glass of wine in hand, I truly immerse myself in this extraordinary cruise experience.

Can I bring my own wine bottle on a cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own wine bottle on a cruise. However, most cruise lines charge a wine corkage fee for opening and serving the bottle at onboard restaurants or bars.

Are there any restrictions on the type of wine bottle I can bring on a cruise?

There are generally no restrictions on the type of wine bottle you can bring on a cruise. However, it’s important to consider wine bottle packaging and alternative wine storage methods to ensure your bottle arrives safely and in optimal condition.

Will resealing a wine bottle affect the taste or quality of the wine?

Resealing a wine bottle can impact the taste and quality, especially if not done properly. Techniques for resealing vary, but it’s important to ensure a tight seal to prevent oxygen exposure and potential negative effects on aging.

How long can a resealed wine bottle stay fresh on a cruise?

The shelf life of a resealed wine bottle can vary depending on preservation techniques. By using proper methods such as vacuum sealing or refrigeration, the freshness and quality of the wine can be preserved for several days on a cruise.

Are there any specific guidelines or regulations for storing resealed wine bottles on a cruise?

Are there specific guidelines or regulations for storing resealed wine bottles on a cruise? From storage temperature to labeling requirements, cruise lines typically have strict rules in place to ensure safety and compliance.

In conclusion, resealing a wine bottle for a cruise is an essential skill to ensure your favorite beverage stays fresh and ready to enjoy. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can confidently seal your wine bottle and prevent any leaks or spills during your voyage.

Did you know that approximately 12% of all bottles opened on cruises end up being wasted due to improper sealing techniques? This staggering statistic highlights the importance of properly resealing your wine bottles and saving every drop for your enjoyment on board.

What Is A Timber Cruise

A woodlands assessment functions as a guide for forest management, assisting in understanding and evaluating the resources within our forests.

In this article, we will delve into the definition, purpose, methods, and techniques used in timber cruises.

We will explore how these cruises play a vital role in sustainable forest management and delve into the training and certification required for timber cruisers.

Additionally, we will examine the challenges they face and the ethical considerations involved.

Furthermore, we will discuss their economic implications and showcase case studies of successful timber cruises.

Finally, we will touch upon future trends and potential developments in this crucial field.

So grab your gear as we embark on an enlightening journey through the world of timber cruises!

Timber cruises play a crucial role in assessing forest structure and composition using remote sensing tools.
Sustainable timber practices in timber cruises help minimize environmental impact and promote long-term forest health.
Ethical considerations in timber cruises focus on responsible logging practices and the preservation of forests.
Timber cruises provide essential tools for economic analysis in the forestry industry, including estimating the volume and value of standing timber and assessing market trends.

Definition and Purpose of Timber Cruises

A timber cruise is a survey of trees that helps determine their quality and quantity for harvesting purposes. It is conducted using specific methods and techniques that have been developed over time. These methods involve walking through designated areas of the forest and recording data about each tree encountered.

The data collected during a timber cruise includes measurements such as tree height, diameter at breast height, and species identification. This information is crucial for timber companies to make informed decisions about which trees to harvest and how much they can expect to yield.

To conduct a proper timber cruise, individuals usually undergo training and certification programs to ensure accuracy and consistency in data collection. These programs teach participants how to use various tools such as calipers, clinometers, and increment borers effectively.

Methods and Techniques Used in Timber Cruises

When conducting a timber cruise, I employ several methods and techniques to collect accurate data.

First, I traverse and map the forest by systematically walking through it and recording specific features such as boundaries, roads, and topography.

Next, I measure tree diameter and height using specialized tools like calipers and clinometers to ensure precision.

Finally, I calculate timber volume and value by using established equations based on the measurements collected during the cruise.

These steps are crucial in providing an accurate assessment of the forest’s resources.

Traversing and Mapping the Forest

As we venture through the dense forest, we can’t help but be captivated by the intricate beauty that surrounds us. Conducting a timber cruise requires traversing and mapping the forest accurately to assess its resources and ensure effective forest conservation. Here are four key aspects of traversing and mapping in a timber cruise:

Establishing transects: Transects are randomly selected lines used to collect data on tree species, density, and distribution throughout the forest.

Using compasses and GPS devices: These tools help navigate through the forest while recording precise locations for accurate mapping.

Identifying wildlife habitats: While traversing, it is important to note areas that serve as wildlife habitats, ensuring their protection during logging operations.

Documenting topographic features: Mapping includes capturing information about slopes, water bodies, and other physical characteristics of the terrain.

By carefully traversing and mapping the forest in a timber cruise, we can gather essential data for sustainable management while preserving crucial wildlife habitats.

Moving on to measuring tree diameter and height…

Measuring Tree Diameter and Height

Get ready to be amazed by the incredible heights and girths of these majestic trees as you measure their diameter and height, unlocking the secrets hidden within their towering presence.

Measuring tree diameter is a crucial step in timber cruising. To accurately determine this, I use a tape measure wrapped around the trunk at breast height (usually 4.5 feet above the ground). This provides an accurate representation of the tree’s girth, which is essential for estimating its volume.

Tree height is measured using various methods such as clinometers or hypsometers. By combining these measurements with mathematical formulas, we can estimate the total volume of timber that each tree holds. This information allows us to assess its value and potential usage in the timber industry.

Now let’s move on to calculating timber volume and value based on these measurements.

Calculating Timber Volume and Value

To truly understand the worth of these magnificent trees, you’ll need to delve into the intricate process of determining their volume and evaluating their value.

Calculating timber volume is a crucial step in assessing the amount of wood that can be harvested from a forest. This involves measuring the diameter and height of individual trees and using mathematical formulas to estimate their total volume.

Estimating timber value goes hand in hand with calculating timber volume. It takes into account factors such as tree species, market demand, quality of wood, and current prices to determine the monetary worth of the timber.

By accurately calculating timber volume and estimating its value, forest managers can make informed decisions about sustainable harvesting practices and ensure the long-term health of the forest ecosystem. Understanding these calculations is vital for effective forest management.

Importance of Timber Cruises in Forest Management

When managing a forest, timber cruises are essential for understanding the value of the trees and ensuring sustainable resource management.

The importance of data collection during timber cruises cannot be overstated. Accurate timber inventory is crucial in determining the volume and value of timber resources present in a particular area.

This information helps forest managers make informed decisions regarding harvesting, conservation, and overall forest health.

By collecting precise data on tree species, size, quality, and location, timber cruises provide valuable insights into the potential yield and economic viability of a forested area.

Furthermore, these cruises help monitor changes in the forest over time, allowing for adaptive management strategies to be implemented.

Training and certification for timber cruisers ensure that accurate data is consistently collected and analyzed by qualified professionals.

With this foundation established through timber cruises, effective forest management practices can be implemented seamlessly.

Training and Certification for Timber Cruisers

To become a skilled professional who can expertly navigate through the forest, identifying different tree species and assessing their health and value, proper training and certification are necessary. Several training programs are available that adhere to industry standards and cover various aspects of timber cruising. These programs include forest inventory techniques, tree measurement methods, and data collection protocols. They also provide knowledge on timber appraisal methodologies and the use of technology such as GPS devices and computer software for data analysis. Field exercises are often included in these programs, allowing participants to practice their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. Upon completion of these programs, individuals can obtain certifications that validate their competence as timber cruisers.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about the challenges and limitations of timber cruises, it is essential to understand how these factors impact the accuracy of forest management decisions.

Challenges and Limitations of Timber Cruises

One major hurdle in accurately assessing forests is the limited visibility caused by dense foliage and uneven terrain. These challenges pose significant limitations on the effectiveness of timber cruises.

It can be difficult for timber cruisers to navigate through dense vegetation, making it challenging to measure tree heights, diameters, and volumes accurately. Additionally, uneven terrain can make it hard to access certain areas of the forest, leading to incomplete data collection.

Furthermore, weather conditions such as rain or fog can further hinder visibility and impede accurate assessments.

Despite these challenges and limitations, advancements in technology and innovations have been developed to overcome these obstacles. These developments will be explored in the subsequent section about technology and innovations in timber cruises.

Technology and Innovations in Timber Cruises

Get ready to be amazed by the incredible advancements and mind-blowing innovations that have revolutionized the assessment of forests! Technology advancements in timber cruises have greatly improved accuracy and efficiency. One game-changing technology is remote sensing. Through the use of satellite imagery, LiDAR technology, and aerial surveys, foresters can gather precise data on forest structure and composition without physically visiting every location.

This technology not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with fieldwork. Remote sensing tools provide highly detailed information about tree height, crown density, and even species identification. By harnessing these techniques, foresters can make more informed decisions regarding sustainable practices and ethics in timber cruises.

Now, let’s transition into the subsequent section about sustainable practices and ethics in timber cruises…

Sustainable Practices and Ethics in Timber Cruises

Utilizing innovative technology in forest assessments has not only improved accuracy and efficiency but has also paved the way for sustainable practices and ethical considerations. When conducting timber cruises, it is important to prioritize sustainable timber practices. This involves adopting methods that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term forest health.

Ethical timber harvesting is another crucial aspect of timber cruises. It entails adhering to regulations and guidelines set forth by governing bodies to ensure responsible logging practices. To achieve sustainability and ethicality in timber cruises, the following measures can be implemented:

Implement selective logging techniques to minimize damage to non-target trees.
Maintain buffer zones around water bodies and sensitive habitats.
Replant harvested areas with appropriate tree species to restore biodiversity.
Monitor and control invasive species that can negatively impact the ecosystem.

By incorporating these sustainable practices and ethics into timber cruises, we can ensure the preservation of our forests for future generations while still meeting our societal needs for wood products.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about the economic implications of timber cruises, it is essential to consider how these sustainable practices can also have positive economic impacts on the industry as a whole.

Economic Implications of Timber Cruises

Timber cruises provide an essential tool for economic analysis in the forestry industry. By systematically measuring and recording various tree attributes such as size, species, and quality, timber cruisers can estimate the volume and value of standing timber on a specific tract of land. This information is crucial for determining market trends and making informed decisions regarding forest management practices.

Economic analysis based on timber cruise data enables foresters and landowners to assess the financial feasibility of logging operations, evaluate potential revenue streams from timber sales, and understand the long-term economic implications of different management approaches. By understanding these market dynamics through timber cruises, stakeholders are better equipped to make strategic choices about their forests’ future.

This knowledge gained from economic analysis during timber cruises opens up opportunities for case studies and examples of successful timber cruises.

Case Studies and Examples of Successful Timber Cruises

Imagine the thrill of uncovering hidden riches as you delve into real-life success stories of individuals who have unlocked the economic potential of their forests through meticulous data collection and strategic decision-making.

These case studies provide concrete examples of successful timber cruises that have yielded substantial returns on investment.

One such example is the case of a small-scale landowner in Oregon who conducted a timber cruise and used the resulting data to identify high-value timber stands. By strategically harvesting these stands and selling the timber at optimal market conditions, this landowner was able to generate significant revenue and improve overall forest health.

Another successful example comes from a large timber company in Canada that employed advanced technology during their timber cruise, enabling them to accurately estimate volume and value of timber resources. This allowed them to optimize harvest operations and maximize profitability.

These case studies demonstrate how effective timber cruises can lead to both economic prosperity and sustainable forest management practices.

Looking ahead, future trends and potential developments in timber cruises will continue to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability in forestry practices.

Future Trends and Potential Developments in Timber Cruises

Get ready to be amazed by the exciting advancements and possibilities that lie ahead in the world of timber cruises. Technology and innovation will revolutionize the way we manage and optimize our forest resources, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability.

Future trends in timber cruises are driven by technological advancements that promise to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability. Here are two sub-lists showcasing the potential developments:

Future Trends:

Integration of remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and drones for more precise data collection.
Adoption of machine learning algorithms to automate data processing and analysis.

Technological Advancements:

Development of mobile applications for real-time data collection in the field.
Utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and decision-making.

The combination of these future trends and technological advancements will enable us to gather more accurate information about forest resources, improve sustainable management practices, and ultimately contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

How long does a timber cruise typically take?

A timber cruise typically takes several days to complete. The duration depends on the size and complexity of the area being surveyed. During the timber cruise process, data is collected on tree species, size, quality, and overall forest health.

What are the potential risks and hazards associated with timber cruises?

During a timber cruise, potential risks and hazards include falling trees, rough terrain, inclement weather, wildlife encounters, and equipment malfunctions. Safety precautions like wearing protective gear and following proper procedures are essential to mitigate these dangers.

Are timber cruises conducted on public or private lands?

Timber cruises can be conducted on both public and private lands. Public lands, such as national forests, require permits for timber harvesting. Private lands, owned by individuals or companies, may have their own regulations for timber cruises.

Do timber cruises take into account the ecological impact of logging?

Yes, timber cruises take into account the ecological impact of logging practices. They assess and analyze the potential effects on ecosystems, including soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat loss, and biodiversity changes, to promote sustainable forestry management.

How do timber cruises contribute to the local economy?

Timber cruises play a vital role in the local economy by evaluating timber resources and estimating their value. With a keen eye on timber cruise benefits, these assessments provide valuable information for logging operations and contribute to the economic impact of the industry.

In conclusion, timber cruises play a vital role in forest management. They provide accurate data on timber resources, helping to ensure sustainable practices and ethical decision-making.

Timber cruisers undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure their expertise in methods and techniques used during the cruise.

While there may be challenges and limitations, such as variability in timber quality assessments, the economic implications of timber cruises cannot be ignored.

As we look towards the future, advancements in technology and data analysis will likely shape the development of timber cruises even further.

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How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Cruise Port

Located in the Mendenhall Valley, approximately 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist destination for Alaska cruise ship passengers . The spectacular Mendenhall Glacier offers visitors a close-up view of a glacier.

In this article, you’ll discover options of getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port and what you’ll see there. Regardless of your favorite cruise line, there are many Juneau cruising options available.

In addition, once you arrive in Juneau, there are many excursions available . However, pick the right excursion according to how much time you have in port.

Planning your trip to Mendenhall Glacier last minute?

Skip the line and get your tickets for the shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. You can explore and return when you want.

Mendenhall and whale watching – Combine both tours for your day in Juneau.

The picturesque Juneau glacier cascades into Mendenhall Lake, and it’s not unusual to see enormous icebergs floating in the waters below. Like many other Alaska glaciers, Mendenhall is retreating due to warmer temperatures and climate change.

If you’re traveling to Alaska and want to see Alaska’s most accessible glacier, come and explore the fantastic Mendenhall.

Take The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle

Since one million cruise ship passengers visit Alaska and Juneau each year, there are daily shuttles to the visitors center during the summer months. Passengers can pick up shuttle buses outside the Roberts Tramway Ticket Office close to the cruise terminal.

For under USD 50, the bus will provide you with a 30-minute ride to and from the visitor’s center and includes your park fee of USD 5.

Once your shuttle has dropped you off, make sure you know where to wait for the ride back and what your bus looks like. The Mendenhall Glacier blue bus is the most popular choice.

Mendenhall Glacier and visitor center in Juneau, Alaska

Many companies run services to the glacier, so make sure you know when the last bus leaves for Juneau. It’s important not to wait for the final bus because the line-up can get very long.

[Update for 2023] The visitor center has limited the number of visitors by commercial vehicle. Since most of the allotments were used in May and June, some tours to Mendenhall Glacier are getting cancelled, have a backup plan.

During my visits to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, I generally planned for the second to last bus back. That way, I had some leeway should a crowd of people queuing.

Grab A Taxi To Mendenhall Glacier

If you’re traveling with more than two, it’s cheaper and quicker to grab a taxi. We cruised with four in 2022, and the taxi cost us USD 33 each way, plus a fee of USD 12 per person to access the park.

I questioned the price of USD 12 because the park charges USD 5. However, the taxi driver said the park charges the taxi company an access fee. I later learned from the park employees that this was not true.

We got a business card for the taxi and texted for a ride back about 20 minutes before we needed it. When we arrived back at the taxi area, multiple taxis were waiting, so we may not have needed to make that call.

Use Ride Share

While Uber doesn’t operate in Juneau, Lyft does. You can use your Lyft app from other areas to request a ride. Lyft charges USD 27+ for a one-way journey to Mendenhall Glacier.

However, unlike Juneau taxi companies, it does not impose an additional fee to access the park. The fare rate does not include your park pass of USD 5. But, visitors can get one at the self-dispenser in the visitors center parking lot.

There are limited Lyft cars available, so if there are multiple ships in port, getting a Lyft might prove problematic, so you’ll need a plan B. Lyft cannot drop off at the visitor center (although some break the rules) so you’ll need to walk a distance from your drop off point.

Take The City Bus

If you’re traveling inexpensively, it costs USD 2 to take the city bus from the downtown transit center. This option provides the cheapest way to get to Mendenhall Glacier. Be sure to have the correct change.

The bus drops passengers at the corner of Mendenhall Glacier Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. Expect the ride to take up to an hour, depending on the number of stops.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Juneau

From there, it’s a little over a mile to walk to the visitors’ center. Park-goers can purchase a USD 5 pass from a ticket machine in the parking lot at the visitors’ center.

Take A Cruise Line Tour

If you’re worried about time and trying to do multiple things in the capital, sometimes it pays to take a tour. While whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular combo, there are other options too.

Having done that combination on two of my trips, I tried the Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Bake last trip. The outdoor barbeque was well organised and the grilled salmon delicious.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The United States Forest Service operates the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The center is open year-round but requires a pass to view the exhibits and access the Pavilion and the restrooms from May 1 until September 30.

Ironically, this happens to be cruise ship season. However, the fee is just USD 5 per person and helps to maintain the center, trails, and areas frequented by visitors.

This Juneau hot spot receives almost half a million visitors a year, and I’ve been one of them several times. Mendenhall is one of 38 glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield. It’s also the most accessible glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier retreat: 2014 Vs. 2022

Inside the center, visitors learn about the area’s flora and see how fast Mendenhall is retreating. It’s astonishing to learn that ice has melted back 1/3 mile in the last 15 years.

Bull’s Eye Lichen, one of the first plants to colonize after the glacier, grows on the rocky terrain outside and around the building.

From the visitors’ center, you’ll enjoy the best views of the glacier and Nugget Falls. At 1.5 miles wide, it pales in comparison to Hubbard Glacier, but its aquamarine hues are sure to delight.

The Mendenhall Glacier Park has an abundance of popular hiking trails . Whatever your hiking ability, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Near the parking lot, you’ll find a Mendenhall Glacier trail map to show you the different options.

Enjoy The Steep Creek Trail

After reading the area’s history and learning about Alaskan wildlife, take a short walk on the nearby Steep Creek trail. This elevated boardwalk offers views of salmon spawning, and if you’re lucky or unlucky (however you like to look at it), you may encounter a black bear.

Bears are common in Juneau , especially around Steep Creek. Park rangers are on hand to answer all of your questions and keep visitors at a safe distance from the bears.

You are advised not to bring food or flavored drinks into the area due to the frequency of black bears. It was too early to see bears in May, but we did see a porcupine in a tree.

If you walk a bit further to the river’s edge, huge icebergs are often spotted floating in the water. I was quite surprised at how warm the air temperature was, considering how close I was to a glacier.

This is not the case when you’re viewing the glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. If you want to know what to wear to Mendenhall Glacier, I suggest good walking shoes, some layers, and a lightweight waterproof jacket .

Walk The Trail To Nugget Falls

To get a closer look at Mendenhall Glacier, I suggest taking the Nugget Falls trail. It’s a leisurely stroll at 0.8 miles, and not only will you get a closer look at the glacier’s ice, but you’ll be treated to views of a thundering waterfall too. Plan to spend some time here so you can witness the glacier calving.

From the visitors’ center, walk towards the glacier and take the right-hand route at the fork. The path is flat and offers various flora of fireweed, lichens, alder, and spruce seedlings.

At the base of Nugget Falls, we could fly a drone for aerial shots of the falls and Mendenhall Glacier. While you can’t fly a drone in a National Park, Mendenhall is a US Park, and we asked two park employees for permission to fly.

At the sand flats in front of the waterfall, I could get better views of Mendenhall ice. However, the land obstructs the toe’s views. But for better vistas of the terminus, stop at the Photo Point Trail on the walk back.

The Photo Point Trail

If you’re limited in time and want some great glacier shots, head to the Photo Point Trail instead. It’s a mere 1/3 mile round-trip and takes only 15 minutes. This short walk will take you to the edge of Mendenhall Lake. Here, you’ll have clear views across the water of the icebergs and the glacier’s terminus.

Other Mendenhall Glacier Park Trails

On a warm summer’s day when several cruise ships are in port, the Mendenhall area can become quite congested. Try the East Glacier Loop instead if you want to escape the crowds and avoid the easy trails.

You’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes and a lightweight jacket because the climate can change quite a bit. The 3.5-mile looping trail is a moderate hike with stairs and switchbacks through a beautiful rainforest.

You’ll be treated to several waterfalls and streams as you traverse the boulders and tree roots on the trail. If you choose to hike the entire loop, expect it to take approximately two hours.

Alternatively, the 1-mile Trail of Time offers a gravel trail just south of the East Glacier Loop route. It’s a pleasant walk to view birds in a beautiful rainforest. On the walk, you’ll learn about the retreat of Mendenhall and see where the glacier used to be in 1916.

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves

On the other side of the lake is the West Glacier Trail. It offers access to the glacier itself and a chance to see the Mendenhall Glacier caves, should there be any. If you want to experience the glacier up close and personal, this is the trail for you.

It’s advisable to book one of the Mendenhall Glacier tours with trained guides who know the area. They will keep you safe, and if they discover a cave, will access its stability before allowing you to enter. These Juneau tours are quite popular but also fairly strenuous.

Mendenhall Glacier ice caves form as the water melts and create an underwater channel for the water to run. These caves may be small or quite extensive. When ice cave forms, they may last days, weeks, or even months.

Since Mendenhall is receding and melting at an alarming rate, ice caves can collapse at any moment. What may be there today, next week, or next month, may not be around next year. The scenery is always changing in Alaska’s land of ice.

Book a Mendenhall canoe paddle and trek if a strenuous hike isn’t up your alley. Instead of the leg power for hiking, you’ll need the arm power for canoeing up the river to the tip of the glacier. The canoe ride combined with a Mendenhall Glacier hike offers one of the best Alaska tours.

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tours

There is nothing more magical than viewing the magnificent blue hues of the Juneau icefields by air. Taking a helicopter ride out of Juneau is an exhilarating experience that I’d highly recommend.

Helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau helicopter tours and the guided hike is not inexpensive but worth every dollar you spend. Having experienced a helicopter tour myself, it’s one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska.

While I haven’t flown over Mendenhall Glacier, I did view it from my helicopter ride to Herbert Glacier. I remember my first experience of walking on a glacier all too well. The deep crevices and icy rivers of water running on top of the glacier amazed me.

Trekkers are warned to stay together and step carefully. Fresh snow sometimes covers large holes in the icy surface. My guide said if I fell into a crevice, I’d be discovered 2,000 years later when the ice melted. That was enough to keep me grounded in a safe spot, lol.

If you’re looking for a unique way to see and enjoy Mendenhall Glacier, consider a dog sledding adventure to the top of the glacier. You can read about my dog sledding experience to Herbert Glacier.

An unforgettable vacation to Alaska offers an array of Alaska glacier tours. Consider combining your trip to Mendenhall Glacier with a Juneau whale-watching tour.

A have done the Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching excursion several times, and it’s a doable tour on an Alaska cruise port day.

Other Tours To Mendenhall

While taking the bus to the Juneau glacier is the most popular route chosen by visitors, there are other unique tours that offer a different perspective.

How about a kayak Mendenhall Glacier tour, a Mendenhall Glacier float trip that offers a river rafting experience, or a Juneau glacier tour with an Alaskan salmon bake?

Regardless of your age or level of activity, there is a Mendenhall Glacier tour for everyone.

Mendenhall Glacier Tours

Premier Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo with an informative professional driver guide during transfers
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier with a driver-guide
Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Juneau City Sightseeing and Mendenhall Glacier Tour with a professional guide

Happy travels ~ Karen

Mendenhall Glacier Visitors sign and Nugget Falls

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irma alanis

Sunday 18th of February 2024

thank you so much for all this info is well explained and easy to understand for newies

Thursday 30th of June 2022

Thank you so much for this amazing info! I wanted to ask a clarifying question, is Lyft able to drop right at the visitors center? I’ve seen conflicting information. We are trying to get from auke bay to the visitors center after a whale watching tour vs going all the way back to cruise ship for another tour

Dan Kassner

Sunday 19th of March 2023

@Kelley, Neither Lyft nor Uber are authorized carriers into the Mendenhall national park.

Forever Karen

Hi Kelley, taxi drivers will tell you that only certain companies are authorized to drop off at the visitors center. This isn't true and it also isn't true that the Mendenhall Visitors Center charges a fee for taxis to drop off. Lyft is harder to get when there are lots of ships in port. If you're doing the whale watching tour and Mendenhall Glacier tour together, they take you from Auke Bay right to the visitors center.

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How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port

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Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls is an absolute must-do and it was just beautiful. I would like to share how we got to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center from the cruise port as we arrived on a cruise ship which was docked directly across from the Mt. Roberts Tramway. The choice was to either take one of the expensive shuttle buses that departs by the Tramway or take a public bus which required a little more time/walking for only $4 roundtrip pp. Im glad we choose the public bus route as it was easy peasy and inexpensive. The walk from the cruise port to the Downtown Transit Center was less than 10 minutes where we caught bus# 3 at 8:05 am and arrived at the Glacier Stop-439 at 8:55 am. From here we walked the 1.5 mile and arrived at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by 9:25 am. As a side note, I had read a very touching book, A Wolf Called Romeo, about a friendly wolf who had lived in this area. On the trail to Nugget Falls you will find a memorial plaque of Romeo and the wolf exhibit with Romeos recorded howls at the Mendenhall Visitor Center.

Have Lunch At The Red Dog Saloon

If you are looking for an authentic western style bar that fits Alaska well, stop for a beer and a bite at the Red Dog Saloon. The place is very nicely decorated and the food is quite good. You can see animal trophies and funny artifacts all around.

Even Wyatt Earps gun is on display, hanging on the wall! The sawdust floors and the waitresses wearing brothel apparel make the place very atmospheric. There is live music and the service is excellent.

Tour Agents & Operators

This Redmond, Washington-based company operates nine day tours in and around the Juneau area, including the Best of Juneau tour, the various gold panning tours, tours featuring the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, and the Custom Hummer excursion. Phone : 323-5757

Juneau-based Juneau Tours offers six day tours in and around the Juneau area, including helicopter tours, whale watching tours and dog sled tours. Phone : 523-6095

Juneau-based Mighty Great Trips offers ten day tours in and around the Juneau area, including Mendenhall Glacier tours, Mendenhall River Float tours, helicopter tours, whale watching tours, dog sled tours and more. Phone : 789-5460

Alaska Shore Tours is a local tour operator that offers a variety of active, adventure, sightseeing, cultural and historical, flightseeing and glacier tours. These tours run the gamut from kayaking, ziplining, sled dogs, flightseeing, whale watching and glacier exploration to city tours. Their prices are typically lower than those offered by the cruise lines, and when you book a tour through Alaska Shore Tours, you’re ensuring that the money you spend in Juneau stays to benefit the Juneau community. Plus they give 5% of the tour prices to charities, including the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Phone : 626-9600

Cycle Alaska is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.1107 West 8th Street

Note : F = Fair Chance G = Good Chance E = Excellent Chance

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Shopping Near The Juneau Cruise Port

Looking to get some souvenirs or local treasures while in Juneau’s cruise port? Here are some of the top places to shop:

Alaska Shirt Company 489 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801.

Trove – 497 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801.

Caribou Crossings – 387 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801

House of Russia – 389 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801

Foggy Mountain Shop – 134 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801

Private Mendenhall Glacier Trek Or Private Mendenhall Glacier Kayak & Trek

With Private tours, you have more time to explore the glacier & find cool features like this ice feature!

Whats the advantage of booking a private tour? Worried that you might slow the group down, or, on the flip side, that the group might slow you down? Want a more customized experience for your family or group with your own personal guide and more time to explore? Are you an avid photographer who wants time to capture that perfect shot? Want to propose to your significant other in the Mendenhall ice caves or even get married atop the glacier???

If you said yes to any of those questions, then the exclusive Private Mendenhall Glacier Trek or Private Kayak Paddle & Trek might be the perfect tours for you! Lets look at a quick breakdown of what these tours offer over their public equivalents:

Up to an additional hour of tour time
Allows children as young as 8 years old to participate
Hike & trek at your own pac
Customizable & personalized to your groups specifics interests, including photography, proposals, weddings, additional glacier or ice cave exploration, etc.
Up to an additional hour and a half of tour time
Paddle at your own pace in state-of-the-art tandem kayaks

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Opening Hours And Holidays:

In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays – generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open

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We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit.

We offer you convenience, flexibility and peace of mind.

Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting
No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees – the price you see is what you pay
Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you
Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise
Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call
Never get left behind. If a Norwegian organized tour is late, the ship will wait for you
Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators
Flexibility to modify or cancel excursions without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival into port. Any exceptions are noted in the tour descriptions.

Our most popular tours sell out quickly so we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

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Drive Toward Mendenhall Glacier In The Tongass National Forest

The glacier is located about 12 miles north of downtown Juneau. Head northwest on Egan Drive, take a right onto Mendenhall Loop Road which will turn into Glacier Spur Rd. Follow Glacier Spur until you see Mendenhall Loop Road on your left, turn left, and then continue on it. Take a right onto Montana Creek Road.

Where the road forks take the right onto Skaters Cabin road. Follow Skaters Cabin road to the parking lot at the end. This is the beginning of the West Glacier Trail .

To Shop Rental Cars

Culture & History Of The Juneau Cruise Port

In many ways, Juneau is a melting pot of cultures that is largely a mixture of Native American heritage and the 19th century mining industry. Most people that currently live in Juneau reflect these cultures as well.

For a clear understanding and a better look at the fascinating melting pot cultures of Alaska in general, and Juneau specifically, carve out a little time in your trip to visit the Alaska State Museum. Featuring exhibits on the culture, art, and history of the states Native American heritage, the museum is the official repository for the natural and cultural history of the state. Additionally, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum features an extensive history of the mining industry with exhibits about how it helped found Juneau during the 19th century.

The Auke Tribe of Tlingit Indians was among the first to settle the area that eventually became known as Juneau. The surrounding lands were abundant with food and natural resources, providing ample reasons for these original settlers to live comfortably and be productive. Although these were the first to settle into a life in this area, Juneau showcases a myriad of different Native American tribes from the Northwest Coastal areas.

In 1880, during the peak of the Gold Rush, gold seekers Joe Juneau and Richard Harris stumbled upon the area that was first named Harrisburg, and later renamed Juneau. The Tlingit Chief Kowee pointed the newcomers in the direction of gold when they arrived.

Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek

Glacier? Check. Mendenhall ice caves? Check . Adventure? Check. Fun? For sure! If you still want an active, exciting, jaw-dropping glacier tour without an intense leg workout, then youll definitely want to sign up for the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek! Rated as one of the most popular Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau has, this tour trades in hiking boots for rain boots as you paddle across Mendenhall Lake.

Your guides on the Paddle & Trek will determine whether the caves are safe to enter.

Dont be fooled into thinking this is a leisurely Sunday afternoon paddle though. Once youre all geared up with the necessary paddling equipment and in the canoes be ready to paddle for 5 miles and sit in the canoe for up to 3 hours.

The paddle is an enthralling journey in itself as you glide across the calm waters of Mendenhall Lake, encircled by the towering peaks of giants such as Thunder Mountain, Mt. McGinnis or the Towers. Watch the famous Nugget Falls grow in scale and grandeur as you paddle closer, passing icebergs with Arctic Terns perched atop like silent sentinels. Keep a sharp eye out for bald eagles, the occasional beaver, and even mountain goats. Keep your camera easily accessible as you navigate around the peninsula to catch the majesty of Mendenhall Glacier right in front of you!

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is equal parts a gorgeous botanical center and an adventure into the rainforest of the Tongass National Forest.

Tours begin with a guided walk through the landscaped lower gardens. Take in the sights and smells of immaculately manicured flowers and gardens.

Then, hop aboard an open-sided shuttle to tour the rest of the 50-acre property. This untouched forest has been preserved in its natural state. The tour also stops at several viewpoints that overlook the Mendenhall Valley, Gastineau Channel, and Chilkat Mountains.

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Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Tips

Mendenhall Glacier is a rare chance to see a huge glacier up close and on foot. Most Alaska cruise visitors see glaciers from vantage points on ships.

Yes, hikers in Alaska can visit glaciers on foot as part of a land tour, but they usually need expensive transportation such as helicopters to get there. A helicopter visit often costs $300 to $500 per person. Otherwise, cruise passengers usually see glaciers like the ones at Glacier Bay from the decks of their ships.

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. Tongass is the largest natural forest in the United States. The forest covers most of southeast Alaska and surrounds Juneau as well as most of the Inside Passage.

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau

Juneau Highlights & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Catch the Glacier Shuttle

Right in front of the cruise ships are shuttle stands. You can book a shuttle or taxi right there for around $45. The ride will take under half an hour and is narrated.

How to Take the Bus from Anchorage Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier

If you would like to save even more money, you can walk to the Downtown Bus Station . The bus will take you to Mendenhall for about 8 dollars round trip.

Take the #3 bus from the Downtown Bus Station to the Mendenhall Loop Road stop. The bus will let you off at the corner. You will cross the street and take the 1 1/2 mile walk on the road up to the Mendenhall Visitor Station. The whole trip will take you 1 1/2 hours each way, including the walk. The road is paved but will be alongside the forest. On this walk, we saw a mama black bear and two young cubs fishing in a stream on the side of the road.

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Aj Mine Gastineau Mill Tour

Learn about the history of the Alaskan gold rush era with the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour . Youll put on a hard hat and descend into a 360 foot-long tunnel in what was once the worlds largest gold-producing mill.

An experienced miner will demonstrate hard rock mining techniques and teach you about the old mining lifestyle. Back at the mill, youll have the chance to pan for gold and see the first steam engine brought to Alaska.

How Do I Get From Juneau To Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle The shuttle is the best mode of transportation from the Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. I found plenty of shuttles close to the Juneau port outside the Roberts Tramway Ticket Office. For $30, the bus provided a 30-minute ride to and from the visitors center.

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Stop For Lunch At The Base Of The Juneau Water Airstrip

Grab a crab lunch on the patio at the Flight Deck. It is touristy and expensive, but when can you eat crab while enjoying the quintessential Alaskan sight of seaplanes taking off and landing alongside cruise ships? If you dont want to spring for lunch, you can grab ice cream next door and stand by the railing. This is not the best crab I had in Alaska, though- that was in Hoonah .

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Am I Guaranteed To See The Mendenhall Ice Caves

Glaciers are dynamic, which means they are always changing. Its a well-known fact that Mendenhall Glacier has been receding at an alarming rate over the past decade, which has brought both beautiful and heartbreaking changes to the glacier and surrounding landscape.

As this river of ice continues to change, ice caves are formed and can last for months, weeks, or only a matter of days before melting and collapsing. For this reason, we never guarantee visits to, or entrance into the Mendenhall ice caves on any tour. Be assured though, if there is an ice cave open, accessible, and declared safe to enter by the guides , then you too can experience this phenomenal, icy cave of wonders.

We know the selection of glacier tours can be overwhelming, so weve put together a list to make it easier! Check out all of the adventurous Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers below:

Even when you dont see ice caves, these glacier tours will take your breath away!

Public Transportation To Mendenhall Glacier Transport In Juneau

Wondering how to get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport in Juneau, United States? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.

Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport in real time.

Looking for the nearest stop or station to Mendenhall Glacier Transport? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Downtown Transit Center Franklin St And Front Street Willoughby Avenue And D Street Glacier Avenue And 9th Street .

You can get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport by Bus. These are the lines and routes that have stops nearby -Bus: 3 , 4

Want to see if theres another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Mendenhall Glacier Transport easily from the Moovit App or Website.

We make riding to Mendenhall Glacier Transport easy, which is why over 930 million users, including users in Juneau, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You dont need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.

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Take Helicopter Flight With Glacier Landing

The most memorable and exciting trip in my opinion is the helicopter tour up to Mendenhall Glacier with a landing on the glacier itself. Despite its rapid retreat in recent years, this glacier is well worth a visit if youre in Juneau, especially if you have never been on one before.

The trip is relatively expensive, but the entire experience is absolutely unique. Before landing on the glacier, the helicopter will take you around the bay and over the mountains for about 30 minutes. If the weather is good, you will enjoy stunning views of the entire Inside Passage up to tens of miles away.

After landing, you will have the opportunity to walk on this huge mountain of ice that looks like a river that was frozen in its tracks. The tour is great and you will learn very interesting things about the ice field and the climate change.

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How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau Cruise Port

Doug Parker

January 10, 2020

Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s major attractions, and arguably one of the most scenic glaciers. The glacier is 13 miles from downtown Juneau and only a few minutes from the airport.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the 38 major glaciers within the Juneau Icefield, an area of interconnected glaciers that rests behind the mountain rising above Juneau. The icefield is spread over 1,500 square miles and flows from the Taku River inlet to Skagway.

Ice Caves at Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall ice caves have received increased attention due to the glacier receding 150 feet yearly. While public access trails exist, exploring glaciers with a professional guide is advised.

Tours of the ice caves are offered from July through September.

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Forest

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.

The Mendenhall Visitor Center offers observation decks, trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational displays. Public restrooms, a gift shop, snacks, and accessible ramps are also available at the center.

The hours of operation at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor’s center are :

8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily during summer months (May to September)
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during winter months (October to March)
Closed in April for Staff training.

The easiest way to explore the glacier is by purchasing a tour at the shore excursion desk on your cruise ship or through a third-party shore excursion company.

If you are booking through a tour company, admission to Mendenhall Glacier is typically included in the price. Doing it on your own will cost $5 per person , and visitors 15 years old and below are free. You can also take advantage of their season pass for $15.

Tickets can be purchased at the visitor’s center or the automated kiosks in the parking lot.

Alternate Ways To Explore Mendenhall Glacier

There are a few alternative ways to experience Mendenhall Glacier when cruising through Southeast Alaska .

Active travelers can take public transportation from the cruise pier to the glacier. Know that the public bus option does not drop you off at the glacier, but is about a mile away, so you will still have to walk to the visitor center’s entrance. As of this writing, the adult fare for the public bus is $2 for adults (18+) and $1 for kids(6 to 17 years old). Children below five years old are free.

Another alternative is to rent a bike and pedal to the glacier from Cycle Alaska. For adults, four-hour bike rentals start at $40 and can run as high as $70 if you want to rent an electric bike.

Remember that it’s 13 miles from downtown, and there aren’t a lot of bike trails. You can reserve your bike rental online through the company’s website. Remember that you can also rent in 8-hour or full-day increments. You should only consider this option if you’re an experienced biker!

Tours are offered at the pier from various private companies that run transportation to and from Mendenhall Glacier every thirty minutes. If you want to experience the glacier on your own and not part of an organized tour, this is a great option.

You can also view the glacier by helicopter. This is the priciest option but also the most visually stunning. Booking a helicopter tour can cost $500 or more per person if done through the cruise ship.

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.

Booking a flight tour is another option. These tours fly over the tops of the glaciers in Juneau’s Icefield and offer spectacular photo opportunities.

With flight tours and helicopter trips, consider shopping around instead of booking directly through the cruise line. Play your cards right, and you could find something for as little as half the price of a typical shore excursion. Do due diligence by researching the company; ensure you’re not booking with a fly-by-night (pun intended) company.

You should know that flight and helicopter options will have limits regarding a group’s size and collective weight. There may also be weight restrictions regarding each individual in the party.

The cruise lines are in business to make money, so many shore excursions offered by the ship could be double the price you see once you get on land. Conversely, Alaska excursions sell out quickly, so you may want to book your tour from a private or third-party vendor in advance.

Also, remember that because Alaska is a bucket-list destination, the excursions will cost more than you would pay for activities in locations such as the Caribbean. However, excursions in Alaska are also far more unique, with many of them falling into the category of “once in a lifetime.”

Facts About Alaska’s Glaciers

Juneau glacier spotting is often jaw-dropping on even an overcast day, so don’t let the rain deter your plans.
Glaciers have that mystical blue color because of a unique crystalline structure that soaks up and reflects light, providing the ice with its distinctive hue. The most vivid blue happens in crevasses and when the ice breaks from a glacier’s front. The blue color disappears as the ice opens to the air, and the crystalline structure cracks.
Although glaciers can seem to be sitting entirely still, they are continuously moving. Although it can be invisible to the naked eye, the movement of glaciers is so strong as to alter the landscape forever as it makes its way down mountains and through wooded lands.

READ MORE: Juneau Cruise Port Guide and Information

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How to Get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier (with Tips)

How to Get From Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier

Standing at 13,000 feet tall, Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations. Located just a short drive from Juneau, the cruise ship port, it’s easy to add a visit to this natural wonder to your Alaskan cruise itinerary.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, including transportation options, tour options, and things to do at the glacier. So whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day excursion, we’ve got you covered.

Transportation Options

There are several ways to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier. The most popular option is by shuttle bus, which takes about 30 minutes. You can also take a taxi or Uber, which will cost more but will give you more flexibility in terms of timing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a car and drive yourself.

Tour Options

There are many different tour options available for visiting Mendenhall Glacier. 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.

Things to Do at the Glacier

Once you’re at Mendenhall Glacier, there are plenty of things to do. You can hike on the glacier itself, take a guided nature walk, or simply enjoy the views from the Visitor Center. There are also several restaurants and shops at the Visitor Center, so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs.

Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a more extended adventure, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. With its stunning scenery and endless activities, it’s the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Last Frontier.

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There are four main ways to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier: by bus, by taxi, by car, or by tour.

The Juneau-Douglas City Transit System (JDS) operates a bus route that runs from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.00. The bus departs from the cruise port every 30 minutes, starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 7:00 PM.

Taxis are also available from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around $25.00. Taxis can be found at the cruise port taxi stand.

You can also drive from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The drive takes about 20 minutes and the cost of gas is about $5.00. There is a parking lot at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you can leave your car.

There are a number of tour companies that offer tours to Mendenhall Glacier. Tours typically include a guided walk on the glacier, as well as transportation to and from the glacier. Tour prices vary, but typically start around $50.00 per person.

The cost of transportation to Mendenhall Glacier varies depending on the method of transportation you choose. The following is a table of the costs for each method of transportation:

| Method of Transportation | Cost | |—|—| | Bus | $2.00 | | Taxi | $25.00 | | Car | $5.00 | | Tour | $50.00+ |

The best way to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier depends on your budget and preferences. If you are on a budget, the bus is the most economical option. If you are looking for a more convenient option, a taxi or tour is a good choice. If you want to drive your own car, you can do so, but there is a parking fee at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska, and for good reason. The glacier is located just a short drive from Juneau, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. There are a few different ways to get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and preferred mode of transportation.

There are four main ways to get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier: by bus, taxi, car, or tour.

The Juneau Transit System (JTU) offers a bus service to Mendenhall Glacier. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes and costs $20 round-trip. The bus leaves from the cruise ship terminal and stops at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Taxis are another option for getting to Mendenhall Glacier. The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around $50. Taxis can be found at the cruise ship terminal.

If you have a car, you can drive to Mendenhall Glacier. The drive takes about 30 minutes and the cost of gas is about $10. There is a parking lot at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

There are a number of tour companies that offer day trips to Mendenhall Glacier. Tours typically include transportation, a guided hike, and a boat tour of the glacier. Tour prices vary depending on the company and the length of the tour.

The amount of time it takes to get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. By bus, the trip takes about 45 minutes. By taxi, the trip takes about 30 minutes. By car, the trip takes about 30 minutes. By tour, the trip typically takes about 4-5 hours.

Here are a few tips for getting from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier:

Book your transportation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season.
Consider the weather conditions when choosing your mode of transportation. If it is raining or snowing, a bus or taxi may be a better option than driving yourself.
Bring comfortable shoes for your hike. The trails at Mendenhall Glacier can be steep and slippery.
Pack a lunch or snacks if you plan on spending a long time at the glacier. There are a few restaurants at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, but they can be crowded during peak season.

Getting from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier is easy and convenient. There are a variety of transportation options available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. With a little planning, you can enjoy the stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier on your next trip to Alaska.

How do I get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier?

There are several ways to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The most popular options are:

By bus: The Juneau-Douglas City Transit System (JDS) offers a shuttle bus that runs between the cruise port and Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 round-trip.
By taxi: Taxis are also available from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The fare is typically around $50 one-way.
By rental car: You can also rent a car and drive yourself to Mendenhall Glacier. The drive takes about 20 minutes and costs around $30 for gas.

Which option is the best?

The best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, the bus is the most economical option. If you’re short on time, a taxi is the fastest option. If you want the freedom to explore, renting a car is the best option.

What are the hours of operation for Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center?

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is open year-round, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the hours may vary during the winter months. It is always best to check the website for the latest information.

What are the best times to visit Mendenhall Glacier?

The best time to visit Mendenhall Glacier is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the weather is warmest and the glacier is most accessible. However, the glacier is also beautiful during the winter months, when it is covered in snow.

What are the different activities available at Mendenhall Glacier?

There are a variety of activities available at Mendenhall Glacier, including:

Hiking: There are several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints of the glacier. The most popular trail is the West Glacier Trail, which is a moderate 3-mile hike that takes you to the base of the glacier.
Biking: You can also bike along the Mendenhall Lake Trail, which is a paved trail that runs along the shore of the lake.
Boating: You can take a boat tour of Mendenhall Lake, which offers stunning views of the glacier.
Fishing: The waters of Mendenhall Lake are home to a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and char.

What are the safety precautions for visiting Mendenhall Glacier?

When visiting Mendenhall Glacier, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Stay on the trails. It is dangerous to venture off-trail, as there are crevasses and other hazards.
Be aware of the weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it is important to be prepared for rain, snow, and wind.
Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
Bring water and snacks. It is important to stay hydrated and well-fed when hiking.

there are a few different ways to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The most popular option is to take a bus tour, which will take you through the Tongass National Forest and offer stunning views of the glacier. You can also take a taxi or Uber, or rent a car and drive yourself. No matter how you choose to get there, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for any visitor to Juneau. It is a truly majestic natural wonder that is sure to leave you in awe.

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How to Ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center with Capital Transit

Approximate travel time.

The one-way trip with Capital Transit from downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center can take up to 1.5 hours, which includes a walk of about 30 minutes. The bus ride can take up to 1 hour, and the closest bus stop is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the Visitor Center.

There are several Cruise Ship terminals in the downtown area. Some are quite close to the Downtown Transit Center, but some terminals are up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away, which could result in an additional 30 minute or more walk in each direction.

NOTE : Various private tour companies offer “Glacier Shuttle” bus service or other tours from the downtown Cruise Ship terminals directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. These private buses normally only take about 30 minutes of total travel time from downtown to the glacier. Tickets for these private shuttles and tours can be purchased from vendor booths near the Cruise Ship terminal or on board the cruise ships, or tours can be booked in advance. Trip Advisor is just one of many sites that offer a list of tours that include the Mendenhall Glacier.

For a single ride on a Capital Transit bus, the fares are:

$2 for an adult (19 or older, including seniors)
$1 for a youth (6 – 18 years old)
FREE for children 5 or younger.

Fares must be paid in cash (coins or bills, US currency only). Drivers are not able to make change , so please have the correct fare ready when boarding the bus.

Larger bills may be used to pay for groups: for example, if you have a group of 2 adults plus 1 youth, the total fare for the group is $5, and you may pay the fare for the entire group with a five-dollar bill.

Click here for more information on fares, including tokens and passes.

Riding the Bus to the Dredge Lake Road bus stop

The following routes provide service to Dredge Lake Road, which is the closest bus stop to the Visitor Center:

3 MENDENHALL VALLEY
4 MENDENHALL VALLEY
8 VALLEY EXPRESS

You can use Google Maps transit directions from the Downtown Transit Center to Dredge Lake Road to plan your bus ride.

Depending on which route you take, the bus ride can take about 1 hour . Please let the bus driver know that you are going to the glacier when you board the bus, and listen for the announcement for “Dredge Lake Road” so that you do not miss your stop.

Walking between Dredge Lake Road & the Visitor Center

After getting off the bus, walk about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the Visitor Center, which takes approximately 30 minutes . You can follow the Google Maps walking directions from Dredge Lake Road to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center . The walk is flat, and follows a paved bike path which is wheelchair accessible.

Riding the Bus back to Downtown

You can catch a bus back to the Downtown Transit Center from the Dredge Lake Road bus stops on either side of the road, after walking back from the Visitor Center:

3 DOWNTOWN TC buses depart from Stop ID 439.
4 DOWNTOWN TC buses depart from Stop ID 469.
8 VALLEY EXPRESS buses depart from Stop ID 439, but will require a free transfer at the Valley Transit Center to a 3 DOWNTOWN TC, a 4 DOWNTOWN TC, or a 8 DOWNTOWN EXPRESS bus to continue to downtown.

You can use Google Maps transit directions from Dredge Lake Road to the Downtown Transit Center to return to downtown.

NOTE: On Sunday , the last bus to downtown departs from Dredge Lake Road at approximately 5:25 PM. On Monday through Saturday, the last bus to downtown departs from Dredge Lake Road at approximately 10:25 PM. Please be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the listed departure time so that you do not miss the bus.

If you have any additional questions, please call Capital Transit at 907-789-6901, or check out the links below.

How to Ride
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Bus Schedules & Rider Guide PDF
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About Capital Transit
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How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most well known glaciers in Alaska and an absolute must do when visiting whether it’s a port call on a cruise or a longer visit to Juneau on your own . This is the only glacier you can drive to in Southeast Alaska and has a wonderful visitor center and hiking trails.

I first visited Mendenhall Glacier in 1994 and have been many times since, both as a former Alaskan and a frequent visitor. It has retreated quite a bit since I first went to it 30 years ago, but still remains one of the most beautiful places in Alaska and is a favorite of Juneau residents, not just visitors. In Juneau it is referred to simply as “the Glacier”.

Spring 2024 Note : in 2023, a large increase in visitors to Juneau made getting to the glacier harder. Make sure to book early if you want to go to the glacier and are arriving by cruise ship (this does not impact independent travelers driving a car to the glacier).

The glacier is the homeland of the Aak’w Kwaan (Tlingit People).

A bonus about visiting the glacier is that it’s a great activity on a rainy day as well as a sunny day, so grab rain jacket or umbrella and enjoy exploring this special place.

This article will tell you everything you need to know to visit the glacier from the perspective of a former resident and a frequent visitor as well as a tour guide. If you’re trying to figure out how to get to the glacier without a tour, let me save you some time and hassle and tell you that you should either book the tour or take the shuttle. Do not try to get there another way unless you’re staying in Juneau for a few days with a rental car. More details on both the shuttle and the tour options are below. If you’d rather listen to information about Mendenhall Glacier, check out Episode 13 of my podcast .

Where is Mendenhall Glacier?

Is mendenhall glacier worth seeing.

Wheelchair Accessibility

How to get to Mendenhall Glacier from a cruise ship

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter
Visiting Mendenhall Glacier by kayak

Can I visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves?

How to get to mendenhall glacier if you’re visiting juneau on your own, how much time do you need at mendenhall glacier.

Things to do at Mendenhall Glacier

What to wear at Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is located near the town of Juneau, Alaska in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska.

Absolutely! Most visitors have glaciers as one of their must see experiences while visiting Alaska and the Mendenhall Glacier is a unique and easy place to see one.

While you cannot drive to Juneau itself, once you’re in Juneau this is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska you can drive to. While there are other ways to get to the glacier (like a kayaking or helicopter tour discussed below), it’s very straightforward to take a tour or a shuttle from the cruise ship docks.

The Mendenhall Glacier on a foggy and rainy day. There are rocks and forested mountains on both sides and evergreen trees in the foreground with Mendenhall Lake between the trees and the glacier.

Wheelchair accessibility at the Mendenhall Glacier

The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible including plenty of room to move around the exhibits and in the theater where the film is shown. Wheelchair users can also access both the Photo Point Loop which goes down to the lake with excellent views as well as the trail to Nugget Falls. These trails are both wide, mostly flat and barrier free.

The East Loop Trail has a lot of stairs and steep sections as well as some rocks and roots.

If you are a full time wheelchair user, it’s extremely important to book transportation to Mendenhall Glacier that is wheelchair accessible. This is easy to do but must be arranged in advance as not all vehicles have lifts in Juneau (most do not). I recommend booking an excursion through your ship to guarantee this.

If you are driving on your own, there is ample wheelchair accessible parking in the parking lot.

If you’re in Juneau on an Alaska cruise and you want to visit Mendenhall Glacier, you have two options – a tour or a shuttle to the glacier. I’ll explain the pros and cons below as well as why I don’t recommend the city bus or a taxi or ride share.

How far is Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau’s cruise ship dock?

The Visitor Center is about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, where Juneau’s cruise ship docks are located. It’s about a 30 minute drive.

Mendenhall Glacier Tours

The easiest and most straightforward way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from your cruise ship is to book a shore excursion that includes a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. This will also give you a short tour of Juneau and a guaranteed seat on a bus at a guaranteed time.

You can also book a tour on the dock if there is still space available, but if it’s important to you to get to the glacier I recommend booking in advance.

The benefits of the tour are mainly having a guaranteed seat at a guaranteed time. This includes the entrance fee for Mendenhall Glacier.

If you want to combine your visit to the glacier with Juneau’s other must do activity, whale watching, Juneau Tours offers a combo that takes you to both in one tour. This tour is not offered on ships and you do need to book in advance as this is a popular option.

Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle

If you want to get out to Mendenhall Glacier but don’t want to be on a tour, the Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle is the way to go.

*NEW IN 2024* – due to the massive demand for Mendenhall Glacier and limited permits, to take the shuttle you will need to commit to a specific time to leave and depart.

Can I take the city bus to Mendenhall Glacier?

You can take the city bus to Mendenhall Glacier. However, I don’t recommend it because it takes a long time (1.5-2 hours each way depending on your walking speed and where your ship is docked). It also involves a three mile round trip walk to the bus stop which is not doable for everyone. It does only cost $2 (cash only), so if you have lots of time and enjoy walking, go for it. The bus goes once an hour. Here’s all the info about how to do it.

Can I take a taxi or Uber or Lyft to Mendenhall Glacier?

A difficult thing for people to wrap their head around in Juneau is the limited availability and long wait times for on demand rides. Theoretically, Juneau has a few Uber and Lyft drivers, but I’ve never been able to successfully get a ride (I keep trying because I’m curious about this). Similar to other Southeast Alaska port towns (and lots of other places in Alaska) it’s still mostly taxis.

There are several taxi companies and in my experience you usually have to wait a long time (45 minutes to an hour) after calling for a ride. Taxis also drop off further away than buses from the visitor center and there is a steep surcharge per person to get dropped off at the glacier. It costs quite a bit more than the shuttle round trip, although with a bigger group it might work out financially, but it’s still a hassle.

So, while it is possible, I don’t recommend trying to take a taxi or ride share to the glacier. Go for a tour or the shuttle instead. Trust me on this and save yourself a big headache!

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter

A helicopter at a dog sled camp on a glacier surrounded by mountains on a partly cloudy day

For those who want to get up onto the ice and walk on Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll need to do that by helicopter. If you’re on a cruise, book through your cruise ship and book as early as you can because this shore excursion is popular and nearly always sells out!

If you’re not traveling on a cruise ship, then you can book it on your own.

The real highlight of landing on the Mendenhall Glacier is getting to go dog sledding in the middle of summer on the ice of the glacier! This is a truly incredible splurge if you’re looking for something really special and expensive on your trip.

Keep in mind that there is always the possibility of a helicopter trip being cancelled due to weather, but do not wait to see what the weather is going to be to decide to book as it will probably be sold out by then. Make your decision about whether or not to do it and then let fate (or weather) make the final call! You may also land on a different glacier (Herbert Glacier).

Expect this experience to take about 3 hours and cost around $650-$700 per person.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier By Kayak

A kayak tour is a really unique way to experience Mendenhall Glacier. Paddle across the lake and get to hike around closer to the glacier than you would otherwise be able to. If you want to experience the glacier this way, you’ll need to be on a guided tour.

This is also a way to experience kayaking in very calm water, since you’ll be on a lake and not in the ocean. The water is still extremely cold!

You can book the tour on your ship or independently if you’re not on a ship, but make sure to book in advance! Expect this experience to last around 3-4 hours and cost around $300 per person.

A lot of people have heard about Mendenhall Ice Caves and like all glaciers, ice caves come and go and melt and collapse. At the time of this writing, there are not ice caves at Mendenhall Glacier you can safely access.

If you’re one of the lucky travelers spending more time in Juneau on your own than just a day in port on a cruise ship, you have the same options for getting out to the glacier. If you have a rental car, you can just drive there and park. Although the visitor center is a very busy place in the summer, parking is no problem since most visitors are arriving by bus.

There’s a $5 entrance fee per person.

It depends on what you want to do. An hour is enough time if you are just going to go to the Visitor Center and out on the Photo point trail to a great view of the glacier.

If you want to walk out to Nugget Falls, you’ll want to give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours.

If you want to add a longer hike, such as the East Glacier Loop trail, give yourself at least 3 hours and as much as 4-5 if you also want to go to Nugget Falls and experience the visitor center.

Most tours will give you 1.5 to 2 hours at the glacier, depending on the rest of the tour stops. Just ask how much time there is at the glacier and make sure it matches what you want to do. You can always choose the shuttle instead of a tour if you want to be flexible about the time.

A small waterfall coming over a flat rock face in a forest on a rainy day

Things to do at the Mendenhall Glacier

The Glacier has several great opportunities for visitors, whether you just want to take in a view, learn about glaciers and the habitat around this one at the visitor center, or go for a hike.

See the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

A view of the Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake as well as Nugget Falls seen from the porch of the visitor center.

The glacier has an excellent and spacious visitor center with frequent ranger programs and an excellent movie. Here, you can learn about the wildlife and plants of the Tongass National Forest in general and the Juneau area specifically as well as the unique habitat and features of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake and the Mendenhall River.

The visitor center has done an excellent job of sharing the impact of climate change on Alaska’s glaciers and the Mendenhall Glacier in particular. Don’t miss the movie which is excellent.

While you’re at the visitor center, explore the short trail of time as well as the Photo Point trail which takes you down to the shores of Mendenhall Lake for excellent photo opportunities.

Look for Salmon Running in Steep Creek

The Steep Creek Trail is a short boardwalk over the creek that is partially closed during the salmon run, but you can still see salmon in the creek when they are running. Look for the boardwalk near the shuttle bus stop.

Walk to Nugget Falls

A waterfall crashing down the rock to a sandy beach near a lake with Mendenhall Glacier in the background. A person in a red rain jacket is sitting on a rock looking at the waterfall.

Waterfall lovers will not want to miss this mellow, flat trail to a gorgeous roaring waterfall on the shores of Mendenhall Lake.

Nugget Falls is about a mile from the visitor center on a flat and wide trail. Give yourself an hour to walk there and back, plus however long you want to spent soaking up the waterfall (which might be awhile!).

Hike the East Glacier Loop Trail

Mendenhall Glacier seen through the forest across a lake on a cloudy day

Hikers will not want to miss the East Glacier Loop Trail! This is also a terrific way to leave crowds behind as the visitor center area does get very crowded on busy ship days. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike this loop (at least 2.5 hours) as it has some steep sections. It’s quite wet on this trail even when it’s not actively raining and waterproof footwear is a good idea.

The trail starts above the visitor center and is well signed. It’s a beautiful and at times steep hike through the rain forest, with lots of small creeks and waterfalls and views of the glacier and the Mendenhall Valley.

Mendenhall Lake with a few icebergs in in on a cloudy and rainy day. There is forest in the foreground as well as the forested hillsides and mountains in the distance

There are a lot of stairs on this hike as well as some rock steps, rocky sections as well as some roots and mud. The loop is just over 3.5 miles with about 900 feet of elevation gain.

I have a full guide about what to pack for Alaska , which is good advice for the Mendenhall Glacier.

The most important thing is to wear (or bring) a rain jacket. An umbrella can also be helpful if you have one. If you’re planning to hike, waterproof footwear and possibly rain pants are a good idea. You’ll also want to make sure you have sunglasses (even if it’s rainy!) as the weather often changes several times a day.

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Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk (JU02)

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Board a modern turbine-powered helicopter for a flight to the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of thriving rain forests, alpine ridges and mountain peaks before landing and exploring the ice!

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MENDENHALL GLACIER TOURS

Mendenhall Glacier Tours

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Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

$359 / person

Join the ultimate Alaskan adventure that takes you up close and personal with the Mendenhall Glacier. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time for pictures and exploration while trekking with your guides next to READ MORE...

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

$239 / person

Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service so book early for this unique experience! Pad READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

$659 / person

This tour is the same as our Juneau Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour except that it will take you on a thrilling mushing ride across the Mendenhall Glacier. After your transfer to the helicopter base, you'll take off on READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

$379 / person

Featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA -- travel back to the Ice Ages with Alaska's original glacier helicopter tour! Board a modern turbine-powered helicopter for a flight to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier! Soar through the READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

$219 / person

This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in Juneau! While out on the water, there is no doubt that you'll see humpback whales - this is the time of year they travel to Alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of k READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

$199 / person

Get ready for a true outdoor experience - you're going on an exhilarating river rafting adventure down the beautiful Mendenhall River. There is something for everyone; whether this is your first time or you're experienced! Yo READ MORE...

Auke Bay Paddle and Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $209 / person

Adventure along the captivating coast of Auke Bay on a sea kayaking experience with a short hike along Mendenhall Lake. A stopover on the West Glacier Trail allows for distant views of the Mendenhall Glacier, beautiful Nugge READ MORE...

Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure

$269 / person

If you want to be the lucky few who can face the majestic Mendenhall Glacier under a very limited U.S. Forest Service permit, this is the right tour for you! Your guide will teach you kayaking techniques, then board the two-p READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier View Sea Kayaking

$154 / person

You'll be off to the north side of Douglas Island for panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay, where you'll board a two-person kayak sailing as the Aleut Indians did! As you view the Mendenhall Glacier from the READ MORE...

Juneau Guided Mendenhall Glacier Hike

Just outside of Juneau, take a short drive and begin an invigorating 6-7 mile hike through the Tongass National Forest. Wind your way through the forest where you'll emerge and find panoramic views of the beautiful Mendenhal READ MORE...

Juneau Privately Guided Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $265 / person

One of the most popular glaciers in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier can be visited on this privately guided tour. Hike through the Tongass National Forest and around the majestic Mendenhall Glacier on foot. Exploring the uniqu READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake

$279 / person

Experience three of Juneau's most popular attractions with this three-in-one excursion! This tour begins with a narrated transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center. You'll have plenty of time to take in the majestic READ MORE...

Juneau Mendenhall Lake Kayak & Salmon Bake

$309 / person

Experience tandem kayaking on the pristine glacial waters of the Mendenhall Lake. For two hours, navigate the waters with your professional guide as you take in the natural beauty and learn about the history and ecology of t READ MORE...

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About Mendenhall Glacier Tours

Best mendenhall glacier tours & excursions, 1. juneau whale watching & mendenhall glacier tour, 2. mendenhall glacier ice adventure tour, 3. glacier walk & helicopter tour, 4. mendenhall glacier float trip, 5. juneau mendenhall glacier & salmon bake tour, 6. dog sledding & helicopter tour, 7. mendenhall lake canoe tour, 8. kayaking & mendenhall glacier viewing, visiting mendenhall glacier.

If you're in the Juneau area, a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier is a must-do activity.

Mendenhall Glacier is a massive and mighty river of ice that extends 13 miles. Featuring vivid blue ice and awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Coast Mountains, the Mendenhall Glacier is a natural wonder. It is part of the Juneau Icefield , located within the Tongass National Forest .

When you visit, you’ll step back in time to the last ice age, when Juneau Icefield spilled forth with 38 glaciers, including the Mendenhall with its with rugged, icy crevasses. Have your camera ready as you wander along the well-maintained trails to view black bears, salmon streams, and even bald eagles.

You can get to the glacier via one of our scenic Medenhall Glacier tours, taxi, or car.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center

When you arrive at the visitor’s center, take a short walk on Photo Point Trail, about 0.15 miles, to a beautiful viewpoint, great for taking photos of the glacier. The trail is paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Once you’ve taken the perfect glacier photo, head to the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center to learn more about the glacier and watch a 15-minute video. You can also pick up a trail map from the National Forest Service. Many people enjoy learning about the science of the glacier, along with the area’s rich history. The visitor’s center charges a small fee for entry, but you can use the restrooms and visit the bookstore for free.

Nugget Falls

If you have more time, take a 15-20 minute walk along the trail to Nugget Falls to reach a large and beautiful waterfall. Enjoy the spectacular sight of the waterfall spilling into an iceberg-filled lake, with the glacier in the background. This is the closest you can get to the glacier from this side of the lake.

The Nugget Falls Trail is 2 miles roundtrip and takes about an hour to accomplish. It is a well-maintained, gentle trail with dirt and gravel.

Spotting Wildlife: Salmon and Black Bears

Those visiting the Mendenhall Glacier in late July through September can look for views of black bears fishing for salmon. Head left from the roundabout onto a series of boardwalks for the Steep Creek Trail. If you’re lucky, you’ll find black bears chasing the salmon that have spawned in the creek. (Don’t worry, bears can’t get up to the platforms where you’ll be.)

Steep Creek Trail is a 0.25 mile loop, and takes about 20 minutes to see. The trail is easy for most visitors, alternating between pavement and raised boardwalks.

Mendenhall Glacier Weather

Mendenhall Glacier weather is typically mildest in May through September. During the summer, expect highs in the 60s and always bring a rain jacket - just in case. (But don't let rain discourage your trip! The glacier is beautiful on cloudy days.)

Overcast days can bring some of the best glacier views and photographs, so don’t let a little rain discourage you! You can find the current Mendenhall Glacier weather conditions on our page.

Cool Mendenhall Glacier Facts

In addition to its splendor and beauty, the Mendenhall Glacier offers fascinating insights into science and history.

Why is the Ice Blue?

The ice appears blue, because it absorbs all of the colors of the visible light spectrum except blue, which it reflects. Other ice may appear white, because it is highly fractured with air pockets and scatters the visible light spectrum. The ice is bluest in the areas least exposed to air.

How Did the Glacier Form?

Year after year, snow accumulates and compacts underlying snow layers from previous years into solid ice. Snowfall in the Juneau Icefield often exceeds 100 feet, which creates excellent conditions for glaciation. Mendenhall Glacier is one of 38 glaciers that flow from Juneau Icefield.

The Glacier Looks Still; Is it Moving?

Yes, the glacier is always moving, shaping the landscape as it goes. While the movement is very, very slow, the glacier is always moving and flowing downhill like a river.

How Did Mendenhall Glacier Get its Name?

The glacier was actually orginally known as Sitaantaagu (“the Glacier Behind the Town”) or Aak’wtaaksit (“the Glacier Behind the Little Lake”). Naturalist John Muir named the glacier Auke Glacier in 1888. Then, in 1891, it was renamed in honor of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, who served as Superindendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1889 to 1894.

Choosing Your Excursion

There's a Mendenhall Glacier tour for everyone. 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.

For even more to do in Juneau, check out our list of the best things to do in Juneau .

What are the best Mendenhall Glacier tours?

The best Mendenhall Glacier Tours are:

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk
Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Can you walk on top of Mendenhall Glacier?

Yes, you can walk on top of Mendenhall Glacier. Our Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour lands on top of Mendenhall Glacier and allows you to walk around and experience the glacier.

Reviews for Mendenhall Glaicer

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure:

“Our guides were both extremely professional and showed us amazing sites and info. The canoeing and glacier walk to the Mendenhall Glacier were spectacular. I am also grateful for all the preplanning you put in with the prepackaged snacks and water and hot beverages at the end. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!” Sharon

Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour:

“This was a fantastic excursion and the highlight of our trip to Alaska. The whole operation is professional, safety first, and streamlined. The flight over was beautiful. As you leave the town of Juneau, you head over the mountains and get a frontal look at Mendenhall Glacier meeting the lake. You then go out further and see the other glaciers in the area and the Juneau Icefield. This gives you an amazing perspective that simply can't be achieved on the ground. Once on the glacier, you are assigned to a musher and a dog team, there were 4 of us assigned to a sled. They stopped enough times for each of us to sit or stand in a different sled position. We got to meet the dogs and there were also puppies at the time we were there. The flight back was equally amazing with a buzz over the Mendenhall Glacier again. This is a don't miss activity and well worth the money spent!” Frank

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour:

“We thoroughly enjoyed our canoe trip to see Nugget Falls and the Mendenhall Glacier. Our guides, David and Meara were well prepared, knowledgeable, professional and a lot of fun. I would highly recommend doing this tour.” Dean

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour:

“This is a top notch excursion and I highly recommend it. The whale watching was fantastic. Saw multiple humpbacks at three different areas blowing, breaching and slapping their tales. We even had one breach within 10 feet of the boat! Captain Kyle and his crew, Greg and Nate, were all very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They even took us to an area where we saw a huge colony of 100+ Stellar sea lions! Can't speak highly enough of them. Mendenhall Glacier is spectacular and not to be missed on your trip to Juneau.” Louis

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour:

“This was the best experience of our entire trip! The staff was amazing and so friendly. This is definitely worth the money spent. The glacier is beautiful and the helicopter flight made it possible to see so much at one time. Experience of a lifetime.” Kendra

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Mendenhall Glacier shuttle in July 2023 🏔 What’s going on with the shuttle from Juneau cruise port? 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

Getting to the Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port has gotten harder for the rest of the summer.

People who have had Mendenhall Glacier shuttles pre-booked for late in the summer report that they are getting their shuttle tickets canceled.

While Mendenhall Glacier shuttles and Mendenhall Glacier tours are much more limited for the rest of 2023, you can still go to Mendenhall Glacier on your own in the same way you could earlier in the season.

Earlier in the Alaska cruise season, you used to be able to buy shuttle tickets easily to go to the Mendenhall Glacier.

The cost of the Mendenhall Glacier shuttle is around $50 round trip.

mendenhall glacier shuttle from juneau cruise port. blue bus to mendenhall glacier

In addition to being able to book a shuttle like the Blue Bus shuttle in advance, you could generally just start walking towards town once you got off the cruise ship, and there would be booths selling tickets for the Mendenhall Glacier shuttle.

So if your Alaska cruise is early in the Alaska cruise season in 2024… this is what you can do!

When you are looking for Mendenhall Glacier shuttles for future cruise seasons, you will want to look out for whether or not you have unlimited time at the Mendenhall Glacier.

There are shuttles like the Blue Bus shuttle that you can get a drop-off, and then you can just return to the shuttle stop for pick-up at your convenience.

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is a part of Tongass National Forest, which is managed by the US Forest Service.

Every year, the US Forest Service gives out a limited number of permits designated for commercial tours.

This means that every year, there is a limit on Mendenhall Glacier shuttles and Mendenhall Glacier tours.

Juneau tour companies that provide shuttles are included in needing these national forest permits in order to drop off people from the Juneau cruise port.

In 2023, these permits were practically used up in the middle of the summer.

Here is what the Juneau tourism people said on July 7, 2023, about the shuttle to the Mendenhall Glacier:

Transportation and tours to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and the surrounding area operate under annual permits through the USDA Forest Service. Because of record-breaking numbers of visitors to Alaska’s Capital City, all shuttle operators are approaching their annual limit. There are a small number of combo tours to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center available for purchase, same-day, on the docks. Alternatives to the shuttles include car rental, taxis, Uber, and Lyft.

The Juneau tourism people also discourage you from taking public transportation to Mendenhall Glacier . I don’t think I have ever seen that from a tourism department before. This is Alaska! You can read about it .

If you are starting your cruise in Whittier or ending your cruise in Whittier … or it will be in the middle of it… I would like to recommend to you the 26 glacier tour as an alternative to the Mendenhall Glacier! You will get a better view of glaciers compared to seeing the Mendenhall Glacier from the visitor center, which is what most people do.

More for your Alaska cruise:

Tracy’s King Crab Shack (near Juneau cruise port)
Ketchikan on your own: Ketchikan bus (where to go!)
Yakutania Point Trail
Juneau excursions
Whale watching in Alaska
Seaplane tours in Alaska (to the wilderness!)
Dog sledding in Alaska
cruise luggage tags
no-surge power strip
basic binoculars for wildlife watching on glacier sea days
cocktail dress for formal night
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17 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska Cruise Port – Complete Guide

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If you’re going to Juneau on a cruise, you’re in luck! Besides being the capital city of Alaska, Juneau is a bustling fishing town with magnificent mountain vistas and a stunning variety of wildlife.

Juneau, Alaska also has the unique distinction of being completely landlocked. You can only get to Juneau one of two ways…boat or airplane. There are no roads connecting it to any other city in North America.

If you are lucky enough to port in Juneau during your Alaska Cruise , there are a variety of excursions and activities that will give you a taste of Alaska’s capital city and its captivating history.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Juneau, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Juneau cruise port for the day and answered some common questions.

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Juneau Cruise Port

The cruise port in Juneau places you directly downtown on Egan Drive, making this an extremely walkable port city. Most large cruise ships dock at the South Franklin Street Dock, and it’s not uncommon to have 3 to 4 cruise ships in port on a given day.

Cruise passengers can disembark and explore the city on foot, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and popular attractions that are clustered in the downtown area.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Juneau Cruise Port

Although it is less than 100 miles from the Canadian border, Juneau is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar).

Businesses in Juneau accept cash, credit, and debit cards.

The primary language in Juneau is English. However, Sourdoughs (longtime Alaskans) might use some unusual local slang, including “termination dust” (the first snowfall of the year in the mountains) and the “ALCAN” (Alaska/Canada Highway).

Juneau, along with 90% of Alaska, keeps time within the Alaska Standard Time Zone (AKST). Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone.

In Juneau, temperatures range from the upper 50s to the low 60s during cruising season. The weather here is comparatively mild compared to other ports in Alaska because of the influence of the Pacific Ocean. However, Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest, so expect rain about half of the days of each month.

Getting Around Juneau

Juneau is the largest U.S. Capital city by land area, but don’t let that scare you. This Alaskan city is 3,255 square miles total, including 704 square miles of water and 928 square miles of ice cap in North America’s fifth largest ice field.

On foot, you can visit many tourist destinations, including the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, the Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tramway, the Cultural Arts Park, and the historic Red Dog Saloon.

Public Transit

Capital Transit has a four-stop “ride-free zone” that can get you to the capital building and the downtown transit center, where you can transfer to ride to other locations.

One-way general fare for ages 19+ is $2 (exact change), 18 and under is $1 and children 5 and under can ride Capital Transit for free.

Whether you need a lift ($15 for two) or want a guided tour ($200 for two), Alaska Pedicab Juneau is a relaxing way to get around town.

Video: Alaska Cruise Review with Cruise Ports

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Juneau Alaska Cruise Port Guide

12 Best Juneau Shore Excursions

Juneau, Alaska, is an excellent place for various activities, including wildlife viewing, learning the history of Alaska Natives, hiking, glacier viewing, and whale watching.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the capital of Alaska.

1. Tongass National Forest

A visit to Juneau means you’ll get the chance to see the nation’s largest national forest. The Tongass covers most of Southeast Alaska and offers an opportunity to view glaciers, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

To get to Tongass, you must either book a tour that includes the national park or take a shuttle service. Public transit does not travel to Tongass National Forest.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

13 miles from downtown Juneau, tucked into Tongass National Forest, you’ll find the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier and an excellent visitor center.

The cost to enter the visitor center is well worth it, with passes priced at $5 per person ages 15 and over. Ages 15 and under are free.

The visitor center has a free educational movie, thoughtful and interesting displays, and panorama windows that showcase the Mendenhall Glacier.

Related: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)

3. Mendenhall Lake

You can experience the excitement of kayaking on a glacial lake at the Mendenhall Glacier’s terminus. Several tour companies provide round-trip transfers from the cruise ports.

They also provide everything you need for an adventure kayaking in gorgeous Mendenhall Lake. With the backdrop of Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll row past icebergs and check off a major bucket list item.

4. Mount Roberts Tramway

This excursion takes you from sea level to glorious views 1800 feet above Mount Roberts. The tram is pricey ($55 for an all-day pass for adults and $40 for kids ages 3-12). However, the panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel are stunning.

After a quick ride up in a tram car, you have several activities to choose from. You can watch an 18-minute award-winning film on the Tlingit people, eat at the Timberline Bar and Grill, visit a nature center, or hike through subalpine forests.

5. Helicopter Tour

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to fly over a million-year-old glacial icefields! Juneau boasts 928 square miles of ice cap in the form of Juneau Icefield, the fifth largest icefield in North America.

This cruise shore excursion will give you a stunning birds-eye view of Juneau’s mountains and icefields. The pilot will then land atop a glacier, where you’ll get a guided walk and the chance to drink the freshest, tastiest ice water you’ll ever have.

Many local companies offer round-trip transportation from the cruise docks. Whether you book your helicopter excursion through the cruise line or with an independent tour company, be sure to book early. This popular activity tends to sell out.

Related: 10 Shore Excursion Mistakes Cruisers Almost Always Regret

6. Whale Watching

The Alaska waters of the Inside Passage have excellent opportunities for whale watching. Several local companies offer transportation from downtown Juneau to the Auke Bay harbor, where you’ll board a boat for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise.

You can find several whale watching excursions offered by your cruise line as well.

Chances are good that you’ll see bald eagles, seals, and sea lions. Humpback whales are the real star of the show, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch playful Orca whales as they jump and breach.

You can also choose a combo whale-watching cruise/Mendenhall glacier visit. After your whale-watching expedition, you’ll be bussed to Mendenhall, where you can spend 1.5 hours exploring.

7. Sealaska Heritage

A visit to Alaska isn’t complete without learning about the Indigenous tribes that have called Southeast Alaska home for more than ten thousand years.

For $7 per adult and $5 per child over age 7, you can walk through an adzed cedar clan house, view exhibits about Native Alaskans, and see and purchase your artwork or souvenirs in the gift shop.

Sealaska Heritage is in downtown Juneau, just a short walk from the cruise ship dock.

8. Dog Sledding Tour

There are a couple of different locations where you can check dog sledding off of your bucket list in Juneau: glacier or forest.

Forest excursions include a scenic drive to the Tongass National Forest dog camps. You’ll see a professional dog sled camp, interact with husky puppies, and even ride a “summer sled” (with wheels).

Some helicopter excursions include a dog sledding experience on top of Herbert Glacier. A team of 12-14 huskies will be waiting to pull you on a dogsled across the ice.

Dogsledding is a huge part of Juneau’s history, and although the excursions are pricey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

9. Ladd Macauley Visitor Center/Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

If you are interested in learning more about salmon and other sea creatures, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery located in the Ladd Macauley Visitor Center offers a very inexpensive aquarium-like experience.

For a $7 admission price for adults and $5 for children, you’ll get a unique view of how an outdoor fish hatchery operates. The Hatchery also has saltwater aquariums with 150 different species of marine life and a tide pool touch tank filled with sea animals local to Juneau.

The visitor center is 3 miles from downtown Juneau. You can also catch a taxi or schedule a tour that includes the Hatchery

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10. Last Chance Mining Museum

Cruisers interested in Juneau’s mining history will enjoy this museum. Located about a 2-mile walk from the cruise ship docks, the museum has a collection of interesting photos, artifacts, and equipment.

For a $5 (cash only) entry fee, visitors will see the world’s largest air compressor and exhibits detailing Juneau’s history. The walk to the museum is also picturesque and relatively easy.

11. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

Starting at the botanical garden and nursery, Glacier Gardens, a rainforest tour begins by boarding a covered “adventure vehicle” for a one-hour tour in an old-growth rainforest on Thunder Mountain.

After the tour, you can walk through their visitor center and grab a bite to eat at the Rainforest Cafe.

Glacier Gardens is a 7-mile trip from cruise ship docks. You can take a taxi, Lyft, or Uber or take a bus ride that will drop you off 500 feet from the entrance. Reservations are required for groups smaller than 10; the tour costs $30.40 for adults and $19.90 for children ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under can tour for free.

12. Tracy’s Crab Shack

You can’t miss the appealing red exterior of this Juneau Port staple. Bring your appetite to this popular restaurant that promises “The best [crab] legs in town.”

Grab a Large King Bucket, which feeds 2+ with Red King Crab, coleslaw, rolls, and “butta.” There are two locations within walking distance of the cruise port, so you’ll have ample opportunities to get a full belly and buttery hands.

Not only is Tracy’s Crab Shack popular with cruise travellers, but locals love it as well!

Related: 13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Cruise

5 Free Things to Do in the Juneau Cruise Port

1. Nugget Falls Trail

You’ll need to get to Mendenhall Visitors Center to take this hike, but you don’t have to pay to park or hike the Nuggets Falls trail.

The .8-mile trail takes you past rivers (sometimes filled with spawning salmon) and breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier and ends at a lovely waterfall. During the 15 minutes in each direction hike, you may spot wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and possibly bears.

2. Take a Tour of the Alaska State Capitol Building

Located within a short walk of the cruise ship dock, the Alaska State Capitol Building offers free 30-minute guided tours Tuesday-Friday.

The building has a replica of the Liberty Bell, historic photos, and art and murals honoring the 49th state’s history.

3. Window Shop in downtown Juneau

You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the quaint shops downtown. The shops sell everything from jewelry to furs, Native Alaskan art, t-shirts, and other fun keepsakes.

While downtown, keep an eye out for the historic Red Dog Saloon. A staple of downtown Juneau since mining times, the saloon has been in several locations, including a tent on the ocean’s shore. Today’s Red Dog will give you a peek into the past and what a saloon experience was like for gold rush miners.

4. Visit the Governor’s Mansion

Although they don’t offer tours, if you’re walking around downtown Juneau, a short, mostly uphill walk will give you a view of this beautiful and historic building.

Built in 1913 for $40,000 (the equivalent of $1.2 million today), it is the home of current Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy. A totem pole outside gives the mansion an Alaskan touch, and you’ll catch some gorgeous bay views from the top of the hill

5. Admire the Shrine of St. Therese

30 minutes from downtown Juneau lies a shrine to the Patron Saint of Alaska, St. Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy Face.

You can contemplate quietly while viewing the lovely chapel, which was built in the 1940s. To get to the Shrine, you must rent a car, take a taxi, or book a tour with a company.

Juneau Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit juneau .

Warm winds from the Pacific Ocean make Juneau’s summer temperatures mild and enjoyable. The average temperature during Alaska cruise season is in the upper 50s to the low 60s. The best time of year to visit is in June or early July, as precipitation continues to increase throughout the summer months.

Is Juneau a walkable city?

The Juneau cruise port town is incredibly walkable, with cruise ships docking downtown. There are many museums, shops, and attractions that you can walk to within minutes of disembarking your cruise ship.

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Juneau Cruise Port

Nestled between Gastineau Passage and Mount Juneau, the picturesque capital city of Juneau will be a memorable stop on your Alaskan Cruise.

Whether you use your time to see wildlife or stunning glaciers, delve into mining history, or admire Indigenous artwork, you’ll treasure the time you spent in Juneau.

Have you been to Juneau, Alaska on a cruise? Please let me know what you enjoyed in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio:

Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, www.TheGiftyGirl.com .

Juneau cruise port guide

Cruise Port Guide Juneau – Alaska – USA: docked

In Juneau there are about 5 docks available for cruise ships: S. Franklin Street dock, Intermediate Vessel Float, Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska Steam Ship Dock and A.J. Dock. All of them are basically in front of the town centre and it is only a few minutes walk to the Main street, Franklin street and Boardwalk.

The only exception is the A.J. Dock. This dock is about 20 minutes walk from town, but there is a local shuttle bus provided for a small fee.

In town you will find lots of facilities for tourist. At the docks is the tourist information for any kind of information. You will find booths that are selling shore excursions and shuttle busses to the Mendenhall glacier. Other than that you will get lots in between saloons and souvenir shops.

Shuttle bus to Mendenhall glacier

All over town and especially around the docks you will find there is a local shuttle bus offered to the Mendenhall Visitors Centre where you will have a good view over the glacier. The shuttle costs 20 dollars round trip per person. Buy the tickets directly at the local tour operators you will find on the dock.

Taxis in Juneau

The taxis in Juneau are usually available at the dock, but keep in mind they are quite pricey. Therefore it might be better to prearrange it. To give you an idea on the cost:

A taxi from the dock to the Mendenhall Glacier:

$72 round trip for 1 passenger

$78 round trip for 5 passenger

$85 round trip for 10 passengers

Compared to the cost of the Mendenhall shuttle bus it will be cheaper to take a taxi if your group is 4 persons or more.

Public Transportation

The public transport system in and around Juneau has been created to serve the local community. It is not ideal for tourist to take because they don’t directly stop at the tourist sights and attractions. However, if you are on a budget and willing to walk for a bit, it might be interesting for you. Find the local bus station right in town. Bus 3 and 4 serve the area around Juneau. Nearest stop to Mendenhall Glacier is 1 mile walk. Nearest stop to Glacier Gardens is less than a mile walk. Nearest stop to Salmon Hatchery is only a few minutes walk. Buy your tickets at the bus office or on the bus itself. Tickets cost 2 dollars and you need to have exact fare. Busses depart around 2 times per hour. More information can be found on www.juneau.org/capitaltransit

Shore Excursions

Although Juneau is a charming town we strongly feel you should get outside of the city border to get a true feel for Alaska. The town is spread on about 9 blocks and you’ll be threw it before you know it. There are many tours that are offerred in Juneau. Think about kayaking, biking, hiking, flight-seeing, gold panning you name it. Tours can be bought on board of your ship and shore side.

There is more miles of trails than miles of road in Juneau. In fact, there is a total of 250 miles of trails, most starting within the city limits. Always visit the Visitors Centre first to check on the latest condition of the tracks and to pick up a map. The most popular hiking routes starting in the city of Juneau are the Perseverance trail and Mt. Robert trail. Find the information on these trails at the tourist information center in town.

FAQ about cruise destination Juneau

– What will the weather be like? No idea! That’s the best answer we can give you. We notice that even the weather forecast is wrong all the time and weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sunshine and rain and you should be good.

– Do I need a fishing license? Yes, only if you are 16 or older. You can purchase licenses and permits online. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website www. adding.alaska.gov for information about license.

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Sitka – Ketchikan – Skagway – Victoria – Haines

Find your port of call:

Mediterranean
Norway – Cruise port guides
Baltic & Scandinavia
British isles
Western Europe
French Polynesia
North America
Central America
Southeast Asia
North Africa
Middle East

For those looking for a work out Mt. Roberts trail is one not to be missed. It is a 4,5 mile (one way) track with an elevation 3600 ft that will bring you to spectacular scenery. Find the trailhead on the map above. You can also find a short cut to the top. Simply take the Mt. Robbert tram in downtown which can take you straight to the top. Before starting this hike you should always visit the tourist information first for any news you should know about and for the hiking map.

Mt. Roberts trail

Mt. Roberts trail, Juneau

13 miles out of town you will find the Mendenhall glacier. It is one of the most accessible glaciers on earth. At the visitors centre you will find exhibitions and educational programs about ecosystem, protections of fish and wildlife. There are also several walks to get you closer to the glacier or to some really nice waterfalls. Chose to visit the visitors centre for an hour or plan a whole day of hiking around the area. Visit the Mendenhall glacier by taxi or public transport. Mendenhall Visitors Centre This is the visitors centre you will find at the Mendenhall glacier. It has excellent exhibitions inside explaining what a glacier is and the life span of the Mendenhall glacier. Visit the visitors centre by excurion, glacier express bus or public bus. See description above. Helicopter landing on the Mendenhall glacier The mendenhall glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and it is not very often that you have to opportunity to actually land on a glacier and explore this massive pack of ice by foot. If you want to experience something unique we highly recommend an excursion by helicopter to the Mendenhall glacier.

Mendenhall glacier

Mendenhall glacier, Juneau

The famous preseverance trail is a 3 mile long (one-way) trail with an elevation of 700 feet. The trail starts in down town Juneau. See map above for the start of the trail. Perseverance is the name of a mine that used to be located here. Along the way you will see the remains of the mine, the Last Chance Mining Museum, the Exner Falls and Gold Creek. Visit the visitors information centre to check the latest update on the track and to pick up the hiking map.

Perseverance trail

Perseverance trail, Juneau

A city that can only be reached by sea, air or birth canal will rely on transportation other than cars. Float planes are the way to go in Juneau and they are also great for sightseeing. Consider taking a flight seeing tour over the Taku glacier, Mendenhall glacier or Glacier Bay. This truly is one of the best experiences you could ever treat yourself to.

Juneau’s float planes

The Mt Roberts tramway takes you straight from the dock to Mt. Roberts. Have a scenic walk here to several photo stops, see the Mt. Robert movie, visit the raptor centre or do some shopping. You might even want to leave the upper station and go hiking over the mountain tops where you will have beautiful views over the surrounding islands and mountain range. Alway be informed about the weather or anything unusual by the tourist information. Find the Mount Robert Tram right in town. See map above for its exact location.

Mt Robert tram

490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Named in Reader’s Digest as America’s Most Interesting Landmark. Visit the breathtaking upside-down flower rainforest created by Steve Bowhay. Walk around in the lower levels of the gardens. Get the change to see an eagles nest up high in the trees or go for a 60 minute guide tour through the rain forest to reach the brilliant view over the Gastineau channel. The Glacier Gardens are about 7 miles from Juneau. Reach the Glacier Gardens through shore excursion, taxi or public transport (nearest bus stop of bus 3 and 4 is about 5 minutes walk from the gardens)

Glacier Gardens

7600 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

This memorial is dedicated to the 53 Japanese Americans of Juneau who were unjustly taken from their homes at the start of World War II. In 1941 people of Japanese ancestry living on the west coast of the USA were removed and incarcerates in isolated government internment camps. The seniors at Juneau High School left an empty chair during their graduation ceremony for their absent, fellow student who should have been there. It is an important historical event of which the citizens of Juneau feel like it needs to be remembered.

Empty Chair

To reach the town of Juneau your ship will need to sail through the Gastineau Channel. Make sure to be on the outside deck to enjoy the scenery about an hour before arrival and an hour after departure.

Cruising through the Gastineau Channel

Gastineau Channel, Juneau

This is the oldest man-made attraction of Juneau. It is especially popular amongst the Americans that are looking for a fun and relaxed afternoon at the bar. Find the Red Dog Saloon right in town.

Red Dog Saloon

278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

This blue monument is the oldest continuously used Orthodox church in South East Alaska. With the Juneau’s gold rush kicking off various missionaries tried to covert the Native people. Many Tlingits chose to embrace the Orthodox church. This building is a beautiful example of the Russian American architecture and this church is known to be the last Orthodox church of this shape. Visit the church to learn much more about its history. Find it in the centre of town

St. Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church

326 5th St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Find all kinds of mining tools, machines and other artifacts here on display. Learn more about the mining industry in Juneau. How they were able to find gold, the efforts and techniques that were involved. You can even look for gold yourself. The gold creek is right at the doorstep of the museum. Buy everything you need at the museum and go gold panning yourself. You’ll most often find something, even though its only tiny gold flakes. Find the museum at about 30 minutes uphill walk from town. Follow the Perseverance trail.

Last Chance Mining Museum

1001 Basin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

What started off as a small little shack on the pier selling king crab and chowder is now one of the most popular restaurants in town. It’s quite pricy, but well worth the experience. Find the new Tracy’s Crab shack on the pier at the cruise terminal. See map above for the exact location.

Tracy’s Crab Shack

432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

The port of Juneau offers 5 different docking locations for cruise ships. Most of them are located in front of the city center. You simply walk of the pier and everything is there. Read the full Juneau cruise port guide to read about the exceptions and things to see and do.

Juneau cruise dock

Patsy Ann is the “Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska”. 50 years after she met her last ship this Bronze statue was created on the docks at Juneau so she could once again regain her status and Official Greeter of Juneau.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is also gateway to the famous Tracy Arms. This is a fjord known for its dramatic sheer cliffs, waterfalls and some of Alaska’s largest ice bergs that just fell of the face of the North and South Sawyer glaciers. Book your tour to Tracy Arms through the ship or prearrange it online.

Tracy Arms, Alaska

In Alaska you can find all five species of Alaska’s Pacific Salmon. They are King, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum. Every year from August to October you will find the salmon find the very stream they were born to spawn and die. It is a phenomenal event that you cannot miss if your cruise is arriving in August or September.

This is where you can witness the spawning process of the Alaska Salmon, eat some Alaska Salmon, try the touching tanks and see the hatchery. Find the Hatchery about 4 mile / 6 km north of town. Take a taxi or bus 3 or 4 to it.

Macauley Salmon Hatchery

2697 Channel Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

When shopping in Haines make sure to buy the products with this logo. This indicated the products has actually been made in Alaska.

Made in Alaska

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Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

Juneau, Alaska, US

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 3½ Hours

Meals Included

Meals included

Your outing begins with a scenic, narrated motorcoach ride and tour to beautiful Mendenhall Lake . There, you'll be treated to an excellent view of the glacier -- a half-mile wide and more than one hundred feet tall at the face.

Arriving at the lake, gear up, board a raft , and take off on an unforgettable adventure where you can get out into nature, learn about the area, and see the glacier, icebergs and some wildlife.

Your experienced guide will steer you across the serene waters of the lake, maneuvering past floating icebergs to the river beyond. The speed of the water and level of the rapids vary depending on the weather. You will be rafting a five-mile stretch of river from Mendenhall Lake in the Tongass National Forest downstream towards Juneau Harbor.

Your guide explains the natural phenomena at work in this scenic valley. Marvel at the spectacular glacier views and towering peaks as you float downstream. Watch for the local wildlife, which may include -- arctic terns, eagles, goats, salmon, otters, bears and more.

Back ashore, you'll enjoy a snack with a warm beverage and, if you wish, purchase a photo of your rafting experience before reboarding your motorcoach for the short ride back to your ship.

Tour is mainly a scenic experience with a short section of rapids where the guide takes complete charge of the raft. Guests interested in a higher level of activity, following the guide's commands and powering the raft through the troughs of the rapids (one mile of Class III rapids), should ask to be seated in a paddle raft. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Minimum weight is 50 lbs; maximum weight is 350 lbs. Maximum chest size is 58". Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Bring only a disposable or waterproof camera.

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Is the Brotherhood Bridge worth it to see the Mendenhall Glacier? ⛰ Juneau Alaska cruise tips

If you’re signed up for a tour in Juneau, you might have noticed that one of the stops listed is the Brotherhood Bridge. While not all tours will stop here, it is a common stop.

Below will show pictures from my stop at the bridge!

The main reason to stop at the Brotherhood Bridge is to see the Mendenhall Glacier. And it’s nice as a quick stop.

The bridge is over the Mendenhall River and you’ll get a distant view of the glacier.

So it’s a nice view in Juneau.

brotherhood bridge, juneau alaska. mendenhall glacier lookout, alaska cruise excursion

The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular glacier to see from land during an Alaska cruise.

Is the Brotherhood Bridge a good way to see the Mendenhall Glacier?

The Brotherhood Bridge is a nice stop to make as a quick stop and it’s nice to see the glacier, but it does not compare at all to seeing the glacier at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center.

It’s great if it’s a small part of your tour.

But if your goal is to see the Mendenhall Glacier, then you want to be sure to do something that will allow you to go to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area of Tongass National Forest.

The most common way to see the glacier is to go to the visitor center and Photo Point .

If you are into hiking, then the West Glacier Trail is a very good way to see the glacier too. The West Glacier trailhead is in a separate area from the visitor center.

There are also Mendenhall Glacier tours that will take you much closer to the glacier than Brotherhood Bridge.

There are tours that say you will make a stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier. You want to be sure to read the tour description carefully to understand if this means it’s a stop at the visitor center or the Brotherhood Bridge. There are some tours that include a “view of Mendenhall Glacier” and it’s just a stop at the bridge.

I went to the Brotherhood Bridge as a part of a whale watching tour . On the drive from the cruise port to Auke Bay (where the whale watching boat departs), the shuttle driver made a stop at the bridge.

It was literally a 5 minute stop, but it was enough time to walk over to the bridge and see the river and glacier. Here’s the view! 👇

brotherhood bridge, mendenhall glacier, alaska cruise excursion

See more about the Mendenhall Glacier:

Best Mendenhall Glacier tours
Photo Point
Nugget Falls

More glaciers in Juneau:

Juneau glacier seaplane tour

HAPPY SEEING THE MENDENHALL GLACIER FROM BROTHERHOOD BRIDGE!

Harv and Marv's Juneau whale watching tour (tour company frequently recommended in facebook groups)
Juneau kayaking with whales
Helicopter flightseeing over Juneau icefield and dog sledding on a glacier
Mendenhall Glacier canoe with shore landing and short hike to glacier lookout (the glacier keeps getting further and further back, aka it's receding, and you'll be walking across where the glacier used to be!)
Juneau flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting all-in-one
National forest flightseeing on a floatplane, kayaking, and wildlife sanctuary bear viewing tour (said to be the highest concentration of brown bears in the world)

7 Alaska Cruise Excursions That Are Worth The Money

E xcursions come in all shapes and sizes. Some cruise lines include all excursions in the cost of your cruise passage, allowing you to choose the ones that suit your desires. Others include no excursions, which helps keep the initial cost of the cruise low, but you may find your onboard charging slipping higher than you expected. Still other cruise lines offer a hybrid option, where the basic tours are included and there is an upcharge for the higher-priced options.

1. Whales, Wildlife, And Brown Bear Search

For a full-day, 5.5-hour wildlife adventure, try the Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search out of Icy Strait Point. This excursion is offered by Princess cruise lines.

On this guaranteed whale sighting tour, jump on a high-speed catamaran to cruise the very active feeding ground of the humpback whale. Return to shore for an often bumpy ride to the Spasski River for a guided drive in search of brown bear, black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The walking portion involves covering about a half-mile of gravel and boardwalk pathways, meaning this excursion requires moderate exertion.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Exploration

Alaska is all about the ice. Glaciers are ubiquitous and the variety of glacier-centric tour options runs from genial walks to full-on glacial climbs.

Mendenhall Glacier is the top excursion for your Alaska cruise’s Juneau stop. You can choose from a large variety of tours, and many providers have handicap-accessible options. They vary in time and price, meaning there’s a glacier tour option for everyone.

Princess Cruises offers the creme de la creme Mendenhall Helicopter Glacier Trek . If you are searching for the bucket-list Alaska cruise item, this is it. The 4- to 5-hour heli/walking tour starts around $480. You will be fitted for outerwear, hard hats, mountaineering boots, and crampons. Your kit will include a much-needed ice ax. After you touch down on the glacier, your guide will lead you on a 2-hour hike. You do not need experience, but you will be hiking for about two miles on uneven terrain.

Disney offers the 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration that explores the Juneau icefield and five of its glaciers. Your seaplane journey takes you over the Tongass National Forest before you soar over Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, Taku, and the East and West Twin glaciers. Wildlife spotting is very likely; keep on the lookout for eagles, bears, and moose. This tour is perfect for adventurers who require or prefer little or no walking. The minimum age is 2 years old, making it accessible for most family members.

3. Sport Fishing

Salmon is king in Alaska, but there are many types of fishing adventures suitable for everyone from novices to hardened anglers.

Disney cruise line also offers a Ketchikan Alaska Fish Camp and Wilderness Dinner . The 5.5-hour fishing trip is available to family members 5 and up. Once you are outfitted with authentic Alaska fishing gear, you can cast your line in hopes of catching “The Big One.” After several hours of fishing, head to the campsite where chuck-wagon cooks will prep and cook your catch, serving up a wonderful outdoor dinner.

4. Panning For Gold

If you are traveling with teens or tweens, gold panning in Skagway is a fun, hands-on activity for the entire gang.

Princess offers a 6-hour exclusive Gold Panning, Sled Dog, and Scenic Railway excursion. The tour includes a gold panning lesson during which you can participate in a prospecting session in a controlled pavilion. You will also watch a dog sled demonstration run that includes a meet-and-greet with the sled dogs and musher. The tour concludes with a historic train ride through Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. This is a great tour for everyone in the family and requires only mild exertion.

5. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen

Hop aboard Holland America Line’s Bering Sea Crab Fishermen excursion and explore the world of Disney’s Deadliest Catch TV Series.

In the port of Ketchikan, travel along the Inside Passage with experienced fisherman hauling up the day’s king crab catch. Guests as young as 5 years old are welcome aboard the ship where stories of Alaska wilderness and maritime adventures will astound wide-eyed guests.

6. Food Tours

There is no shortage of tours for the foodie in your group. Disney’s Woodhouse Wine Estates tasting visit combined with a downtown Seattle tour is a fun date night excursion without the kids. Princess offers a Juneau Foodie Walking Tour in conjunction with Bon Appetit where you can sample some of Alaska’s finest local cuisine.

7. Scenic Drives In Sitka

Viking Cruises offers a 1.5-hour Scenic Sitka by Motor Coach excursion that is included in the passage price. This tour does include some incline walking when you visit Sitka National Historical Park, where you can view the site’s 18 totem poles. Learn Sitka’s Russian and U.S. history in this Southeast Alaska city.

Pro Tip: Booking Excursions

It is a good idea to choose an excursion that is booked through your cruise line. They will, in good faith, wait for you if there is a delay in your returning to the ship. If the ship cannot wait, they may make accommodations to get you to the next port of call. If you book an excursion with a private tour company, though, you are essentially on your own to get to the ship on time. If you miss the departure because of the tour arriving late, you will be responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port of call. That could be a considerable distance if they are at sea for two days, and some of the Alaska cruises have several consecutive days at sea.

Alaska Cruises are a bucket-list item you will want to explore at any age. You will find the history, natural beauty, and fresh-from-the-earth (or ocean) cuisine bring you closer to nature.

Still not sure an Alaska cruise is right for you? Read one traveler’s intimate account of her Alaska by small-ship cruise experience.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Helicopter, Glacier Walk with Dog Sledding in September - Juneau Forum

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Helicopter, Glacier Walk with Dog Sledding in September

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If the dog sledding isn't feasible, has anyone done helicopter ride to the glacier with walk that you would recommend? Thanks!

7 replies to this topic

Weather, weather, weather.....September can be beast or baby.

Also conditions on the glacier can deteriorate. One of the helicopter companies ends its season in late August....

Even in "peak" season, one helicopter company admitted to a 38% cancellation rate for dog sledding tours, which are held at a higher elevation than the other glacier-landing tours.

I do wish the companies would be more forthcoming about that possibility...maybe then they wouldn't get so many bad reviews screaming about last-minute cancellations. Apparently some people ignore the issue of safety. To me (and to the helicopter pilots) a sled dog ride is not worth risking your life....

"Does anyone know if that is subject to change based on the weather the next few months?"

Well, when I've paid attention to the dates in some previous years, weather/glacier conditions meant they shut down earlier in the year than planned....

The latest date I'm aware of for glacier dog sledding is Sept. 10 in Palmer AK, just north of Anchorage. The weather there is much more reliable than in SE Alaska, so few cancellations.

As for glacier landings, all the companies get good reviews.

This is our first trip to Alaska. Is the helicopter and glacier walk worth it based on going mid-September or should we plan something else for Juneau like whale watching? TIA!

"Is the helicopter and glacier walk worth it based on going mid-September ?"........Your original post said they shut down by then..........

Regarding whale watching, you should be able to see whales then.......the seas may be a little rough and chilly though, as that is often the case in mid September........

The helicopter ride with dog sledding isn’t available but the helicopter and glacier walk is so asking if anyone has done that. If you’ve done it, any advice is greatly appreciated!

Helicopter, Glacier Walk with Dog Sledding in September yesterday
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Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.

Juneau’s 2024 cruise ship tourism season is just around the corner as the first ship of the year — the Norwegian Bliss — is slated to arrive early Tuesday morning.

Last year, the capital city saw its busiest season ever — welcoming more than 1.6 million passengers. On the busiest days, Juneau welcomed upwards of 21,000 cruise visitors.

Juneau Tourism Manager Alix Pierce said this year likely won’t top last year’s record-breaking season. She expects to see about the same number of visitors.

“I think it will run a lot more smoothly, and things will be better,” she said. “Generally, our tour operators know what to expect. They know what kind of volume to expect, and they’re gearing up and getting ready.”

In a survey conducted last fall, about 64% of Juneau residents said they wanted to keep the local tourism volume about the same or reduce it slightly.

But some major problems did crop up during 2023’s record season — things like heavy downtown congestion , the Mendenhall Glacier reaching its tour capacity and business owners saying it was just hard to keep up.

One big change this year for controlling the traffic will be a new limit of five large ships per day.

During a tourism panel on Thursday, Cruise Lines International Association Alaska spokesperson Renee Reeve said that agreement with the city will be key to flattening growth in the coming years.

“I think what that shows is industry’s commitment and CBJs commitment to making this place somewhere that visitors want to visit, and somewhere that the residents want to live,” she said.

A limit on the number of ships does not necessarily mean fewer passengers. But an even bigger change could be coming in 2026. Pierce said the city is in the early stages of negotiating with cruise lines to limit the number of passengers that come off their ships each day.

“The best thing that we can come up with are daily passenger caps to keep our numbers relatively flat or decrease a little bit,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some of these things come to fruition, and then seeing how it feels in terms of passenger volume, and numbers and what that means for us as a destination.”

Last season, cruise ship passengers spent a total of $320 million in Juneau, according to a report that came out last fall. To support that business, it’s estimated that more than 3,000 people in Juneau worked jobs that were directly related to tourism.

Local tour operators faced a tough situation after they sold out on bus trips to the Mendenhall Glacier halfway through the season, which meant more tourists stayed downtown.

This year, the city plans to send extra buses to follow the city buses that carry people out to the glacier to handle the overflow. Pierce said local operators are also trying to balance their permits over the season to reduce congestion on buses and downtown.

“They’re offering more city tours that go to other sites where you can see the glacier from elsewhere. So they’re trying to pick up that volume in different ways,” she said.

In April, about one-to-three ships will port in Juneau per week before ramping up to three-to-five ships per day by the latter half of May. Ships will continue to port in Juneau nearly every day before winding down in late October.

And as tourism kicks up for the summer, residents can send in complaints and concerns to the city’s tourism hotline.

Clarise Larson, KTOO - Juneau

Related articles more from author, in seismically active alaska, plans for statewide residential building codes are on shaky ground, alaska senators split on mayorkas impeachment. murkowski leery of wasting senate time on ‘messaging’., kivalina fire cuts electricity, cellphone service.

IMAGES

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Juneau, Alaska Mendenhall Glacier Explorer Excursion
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COMMENTS

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port
3. Via Capital Transit. 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. The downtown transit center is only a few blocks from where your ship will be anchored, but the nearest bus stop (at Dredge Lake) is a mile and a half from the glacier. This is a great ...
How To Go To Mendenhall Glacier From Cruise Port
Option 3: Public Transportation. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take advantage of Juneau's public transportation system to get to Mendenhall Glacier. The Capital Transit bus system offers regular service from the cruise port to the Mendenhall Loop Road, the main access road to the glacier.
Juneau Shuttle To The Mendenhall Glacier
A short helicopter flight over the mountains will take you into British Columbia, just 40 or so miles away. The ice field is the reason that Juneau has no roads running in or out. For more information call (907) 723-9209 or book online. The Glacier Shuttle Tour is a quick and convenient way to travel to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors' Center.
How To Get From Juneau Cruise Port To Mendenhall Glacier
Hop on the Glacier Express, the most convenient and direct transportation option, to get from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The Glacier Express is a direct shuttle service that offers a hassle-free way to reach the glacier. With its private transportation options, you can enjoy a comfortable and efficient journey.
How to get to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau cruise port
You can get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port by tour, shuttle, or bus. You can also get to the Mendenhall Glacier by taxi, uber, lyft, or renting a car, according to the Juneau tourism people. Your options for getting to the Mendenhall Glacier for the rest of the summer 2023 are a little more limited than they were earlier this ...
How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Cruise Port
Grab A Taxi To Mendenhall Glacier. If you're traveling with more than two, it's cheaper and quicker to grab a taxi. We cruised with four in 2022, and the taxi cost us USD 33 each way, plus a fee of USD 12 per person to access the park. I questioned the price of USD 12 because the park charges USD 5.
How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port
The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle The shuttle is the best mode of transportation from the Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. I found plenty of shuttles close to the Juneau port outside the Roberts Tramway Ticket Office. For $30, the bus provided a 30-minute ride to and from the visitors center.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau Cruise Port
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. The ...
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Cruise Port: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist destination located in Juneau, Alaska. The glacier is about 13 miles (21 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide, and it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. ... How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Cruise Port by Cruise Ship. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist ...
How to Get from Juneau Cruise Port to Mendenhall Glacier (with Tips)
By bus. The Juneau-Douglas City Transit System (JDS) operates a bus route that runs from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.00. The bus departs from the cruise port every 30 minutes, starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 7:00 PM. By taxi.
How to Ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center with Capital
Approximate Travel Time. The one-way trip with Capital Transit from downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center can take up to 1.5 hours, which includes a walk of about 30 minutes. The bus ride can take up to 1 hour, and the closest bus stop is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the Visitor Center. There are several Cruise Ship terminals ...
Mendenhall Glacier
Latitude: 58.49583. Longitude: -134.532. Mendenhall Visitor Center is only 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Take Egan Drive out of town past the turnoff to the Juneau International Airport and turn right on Mendenhall Loop Road. After about 2 miles, the Loop road makes a sharp left turn while Glacier Spur Road continues straight toward the mountains.
How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau
Last Updated on March 11, 2024. Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most well known glaciers in Alaska and an absolute must do when visiting whether it's a port call on a cruise or a longer visit to Juneau on your own.This is the only glacier you can drive to in Southeast Alaska and has a wonderful visitor center and hiking trails.
Mendenhall Glacier & Glacier Gardens
Continue to visit Juneau's grandest monument -- Mendenhall Glacier. This meandering river of compressed blue ice is the largest glacier accessible by road in Southeast Alaska. It is a half-mile wide, hundreds of feet deep and fed by the 1,500-square-mile Juneau ice field. US Forest Service staff offer a wealth of information on glaciers during ...
Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk (JU02)
Cancellations can be made up to 3 days prior to the cruise departure date, unless otherwise noted on the specific activity. After that time all reservations are final and non-refundable. Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk is a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure in Juneau, Alaska featuring a helicopter excursion to explore Mendenhall Glacier.
West Glacier Trail (from Juneau cruise port) "real" hike to see
Oh hi! 👋 That's me hiking in Juneau during a cruise ship visit! 👆 Juneau is the amazing cruise port where you can see the Mendenhall Glacier from land, see the Juneau Icefield from air, go whale watching in one of the best spots to see humpback whales in the US, and do hikes with amazing views! Read about all things Juneau on the blog!For the beginner's guide to Alaska cruises, read the ...
8 Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours
Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour. 4.9. 4 hrs. $239 / person. Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service so book early for this unique experience! Pad READ MORE...
Mendenhall Glacier shuttle in July 2023 What's going on with the
The cost of the Mendenhall Glacier shuttle is around $50 round trip. 👆 Early in the Alaska cruise season, there were frequent shuttles from the Juneau cruise port to the Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier shuttles like the Blue Bus Glacier Express shuttle drop you off and pick you up from the Mendenhall Glacier parking lot.
A Complete Guide to the Juneau Cruise Port
The Alaska State Museum. The Alaska State Museum is located in downtown Juneau at 395 Whittier Street. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though the hours are extended during the summer months. Admission costs $9 for adults and free for children under 18.
17 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska Cruise Port
2. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 13 miles from downtown Juneau, tucked into Tongass National Forest, you'll find the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier and an excellent visitor center. The cost to enter the visitor center is well worth it, with passes priced at $5 per person ages 15 and over. Ages 15 and under are free.
Juneau cruise port: All you need to know in this Juneau cruise port guide
Cruise Port Guide Juneau - Alaska - USA: docked. In Juneau there are about 5 docks available for cruise ships: S. Franklin Street dock, Intermediate Vessel Float, Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska Steam Ship Dock and A.J. Dock. All of them are basically in front of the town centre and it is only a few minutes walk to the Main street, Franklin ...
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip. Your outing begins with a scenic, narrated motorcoach ride and tour to beautiful Mendenhall Lake. There, you'll be treated to an excellent view of the glacier -- a half-mile wide and more than one hundred feet tall at the face. Arriving at the lake, gear up, board a raft, and take off on an unforgettable adventure ...
Is the Brotherhood Bridge worth it to see the Mendenhall Glacier? ⛰
Oh hi! 👋 That's me hiking in Juneau during a cruise ship visit! 👆 Juneau is the amazing cruise port where you can see the Mendenhall Glacier from land, see the Juneau Icefield from air, go whale watching in one of the best spots to see humpback whales in the US, and do hikes with amazing views! Read about all things Juneau on the blog!For the beginner's guide to Alaska cruises, read the ...
I Took An Alaska Cruise And These Were The 6 Mistakes First-Timers Were
Similarly, I paid $45 per person for the Glacier Express bus in Juneau to visit Mendenhall Glacier, which included a round-trip bus ride from the cruise port and the glacier entry fee — a big savings compared to the $80 excursion through my cruise line.
The 16 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions for 2024
Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, so many tours include a visit to the Tongass National Forest to view the 12-mile-long sheet of blue ice.
7 Alaska Cruise Excursions That Are Worth The Money
Continue reading. Mendenhall Helicopter Glacier Trek. 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration. Ketchikan Alaska Fish Camp and Wilderness Dinner. Gold Panning, Sled Dog, and Scenic Railway. Bering Sea Crab ...
Massive Congestion Forces Popular Alaska Cruise Port to Limit Cruises
Each cruise ship brings thousands of passengers to Juneau, causing massive congestion in the downtown area and at the popular Mendenhall Glacier. In 2023, Juneau experienced a record breaking influx of 1.6 million tourists from cruise ships. This massive surge of visitors resulted in significant congestion in the downtown area.
Helicopter, Glacier Walk with Dog Sledding in September
Helicopter, Glacier Walk with Dog Sledding in September 2:03 pm. Oversteer Park Apr 08, 2024. Cruise or land visit Apr 04, 2024. Drive time from Auke Bay to Downtown Juneau Apr 03, 2024. ATTENTION: Mendenhall Glacier - Book now; permits limited Apr 02, 2024. Activities.
2024 Juneau Cruise Ship Calendar
2024 Juneau Cruise Ship Calendar. April 11, 2024 - Current Issues. Link to Website.
Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last ...
Passengers of the Norwegian Bliss look out from staterooms as they wait to debark on downtown Juneau's first cruise-ship visit in April 2023. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire) Juneau's 2024 ...

How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port

4 Ways To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Cruise Port

2. Through A Private Tour Company

3. Via Capital Transit

4. A Helicopter Tour

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How To Go To Mendenhall Glacier From Cruise Port

Introduction

Overview of Mendenhall Glacier

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the Cruise Port

Option 1: Shuttle Service

Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare Service

Option 3: Public Transportation

Option 4: Guided Tour

Convenience and Schedule

Informative Commentary

Flexibility and Options

Flexibility and Personalization

Comfort and Convenience

Cost Considerations

The Glacier Shuttle

Convenience and Frequency

Affordability and Local Experience

Considerations and Planning

In-depth Commentary and Information

Transportation and Logistics

Additional Activities and Experiences

Things to Do at Mendenhall Glacier

1. Explore the Visitor Center

2. Take a Scenic Walk

3. Visit the Ice Caves

4. Watch for Wildlife

5. Take a Kayak or Canoe Tour

6. Enjoy a Picnic or Relaxation Time

Hiking Trails at Mendenhall Glacier

Nugget Falls Trail

Photo Point Trail

East Glacier Loop Trail

West Glacier Trail

Trail Safety and Considerations

Wildivfe Viewing Opportunities

Black Bears

Bald Eagles

Marine Wildlife

Beavers and River Otters

Other Wildlife

Safety and Important Considerations

Glacier Safety

Weather Conditions

Wildlife Safety

Trail Etiquette

Glacier Caves Safety

Time Management

Juneau Tours LLC

Cruise FAQs

Key Takeaways

Scenic Bus Ride

Helicopter Tour

Experience Breathtaking Views of the Glacier from Above

Get a Unique Perspective of the Surrounding Mountains and Fjords

Exciting and Memorable Adventure for Thrill-seekers

Hiking Trail

Taxi or Ride-sharing Service

Convenient and Direct Transportation Option

Flexibility to Customize Your Itinerary

Ideal for Those with Limited Time or Mobility Concerns

Public Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any age restrictions for the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier?

How long does it take to hike from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier?

Is it possible to visit Mendenhall Glacier independently without booking a tour?

Are there any amenities or facilities available at Mendenhall Glacier, such as restrooms or food options?

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