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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. You will get a better view of glaciers compared to seeing the Mendenhall Glacier from the visitor center, which is what most people do. Once your cruise ship arrives in port, you’ll have to decide how you’re going to get there.
Walk to Nugget Falls
The trail does involve some elevation gain, so be prepared for moderate exertion. 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. By opting for a taxi or rideshare service, you have the freedom to customize your itinerary according to your preferences.
Activity Guide & Map
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 . 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. The cost of a bus tour to Mendenhall Glacier varies depending on the type of tour you choose.
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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. There are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. Shuttles run regularly from the cruise port to the visitor center at Mendenhall Glacier, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
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. During my visits to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, I generally planned for the second to last bus back. If you’re flying into Juneau International Airport, there are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier. 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.
How to get to Mendenhall Glacier if you’re visiting Juneau on your own
Juneau cruise port guide - The Mendenhall Glacier - The Telegraph
Juneau cruise port guide - The Mendenhall Glacier.
Posted: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. If you want a comprehensive and informative experience, joining a guided tour is highly recommended. 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.
How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port
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. 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. However, you will need to pay a parking fee at the Mendenhall Valley Visitor Center.
This will allow you ample time to hike the trail leading to Nugget Falls, witness the majestic cascades, and marvel at the glacier up close. The beauty of this hike lies in it’s versatility, as it caters to both casual strollers and avid hikers alike. When planning a visit to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise terminal, it’s crucial to allocate enough time to fully explore and appreciate this natural wonder. The amount of time you need at Mendenhall Glacier largely depends on your specific interests and activities. If your main goal is to visit the Visitor Center and enjoy the breathtaking views from the Photo Point trail, an hour is certainly sufficient.
Your guides on the Paddle & Trek will determine whether the caves are safe to enter. 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. The sawdust floors and the waitresses wearing brothel apparel make the place very atmospheric. Park rangers are on hand to answer all of your questions and keep visitors at a safe distance from the bears.
It was easier earlier in the Alaska cruise season because there were tons of shuttles to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area that you could take from the cruise port. As of July 2023, it has become a little bit more difficult to do Nugget Falls from the cruise port, but it’s still possible. The Nugget Falls Trail is one of the most popular things to do from the Juneau cruise port.
As soon as you exit your ship there will be a line of wooden stands. You can line up at any of the stands to buy a round-trip ticket to the glacier. The journey from the cruise port to the glacier is about 15 minutes. Shuttles come very frequently but there will likely be a line and you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for a shuttle. With flight tours and helicopter trips, consider shopping around instead of booking directly through the cruise line.
If it’s hot in Juneau, like it was for us, then you can also try their delicious ice cream. Don’t worry if beer isn’t your thing because plenty of other drinks are available, too. You can expect to find a mix of locals and tourists here and live music on weekends. The Alaska Shirt Company is a great place to buy souvenirs because they offer a large selection of items at super affordable prices, like four hats for $12. The Helicopter Dogsledding Experience begins with a ride in a helicopter, which will take you to where a dog sled team will pick you up.
In addition, they will share interesting stories about the history of Juneau. A visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Bookstore is like a trip to the local village general store. This bookstore is located in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and is excellent for local products and souvenirs. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in a temperate rainforest, where weather can be unpredictable. I have a complete printable packing list to guide you in packing for a summer in Alaska.
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