Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Maximize your time in Juneau. Learn trail lengths, wildlife rules, and what gear to pack for your day trip.
Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls & Whale Watching
6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
GPS 58.4173, -134.5493
Open directionsGetting there
Getting from downtown Juneau to the glacier and harbor.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Guided combo tours pick up at the cruise ship terminal or downtown Juneau, handling all transport to Auke Bay for whale watching and then the Mendenhall Glacier. | 4.5-5 hours total | $150-$250 | The most convenient option for cruise ship passengers with limited port time. |
| Bus: Private express shuttle buses operate regularly between the downtown cruise terminal and the Mendenhall Glacier. | 30 mins each way | $70-$85 round-trip | Purchase tickets at the Mt. Roberts Tramway building. Often includes the USFS day pass. |
| Bus: Capital Transit public bus runs from downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Valley, dropping off 1.25 miles from the visitor center. | 1 hour + 25 min walk | $2 each way | The cheapest option, but requires a significant 1.25-mile walk from the bus stop to the glacier. |
| Car: Rental cars or taxis offer flexibility from downtown Juneau or the airport. | 15-20 mins | $35-$45 each way (taxi) | Taxis and rideshares can be sparse; pre-arrange your return trip if possible. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Summer is peak season. Visit between May and September for the best weather and reliable whale sightings. Arrive between late July and September to see spawning salmon and bears near Steep Creek.
What to bring
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Bring a waterproof rain jacket.
Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries for cruise passengers.
The standard half-day route for visitors short on time.
- Depart Port
Meet your tour bus at the cruise terminal.
- Auke Bay
Board the whale-watching vessel.
- Inside Passage
Watch for humpbacks and bubble-net feeding.
- Mendenhall Glacier
Arrive at the park for self-guided exploration.
- Photo Point
Walk the 0.3-mile paved trail for glacier views.
- Return
Take the tour bus back to downtown Juneau.
Focus entirely on the recreation area using the express bus.
- Shuttle
Catch the express bus near the Mt. Roberts Tramway.
- Visitor Center
Buy your $5 USFS pass and watch the 15-minute film.
- Nugget Falls
Hike the 2-mile round-trip trail to the 377-foot waterfall.
- Steep Creek
Walk the boardwalk to look for salmon and black bears.
Park Rules and Safety
Always stay at least 50 yards away from bears. Never approach or feed wildlife. To prevent attracting bears, you cannot bring food or flavored beverages on the trails. Only water is allowed outside the parking lot.
Stay on designated trails to protect fragile vegetation. Weather changes quickly, so dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. Review Packing Guide for a full packing list.
Easiest way to do it
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
4 h 30 min 4.9 (7,687)
- Bottled water
- Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
From$249per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long is the hike to Nugget Falls?
The Nugget Falls Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike. It is relatively flat and takes about one hour to complete.
Are there bears at Mendenhall Glacier?
Yes, black bears frequent the area. They are often seen along Steep Creek from July to September hunting for salmon.
Can you touch the Mendenhall Glacier?
Not from the standard trails. You need to book a specialized ice adventure tour, like a canoe trip, to reach the ice safely.