ice cave tours juneau alaska

Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves & Glacier Before They Melt (Juneau, Alaska)

If you’ve considered visiting Alaska you have probably stumbled across surreal photos of people standing and walking in the bright blue Mendenhall Ice Caves formed on the Mendenhall Glacier.

Located a short 12 miles outside Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, the Mendenhall Ice Caves are ever-changing due to melting ice and glacier recession but an absolute wonder to explore. That said, accessing them is no easy feat.

Naturally, we couldn’t visit Juneau and miss the chance to experience the ice caves for ourselves. Accessing the caves is possible in only a couple of ways and not without having to work for it.

How to Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves

Table of Contents

About the Mendenhall Glacier

One of 38 glaciers that emerges from the 1500 square mile Juneau Ice Field, runs 13 miles long into the Mendenhall Valley eventually ending in the Mendenhall Lake where it is primarily viewed today.

The glacier itself is over 3,000 years old and easily one of Juneau’s most popular tourist stops. With a well-established visitors center and an easy walking trail to the Nugget Falls, 90% of the visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier never get any closer than a viewing platform at the visitors center.

While it’s not easy to detect by visitors, the Mendenhall Glacier is receding rapidly meaning the face of the glacier and the surrounding areas are changing on a daily basis.

While the glacier has been receding since 1500, the majority of the change has taken place since 1958 by a total of 2.5 miles.

People that work around the glacier and monitor its changes are hopeful that once it recedes out of Mendenhall Lake it will slow down and stabilize. However, once this happens the ice caves will likely no longer exist so it’s not a natural wonder you can put off seeing.

What are the Mendenhall Ice Caves?

Due to the rate of glacial recession, the ice caves have formed by the melting glacial ice and flow of water around the side of the glacier.

This melted water runs under and through the glacier regularly carving out new caves. As the glacier recession continues, the caves collapse and disappear.

While you might only see white from the exterior of the glacier, all glaciers are inherently a bright blue on the inside.

This color, affectionately known as glacier blue, is the result of air being squeezed from the frozen ice and snow. Over time the ice absorbs every other color except blue.

This natural phenomenon leaves us with a frozen, bright blue cavern under the glacier where we are able to catch a small glimpse into the inner beauty of the glacier.

How to Get To the Mendenhall Ice Caves

It is possible to visit the caves independently or on a guided adventure. Both have their pros and cons but safety is a definite concern and something to consider for your visit.

Via Mendenhall Lake

While both ways are a beautiful and perfectly acceptable way to access the caves, there is something special about using the lake to access the west side of the Glacier.

In the summer, this requires a solid hour or more of paddling across the chilly glacier lake from the public access point to the beach on the west side of the glacier.

In the winter, you can hike your way across the lake.

If you are looking for a well-rounded experience for visiting the ice caves, we recommend a combination tour option that involves paddling across the lake in a canoe, hiking up the west side of the glacier, a visit to the Mendenhall Ice Caves followed by a hike up onto the glacier.

Recommended Tour: Above & Beyond Alaska

This is a fully guided experience that not only provides a great adventure, but the chance to learn about the glacier and the caves too.

Alternatively, it is possible to rent kayaks in Juneau that can be used to paddle across the lake to the west glacier beach.

Access to the caves is not marked and in some parts, there is no apparent trail to follow. In the winter, you can also traverse the frozen lake on foot without a guide to access the ice caves.

Via West Glacier Trail

If paddling is not your cup of tea, you can opt for the land option. Access to the ice caves exclusively on foot is possible via the West Glacier Trail.

The trailhead for this hike starts in the same parking lot as the lake crossing. The beginning of the hike is well marked, as many people like to take leisurely walks in the temperate rainforest at the start of the trail.

Don’t be fooled, as the trail continues on, it gets increasingly more difficult with intense uphill areas that are often wet and slippery and covered with rocks and mud.

Some areas on this part of the trail have a loose metal rope guide to assist in the incline. At this point in the trail and beyond, it is not marked clearly.

You will eventually reach a lookout over the glacier at this is where the West Glacier Trail officially ends. Suffice to say, it is not at the ice caves. You have to continue on without a trail, scrambling and sliding your way down near the glacier.

It is highly recommended to have a guide for this hike . This will ensure you know the current conditions of the ice caves, have all the right gear and someone who knows the trails with you. Every year dozens of lost or injured hikers have to be retrieved from the area.

If you choose to visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves independently, safety should be your biggest concern. It is possible to get lost and back-country safety precautions should be followed. 

The path to the ice caves is very difficult and we do not suggest attempting it unless you are an experienced hiker or you have a knowledgeable guide with you.

Ice Cave and Glacier Hiking Safety

No matter how you choose to visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves, safety should be a priority. The ever-changing conditions of a glacier environment make a visit here both thrilling and dangerous.

In the summer you can expect dripping water, fast-moving streams, falling rocks, and unstable footing.

On top of that, keep in mind that the weather in Alaska is ever-changing and you might start with the sun and find yourself adventuring in the wet, cold within an hour.

This means you should always carry the right kind of gear and don’t leave for a glacier visit without it. Rain gear is essential, including a jacket and pants.

Ensure your boots are waterproof and warm; bring extra socks in case your feet get wet. Bring a variety of layers that can be added and removed while you are going to and near the glacier.

If you’re traveling independently, be sure to read the tips provided by the U.S Forest Service, the agency managing the area.

10 Tips for Visiting the Mendenhall Ice Caves

• Allow an entire day to visit the ice caves. It is not uncommon for the round-trip to take 8 hours or more depending on conditions. Most of the way is unmarked and unmaintained.
• Ask yourself, are you really fit enough for this? You will be required to scramble over rocks on steep, slippery terrain over several miles for several hours.
• Wear Waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet protected and dry.
• Bring crampons and hiking poles for walking on the ice.
• Bring a safety helmet and actually wear it. Rocks are always falling in the ice caves as the ice is melting and gives way to them.
• Dress in layers of high-functioning outdoor fabrics. You’re looking for moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothes. Do not wear jeans or cotton clothing. They retain water and do not dry quickly.
• Pack high-protein snacks and a minimum of 2 liters of water per person.
• Bring a warm hat and gloves. It will be cold near the glacier and in the caves.
• Cell service is not guaranteed so make sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
• Hire a guide who knows the trails and can get you to the ice caves and back safely.

Remember that any visit to the Mendenhall Ice Caves and Glacier is at your own risk. Glaciers are always moving, shifting, calving and collapsing. The ice caves are located within a glacier, meaning the behavior of the cave cannot be predicted.

The assumed risk should be anything from minor injury to death whenever you enter an ice cave or set foot on a glacier. More information about the Mendenhall Glacier can be found at the Tongass National Forest Service site.

More on Alaska:

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• 13 UNREAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs
• Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Guide
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• 2017 Travel Review – 7 States and 7 Countries
• Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
• Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska
• 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise
• 19 Photos That Prove Juneau, Alaska is More Than Just A Cruise Stop
• The Ultimate Alaska Packing List

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

14 thoughts on “Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves & Glacier Before They Melt (Juneau, Alaska)”

Great story, we were hoping to walk across the lake this winter but it may not freeze in the mild weather.

Hi! Does anyone know about any guided tour to the caves in the winter?

Hi Paulina, I would recommend checking with our recommended company in the article regarding winter tours to the ice caves. Cheers!

I’d love permission to use one of your photos (especially the one above the 10 tips) and a link to your article in my Christmas newsletter. I’m in Juneau and have taken photos of one of the small caves accessible by kayak, now long gone, but I haven’t photographed the big stuff–and I just did photos with an old cell phone. Thanks for your article and the great tips.

Thanks for your kind words, Mary. Please email us directly in regards to your request. Cheers!

I’m putting you guys and this trip on my itinerary for next summer! We are beyond excited!

Great to hear! Juneau is a real treasure to visit and you’ll love the ice caves.

The Ice caves are so Awesome. Did you do a bit of post editing or its all natural! Wow!

The ice caves are spectacular sapphire blue! The photos are natural, it really does look like that!

Thanks for the article, I am going to Alaska next month, the Mendenhall Ice Caves are on the list of things to do!

Def don’t miss them and be sure to give yourself AT LEAST 4 days in Juneau!! It’s incredible and there are so many cool things to do there!

What a cool spot … when I get to Alaska, I can’t wait to capture this place with my camera!

It’s an incredible place and we highly recommend taking the time to see more of Juneau and it’s surroundings!

Nature is amazing. Mendenhall Ice Caves just the place where I want to visit now Great Read.

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Viewing Glaciers in Juneau

Juneau’s hottest attractions are some of the coolest spots around, sít’ - glacier, got ice we do.

Juneau's most popular attraction (and the most easily accessible Alaska glacier) is the mighty, magnificent Mendenhall Glacier , located just 13 miles from downtown Juneau and only a few minutes from the airport.

Please see this important Mendenhall Glacier Update.  The Mendenhall is just one of the 38 major glaciers that flow from the Juneau Icefield , an expanse of interconnected glaciers that sits just behind the mountains next to Juneau. The Icefield covers more than 1,500 square miles and runs from the Taku River inlet east of town to Skagway, 90 miles northwest. Now that's one big ice cube.

You have lots of options if you want to explore our glaciers . You can actually drive to the Mendenhall Glacier, but ground tour companies offer trips as well. Once you're there, the Forest Service operates an excellent walk-up visitor center . The center provides regular updates about the glacier and surrounding area -- check it out.

Beyond the Mendenhall

Recognized as the thickest glacier in the world measuring in just short of a mile thick (4,845 feet or 1,477 m), the Taku Glacier sits just to the southeast of downtown Juneau. An amazing fact about the Taku is that it’s one of only a handful of glaciers in the world that’s advancing. According to the Juneau Icefield Research Program , the Taku has been measured advancing at a rate of 56 ft. per year since 1988! This epic display of raw wilderness serves as a reminder to everyone that whether it’s our glaciers, our mountains, the local bears, or migratory whales, the beauty of Southeast Alaska is everywhere! 

Flightseeing companies offer aerial tours of the Icefield, and helicopter companies can land you right on the ice for a short walk or two-hour hike. Day boat tour companies offer tours of the twin Sawyer Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord southeast of Juneau. Glacier Bay National Park, with its incredible collection of tidewater glaciers and 3 million acres of wilderness, is just a short trip to the west.

Glacier Fun Facts

• Juneau glacier viewing is often best on overcast days, so don't let a little rain dampen your plans.
• Glaciers put off a mystical blue color caused by a unique crystalline structure that absorbs and reflects light, giving the ice its unique hue. The most intense blue occurs in crevasses and when ice breaks off, or calves, from a glacier's face. The blue color fades as the ice is exposed to air and the crystalline structure breaks down.
• And while glaciers appear to be sitting perfectly still, they are in fact constantly moving, flowing downhill out of the mountains like rivers. This constant movement gives glaciers the power to shape the landscape as they go.

907-364-2333   /   [email protected]

Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

Love hiking this one is for you.

Duration Day Trip 6-Hours

Activity Hiking

Highlight Rainforest hiking, glacier edge exploration

Price From $199 per person + tax

Difficulty Strenuous

Transportation Meet at "C" Sign by the Mount Roberts Tramway

Experience The Trip

Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, enveloped in majestic Sitka spruce and hemlock trees. Your experienced guide will lead you through this lush wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed bedrock, where the trail fades into the wild.

Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Mendenhall Glacier’s jagged facade and its majestic ice river. Here, we pause to savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. As you gaze upon the glacier, admire the deep blue crevasses and cascading icefall at its base. This captivating vista not only encompasses the glacier but also the surrounding mountains and the mighty Nugget Falls. 

This invigorating Juneau wilderness hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It’s a memorable journey that promises unforgettable natural wonders . If you require a fast or slower pace, or would like to get closer to the glacier, please consider booking the Privately Guided  Mendenhall Glacier Hike.

The Trip Itinerary

6 hour trip, pick up from downtown juneau.

Van transportation to ABAK

Gear Outfitting and Orientation

Get to know your guide and gear! Questions about the gear sizing?

Hike approximately 3.5 miles to the Glacier Viewpoint

A fun jaunt through temperate rainforest via the West Glacier Trail

Viewpoint – photography and snacks

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier!

Return Hike to the Trailhead

Don’t worry, it’s mostly downhill!

De-gear and Return Van Transport

Practical info, client pickup information.

Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the “C”-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown Juneau area.

Clients arriving at AJ Dock:

Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.

Clients Staying Locally:

Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.  

Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.

ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation p lease contact our office for meeting location information at 907-364-2333 or [email protected].  

From $199.00

Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 12

Minimum Age: 10

Clients must be able to hike for at least 4 hours/7 miles round-trip on steep, rocky, slippery, uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack, and provide their own hiking boots with adequate ankle support.

Private Trip for your Group?

We can accomodate your private group..

Get one on one time with our expert guides.

Private Group Size:  Minimum of 2, Maximum of 12

Duration: 6-8 hours

Minimum Age:   8 years old

Included In The Price

• Professional guides
• Roundtrip van transport
• US Forest Service permits
• Rain gear (hooded jacket and pants) and backpack
• Hearty, healthy snack
• Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste) 
• All safety gear including trekking poles if needed.

Not Included In Price

• Boots! Clients must provide their own hiking boots for this trip.
• Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay here.
• Professional Photography
• Gratuity for your guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.

Important Notes

• This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough to dress appropriately.
• Glacier Access and feature exploration: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding daily. Because the glacier is in a state of constant change, not all features may be present to be viewed. Groups will stop at the panoramic overview. This tour does not continue to the edge of the glacier.
• A specific amount of time hiking cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time at the glacier is dependent on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
• Clients must be able to hike for at least 4 hours/7 miles round trip on steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack.
• Clients must provide their own sturdy hiking boots for this trip.
• Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restrictions or limitations that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
• Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
• A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the trek due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace.
• Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
• Due to inherent risk involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.

Departure Times: Please click on the Book Your Trip tab to find updated departures times.

Dates of Operation: May 1st – September 30th, 2024

Minimum Age: 10 years old. Families with children under 10 need to book a privately guided trip, for which the minimum age is 8. We do not permit clients to carry their infants/toddlers due to safety concerns.

Activity Level: Challenging & Strenuous – Participants need to be in good physical shape and able to climb over rocks, slippery surfaces, and have no major mobility issues. No hiking experience necessary.

Documentation Needed

• Name of each client
• Cell phone contact number of client
• Desired trip date and departure time
• Name of cruise ship or hotel
• Clients’ ages, especially anyone under the age of 18
• Rain gear sizing (please specify male or female)
• Any pertinent medical issues, allergies or dietary restrictions
• Primary language spoken, if other than English

Media Gallery

• All About Above & Beyond

Celebrating Twenty Years

Above & Beyond Alaska, LLC is a local, employee-owned guiding company based in Juneau Alaska. We have been exploring the region from ocean to ice for over 25 years and guiding others since 2002. Our goal is to provide a complete Alaskan wilderness experience by sharing with clients our passion for the outdoors, technical know-how, and natural history knowledge.

Leave Us A Review

Adventure Green Alaska Certified

Whale Sense Since 2020

PO Box 211202 Auke Bay, Alaska United States AK 99821

907-364-2333 [email protected]

Permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Tongrass National Wilderness

How to get to the Mendenhall Ice Caves

Updated March 2024 ,   How to get to Mendenhall Ice Caves was originally written in February 2016

Hands down one of the most magical things I’ve done in the world? Joining the ice worms under the surreal, icy blue world of a glacier. The network of cerulean ice caves is what makes Mendenhall Glacier so unique and special.

Mendenhall Glacier is a very popular tourist destination, conveniently located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, so if you happen to be in  Juneau  or are planning a trip there, a visit at least to the glacier is a must.

But a visit to the Mendenhall Ice Caves will likely be one of the most amazing things you’ll ever see.

Don’t put off a visit to Mendenhall Ice Cave, it’s constantly shifting and changing and will collapse every so often and reform.

Looking for more ideas for your time in Juneau? Check out the  Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Alaska?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Mendenhall Ice Caves Quick Tips

• Glaciers and especially ice caves are constantly shifting, melting, and collapsing. You are choosing to go at your own risk as glacier travel can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.
• If you don’t have any glacier experience, I highly recommend hiring a guide. Beyond AK does take groups out to the ice caves but only if they are reasonably safe to access.
• There’s a chance that there may be no caves when you plan to visit. While this is unfortunate, you can’t predict these things. I visited in 2016, but I had heard in 2018 the cave I went in had collapsed, and by 2019 another cave had formed at a different location on the glacier.
• Dress warm and in layers, especially in the winter.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and boots as you will get wet inside the ice cave.

How To Get To The Mendenhall Ice Caves

1. get to juneau.

Firstly, you’ll need to get to  Juneau . You’ll arrive in one of three ways. By air , by  cruise ship , or by the  Marine Highway  (aka: the ferry).

Shop the best flight deals on Expedia and Skyscanner

2. 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 (yes, again) 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 Skater’s Cabin road. Follow Skater’s Cabin road to the parking lot at the end. This is the beginning of the ‘ West Glacier Trail ‘.

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3. Trek To Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves

From the end of Skater’s Cabin Road parking lot, start on the  West Glacier Trail  and follow the trail 4.5 miles to the glacier. This is a long trek and the trail is difficult, can be dangerous in areas, and is mostly unmarked, though there usually is some surveyor tape every so often marking the way.

It can get slippery so be cautious where you step, in fact, the last section that descends down to the glacier is quite steep and on loose scree that can be very slippery. This route includes bridges, hazards, loose rocks, inclines, declines, and even stairs. It’s not uncommon for people to twist ankles, suffer sprains, and even break bones on this trail.

Expect the hike to take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours on average, each way. It is advisable to get an early start, especially in the winter when days are short.

3.5 Option: Kayak/Canoe Across The Lake

It’s possible to bring a kayak (or rent one back in Juneau) and kayak across the lake in the summer and land just to the western flank of the glacier. Check out kayak and canoe trips  here .

3.75 Option: If It’s Winter, Walk Across The Lake

In the winter, if the ice is thick enough it is possible to walk across the frozen lake from the Visitor Center. Do take care as people have fallen through the ice in the past.

4. Arrive At The Western Flank Of The Glacier

Walk north along the western flank of the glacier. Be careful as the rocks and ice can be very slippery here. This is a good place to pop on your crampons.

5. Start Looking For A Stream Coming From The Glacier

This will typically lead you to the entrance of an ice cave. When I visited in 2016 the opening to the ice cave was right off the western flank, but these caves have since collapsed. In 2019 there are ice caves that have reformed, but the openings to them always are changing so you may need to do some investigating on arrival to locate them.

6. Keep An Eye Out For An Opening

Glaciers are constantly shifting, changing, melting, moving, and sometimes growing. When I visited the opening was quite obvious. Other visitors report having to duck down or even crawl to enter. It just depends on how the glacier has shifted.

7. Head On In

Once you’ve located the entrance, follow the tunnel in. Depending on the ice you can go to varying depths into the glacier.

8. Enjoy the Mendenhall Ice Caves

The best way I can describe what being inside the ice cave is like is to say it’s what I’ve always imagined being trapped inside a sapphire would be like. The blues flicker and flash and appear to shift to different hues.

You can hear the constant movement of the glacier with the occasional groan and creak. It’s somewhere that I wanted to stay in forever and run out as fast as I could– it is an eerie feeling being under a glacier, but amazing at the same time.

Shop Various Mendenhall Glacier Tours

• Mendenhall Glacier Trek

• Price: $240.45
• Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour

• Price: $329.70
• Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Trek

• Price: $366.45
• Mendenhall Glacier Lake Kayaking Tour

• Price: $199.00

Where To Stay In Juneau

Budget Juneau Hostel |  Juneauhostel.net  |

Midrange Ramada By Windham Juneau |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Splurge Alaska's Capital Inn B&B |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

What To Bring

• Hiking boots -  It's a long hike to get out there and you want to be comfortable with good ankle support. Bringing a pair of  rubber boots  along will be handy as well as it can be wet going into the cave.
• Crampons -  or ice cleats. You don't want to be slipping and sliding around on a glacier. Crampons will provide you with the most grip. Cleats will at least give you some traction. Depending on your plans Ice axes may be helpful, although not usually necessary for most visitors.
• Helmet-  Just in case you slip and hit your head.
• Water-  It's no brainer. It's a long hike.
• Snacks-  Like mentioned with the water, it's a long hike.
• Layers and a  rain jacket -  Juneau is notorious for rain. Layers will keep you comfortable as it will be colder up on and in the glacier. You'll most likely get pretty warm on the hike over.
• Not comfortable going on your own? Hire a guide!

• Trekking on a glacier and inside ice caves is dangerous. Go at your own risk. Injury and/or death is possible.
• If at all in doubt, go on a guided trip.

Have Any Questions About Visiting The Mendenhall Ice Caves?

Ask in the comments section below.

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10 thoughts on “how to get to mendenhall ice caves”.

Hi Nicole, do you know around what time of winter people usually start making the hike via ice across the lake?

Hey Macie, We did it in mid-January, which I’d think is about the earliest as the ice was still a bit thin (though just thick enough for walking and ice skating). This can be largely dependent on the weather on a particular year though.

July 7, 2019. There are no ice caves left at this point. The glacier has receded to a point were it meets the end moraine. The last of the caves that could be entered collapsed in May of 2019. This is now a hike to the toe of the glacier and nothing more. Additionally the trail that is recommended, and that goes north at the fork, is seldom used and becoming overgrown. There is Surveyor’s tape marking the trail but it is nice to have a GPS as well. Additionally once you get to the saddle, above the glacier, the trail descends loose, dangerous scree for several hundred feet now. This is not terrain the should be descended by those without significant experience in the mountains. Use the trail that goes right around the rocky point and stays closer to the lake!

All and all a great hike but do not do it expecting caves like those pictured.

Good to know, thanks for the update. I visited in early 2016 and wrote this shortly after that, so I am without a doubt that it shifted quite a lot since my trip there.

I called the Mendenhall Visitor center today to get more information about the current conditions of the caves and was told all were collapsed. Can you confirm this information is not accurate?

Hey Cheryl, I’m not in Juneau right now, so I don’t have any more current information on if the caves have collapsed. You may be able to get more info by contacting beyondak.com and asking about. I hope they haven’t, but it does seem to happen every few years

When are these photos taken? During May 2017?:)

There from January 2016. Just updated the post in May 2017

Thanks for the clear instructions on how to get to the ice caves. We went last year and used your blog post to guide us there, it was even more surreal in person 🙂

Glad to hear you made it out there! Amazing isn’t it?

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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...

Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

From: $661 / person

Experience this exciting dog sledding adventure on the Herbert Glacier. Your tour with start with a helicopter ride up to our beloved dog sled camp situated on a glacier. The flight itself will leave you in awe as you take in READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter

From: $787 / person

This tour is the same as our regular Dogsled Excursion via Helicopter but it includes an additional glacier landing! Take in the landscape surrounding Juneau as you travel by helicopter up to the first glacier where you'll ju READ MORE...

Juneau Dog Sled World & Glacier Helicopter Adventure

$689 / person

Experience the life of an Alaskan Dog Musher! During this hands-on interactive tour, you will help prepare your dogsled team for the day of mushing that awaits you. In addition to glacier flightseeing and dogsledding, enjoy e 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...

From: $395 / person

This breathtaking helicopter flight will take you on an adventure to explore the beauty of Juneau glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled during the flight as you may see some wildlife on the mountain peaks. Once you land on the glac 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 Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

$465 / person

The Walkabout offers a personalized experience and the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with glacier's most stunning features. This non-strenuous, hour-long interpretive hike led by our team of professional gui READ MORE...

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Trek

$515 / person

This 2-hour glacier trekking adventure, led by knowledgeable interpretive guides, offers an amazing blend of scientific discovery, ice trekking and exploration, and stunning views of the Juneau Icefield's most breathtaking fe READ MORE...

Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

$688 / person

This multifaceted tour is a unique and compelling opportunity to see the exquisite beauty of Southeast Alaska from the Taku River! From the air, enjoy breathtaking views of our Nation's largest National Forest. On the water, READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

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...

• Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

$169 / person

Come cruise with us in a fully enclosed and heated cabin onboard our mammal friendly boat on your way to the whales' playgrounds. Here you can experience a close encounter with these beautiful marine mammals for the ultimate READ MORE...

• Juneau Dog Sled Summer Camp

$159 / person

Join our team of mushers on an adventure you won't soon forget! Learn about Alaska's official state sport and experience a thrilling ride through the forest. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along the Gastineau Chann READ MORE...

Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

$174 / person

Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget! Hop on as a team of huskies whisks you through the forest on a custom-built sled. You'll pass by gigantic spruce and hemlock trees, many of which are hundreds of years old! At the e READ MORE...

Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast

$475 / person

This tour to the infamous Taku Glacier Lodge is the ultimate Alaskan experience. Your journey begins with a narrated flight in one of our seaplanes to the remote Lodge. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a delicious Alaskan meal and READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Flightseeing via Seaplane Tour

$325 / person

The grandeur of Alaska will thrill and delight you beyond expectation on this unforgettable multi-glacier flightseeing tour, where everyone enjoys a window seat. Explore the Juneau Icefield's most stunning glaciers by authent READ MORE...

• Juneau Alpine Zipline Adventure

$245 / person

Soar with us through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on a unique Alaskan adventure! Land in treehouse platforms where you can enjoy the views and take in the scenery. Our knowledgeable guides will be with you every s READ MORE...

Juneau Rainforest eBike Adventure

$160 / person

Discover natural, beautiful Alaska as you set out on an exhilarating 3-hour active adventure for any and all fitness levels. Breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier, old-growth forest, and the world's most northern rain READ MORE...

Norris Glacier Fly In, Hike & Packraft Outing

From: $829 / person

Embark on an exhilarating multi-sport tour to one of Juneau's impressive glaciers. Take flight on a float plane to the Norris Glacier and enjoy a glacier lake landing. Join your guide on a hike over glacially carved terrain READ MORE...

Juneau Segway Coastal Rainforest Adventure

Take an adventure from behind the handlebars of a Segway as you zoom through the surrounding trails of Juneau. You'll start with familiarizing yourself with the Segway with your knowledgeable guide before you take off for a p READ MORE...

Juneau Segway Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure

$175 / person

Looking for a green way to experience Alaska, join the Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure for a small group excursion amongst Alaska's natural beauty. Explore by Segway, far from the crowds and surrounded by Alaskan natire an 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...

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

From: $459 / person

Voted a top ten tour in the US, this small group whale and kayak tour takes guests to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! Your experienced captain and guide will take you to the Channel Islands State Marine P 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 Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing

$999 / person

Waterfall Creek is all about the feast of salmon! The gorgeous Waterfall Creek on Chichagof Island plays host to brown bears for the annual salmon spawning season. Safely watch bears fish from the river on a world-class bear READ MORE...

Juneau Pack Creek Bear Viewing

Pack Creek Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island is the once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan activity you've been searching for. This small group adventure starts with a 25 minute scenic flight from Juneau to Admiralty Island, home to an e 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 Whale Watching Tour & Salmon Bake Combo

Humpback and orca whales are actively feeding while they are in southeast Alaska waters, so chances are you see whales breach, play, and maybe bubble net feed! You will savor wild Alaska salmon amidst amazing scenery at the G 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...

Juneau Halibut Fishing Tour

An unparalleled halibut fishing experience on the waters just outside Juneau, Alaska. Take a swift trip to Auke Bay for an epic half-day of fishing and fun on the water. Bait, tackle, and gear are provided by your local fis READ MORE...

Juneau Salmon Fishing Tour

$275 / person

Make lasting memories on a salmon fishing expedition along the waters of Juneau, Alaska. Your local guides are ready to show you the best salmon fishing spots and wildlife sightings along the way. Never fished before? No e READ MORE...

Juneau Halibut and Salmon Fishing Combo

$390 / person

The local waters around Juneau are teeming with life. Try your hand at fishing on the perfect half-day halibut and salmon fishing excursion. Your experienced crew can't wait to take your small group charter on a quest for t READ MORE...

Juneau Guided Mindfulness Meditation Tour

$198 / person

Southeast Alaska provides the perfect, tranquil setting for a mindfulness journey. Delight in a scenic drive on your way to a breathtaking spot for meditation amongst the ocean, mountains and forests. End your experience wi READ MORE...

Juneau Eat, Sip & Explore

$345 / person

Come explore Juneau with a local guide on an exclusive Jeep journey through historic Juneau. Be amazed by the wonders of the salmon hatchery and catch a glimpse of the adorable harbor seals. Get away from the crowds to exp READ MORE...

Juneau Food Tasting Tour

$129 / person

Prepare your tastebuds for the ultimate Alaskan tasting experience. We'll visit several local eateries like Tracy's King Crab Shack, Taku Smokeries, Hangar on the Wharf, Crystal Saloon, and a few others to delight your senses READ MORE...

Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour

$79 / person

The Juneau Salmon Bake has been grilling up perfection since 1978! Enjoy this all-you-can-eat feast, in the majestic setting of the Tongass Rainforest. This mouth-watering Alaskan buffet includes signature Alderwood-grilled w READ MORE...

Juneau Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake Tour

$139 / person

Experience the history of Alaska - and try your hand at panning for gold! This tour includes a brief narrated city tour as you make your way to the gold mining site that was made famous by Joe Juneau and Rich Harris. After a READ MORE...

Juneau Historic Gold Panning Adventure

$99 / person

Pan for real gold and enjoy the thrill that sparked the Gold Rush days! Visit Gold Creek and "Last Chance Basin" to learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice from your guide. You will have plenty of time READ MORE...

Juneau Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek

$615 / person

**THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2024 SEASON**This is the most in-depth glacier trekking tour includes a hike on the glacier and ice climbing. Expert guides will equip you with state-of-the-art trekking and climbing equip READ MORE...

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About Juneau

Best Juneau Tours & Excursions:

These experiences are our most popular tours in Juneau:

1. Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour

2. mendenhall glacier dog sledding & helicopter tour, 3. whale watching & mendenhall glacier tour, 4. whale watching, mendenhall glacier & salmon bake combo, 5. musher's camp & sled dog discovery, 6. whale watching adventure tour, 7. mendenhall glacier guided walk via helicopter tour, 8. historic gold panning & salmon bake tour, 9. whale watching tour & salmon bake combo, 10. icefield helicopter tour, juneau shore excursions by locals.

We are a local Alaska company that aims to bring you the best tours and experiences that Juneau has to offer. When you buy Juneau shore excursions on your own, instead of through a cruise ship, we can offer you wholesale, local Alaska prices. Our goal is to make your Alaskan cruise the trip of a lifetime!

What are the best tours in Juneau?

The best tours in Juneau are:

• Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

Can I go whale watching in Juneau?

Yes! Whale watching is one of the top things to do in Juneau and you are 100% guaranteed to see whales. Our top whale watching excursions are:

• Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo
• Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake

Which Juneau excursions are best for kids and families?

Juneau is a great destination for children. Here are our top picks for kids and families:

• Juneau Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

Is Mendenhall Glacier worth visiting?

The majestic Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top destinations in the Juneau area and is very easily accessible. The top tours are:

• Mendenhall Glacier Guided Walk Helicopter Tour

Visiting Juneau:

Juneau, originally named Harrisburg after one of its co-founders, was the first town established in Alaska after it’s purchase from Russia in 1867. In 1880, the first rush of miners came in search of gold. With the help of Tlingit Chief Kowee, seekers found gold and by the end of 1916, there were three successful mines producing millions of dollars worth of gold. Once word of Juneau’s natural beauty and prospecting triumph’s spread, more visitors began flocking to the town and haven’t stopped since! Nowadays Juneau sees nearly 1 million visitors every year - will you be one of them?

Come visit, check out our list of the best  things to do in Juneau , and take in some of the natural highlights like the Juneau helicopter tours over the ice fields, the arrival of the humpback whales every summer with one of our Juneau whale watching tours, go dog sledding, go ziplining through  Tongass National Forest , or take a flightseeing trip up to the historic Taku Lodge where you’ll fly over the Taku Glacier, the only glacier unaffected by glacial melting!

The most popular Juneau shore excursions are tours involving glaciers or wildlife sightseeing. The Mendenhall Glacier  is the only glacier that can be accessed by land via the road system, whereas many other glaciers can be experienced through helicopter and seaplane sightseeing. Juneau helicopter tours give you an opportunity to land and walk on various glaciers in the area that could otherwise not be seen or visited. As you prepare for your trip, you can check out the current Mendenhall Glacier weather .

Whale Watching is also very popular and among the best Alaska tours, because of the extreme abundance of whales in the area. Humpback whales spend their summers in Alaska to feed before heading back to Mexico or Hawaii to live and give birth to offspring in the winter months. The nutrient-rich waters create the ideal feeding grounds in Juneau for humpback whales including the spectacular bubble-net feeding technique in which whales work together to consume large amounts of krill, their main food source.  If you're feeling hungry, you can pair your  whale watching tour with an outdoor salmon bake .

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The Surreal Ice Caves Of Mendenhall Glacier In Juneau Alaska

Mendenhall Glacier and Lake in winter.

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, is comprised of 5,815 acres (2,353 hectares). The glacier itself, was originally known as Sitaantaago meaning The Glacier Behind The Town or Aak’wtaaksit The Glacier Behind The Little Lake .

The glacier was named Auke (Auk) Glacier by naturalist John Muir, for the Tlingit Auk Kwann band in 1888. It was renamed in honor of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, the famous American autodidact physicist and meteorologist in 1891.

Thomas Corwin Mendenhall 1841 – 1924

Thomas Mendenhall was also the superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1889 to 1894.

Mendenhall Glacier extends from the Juneau Ice Field, its source, to Mendenhall Lake. The lake is iceberg filled and provides expansive views of the glacier from the water. The retreat of the glacier created the lake in 1929. The glacier has withdrawn an additional 1.75 miles (2.82 kilometers) since that year.

The surreal ice caves are inside the glacier, most easily accessible to those willing to kayak across Mendenhall lake. Visitors then have to climb over the glacier, to finally enter the ice caves . It is a near a 3.5 mile hike on the West Glacier Trail, to the ice caves.

Mendenhall Lake, mostly frozen over, and the Mendenhall Glacier

Weather and conditions permitting, tourists can then see an expansive dreamlike scene, inside the glacier.

The West Glacier Trail starts out in a forest and is fairly level. However, it can be muddy and quite slippery, in some areas. Later the trail will have uplifted rocks, roots and other obstacles. Further on, the path gets rather steep, with one having to traverse bridges, stairs and switchbacks.

In one portion of the trail, there is even a large boulder, with a knotted rope, to better help you to climb over it. In addition, at the end of the pathway, there is an abundance of loose rocks, one has to navigate to get to the ice cave entrance.

The Ice Caves

A visitor can alternatively decide to take the Cairn route. You will need to curve off at the Viewpoint sign on the trail to do this secondary path.

One may also take a helicopter ride to the glacier site. It is important to mention if you hire a guide, that you wish to visit the ice caves .

If you are not on a tour , you can rent a vehicle or take a taxi to the West Glacier Trail, off of Skater’s Cabin Road.

Before the 20 th century, the Mendenhall Glacier had retreated only about 0.5 miles, since around 1500.

Melting ice on Mendenhall Lake near the start of the Mendenhall River with Nugget Falls in the background

The glacier has been regularly monitored since 1942, by the Juneau Icefield Research Program.

The melting of the glacier is what has in part, created these magnificent ice caves. The ongoing retreat of the Mendenhall Glacier, is constantly creating new vistas, inside these impressive caves.

Ultimately, as the glacier moves to extinction, the ice caves themselves will disappear.

Once inside the ice caves, one is treated to a frozen panorama of brilliant blue.

The Mendenhall Glacier in March, 1953

The best time to visit the glacier and the ice caves is between mid May and mid September. The weather will be far more pleasant and the surrounding landscape is then in full bloom .

The forest and lake area are easily accessible from the visitors center, by a number of maintained trails.

Nugget Falls can also be viewed, cascading down the mountainside near the glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

There is an abundance of wildlife in the forest that includes bears, beavers, mountain goats and when in season, salmon.

Many tourists begin or end the experience at the Mendenhall Glacier, by making a stop at the historic Forest Service Visitor Center. It is the first and oldest Forest Visitor Center in the United States. It was originally dedicated in 1962.

The glacier and the lake are easily viewed from the Visitor Center. There are interactive exhibits, telescopes, ranger talks, children’s activities and a bookstore.

Nearly 500,000 arrive at the Visitor Center every year. Most will come by cruise ship.

Mendenhall Glacier in the summer

The trail to the ice caves on the other hand, can be somewhat arduous . If you come ill prepared, you can easily become injured. It is therefore advisable, that you not attempt a visit to the ice caves by yourself.

The entrance to a glacier ice cave under Mendenhall Glacier.

The hike to the ice caves can easily take 2 to 3 ½ hours each way, depending on your physical condition and pace of your movement. One should start early and do not underestimate, the time you will need . You do not want to be making the return hike in the dark. That can become a dangerous experience.

Remember you cannot be guaranteed a visit to the ice caves. If the weather is inclement, it would be wise to either postpone or eliminate this part of your trip.

To be comfortable on your trip it is best to dress in layers, so you can remove or add clothing as needed. Keep in mind, you are going to get wet during the excursion, to both the glacier and the ice caves.

Bring along a light rain-jacket that can be worn or removed, depending on weather conditions. It is best to wear hiking boots, or walking shoes with full ankle support.

Water resistant gloves can make the trip more comfortable, as you scurry between the rocks, during the final portion of the hike to the ice caves. You can then easily use part of the terrain , to make the walk more enjoyable.

Mendenhall Lake and Glacier from the Visitor’s Center, summer 2006

One should also consider bringing along chap-stick with adequate SPF and sunscreen if it looks like it will be a clear day. You will be out in the sun for hours. Mosquitoes can also be an issue, so a visitor might wish to bring along, some type of insect repellant.

To prevent damage to your phones and cameras, it is a good idea to have them in protective cases, for the trip out to the glacier area.

It is important to plan ahead, so bring along extra water.

The glacier is 12 miles from the city of Juneau and 15 ½ miles from the ice caves.

The Visitor Center is located at 8150 Mendenhall Loop Road Juneau, Alaska 99801.

The website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/ The phone number is (907) 789-0097.

There is no admission price to the glacier or the ice caves, outside the cost of getting there.

If one wishes to stop in at the Visitor Center, there is a nominal fee of $5.00 USD ( United States Dollar ).

How To Get There

Once you arrive in Juneau by either plane or cruise line, it is easy enough to arrange transportation to the glacier and ice caves.

Tourists can take a bus tour or taxi from downtown Juneau. Taxi service is available from the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, just 7 miles away. From the Juneau Airport, the Visitor Center is a mere 5 miles. Here again, taxis can be used to traverse the distance.

The Juneau city bus, stops a close 1 ¼ miles from the Visitor Center.

Days and Hours of Operations

The glacier and ice caves are accessible throughout most of the year, depending on the status of the weather. As aforementioned, most tourists arrive during the 4 month period, from the middle of May to the middle of September. The trails and outdoor areas remain open all year.

The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily, May through September. From October to April, the facility is only open Friday through Sunday. The hours of business are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Is readily available in Juneau, but should be made in advance to ensure accessibility. There is a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels in the city.

Nice article and great photos. I have never been to Alaska but it’s now on my radar after this article. Thanks!

Wow what a breath taking experience, Alaska has never been on my list to visit but it sure does capture my interest after reading your blog. The beauty in the sculptures is one that i believe a person should witness individually.

I am so glad to see this article, I am planning to go for a trip to Alaska next year with my loved ones and it will be our first destination.

Thanks for the clear instructions on how to get to the ice caves. We went last year and used your blog post to guide us there, it was even more surreal in person.

Alaska is on my bucket list, hope your this blog post help me during my trip…

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