West Glacier Trail – Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top tourist destinations for Juneau’s thriving tourist industry. In 2023, Juneau had a record 1.65 million cruise ship passengers. Fortunately for the glacier, the US Forest Service limits the number of commercial tour visitors to 517,650. This number is based on environmental analysis which factors in the existing infrastructure at the glacier. So that means less than 1/3 of the total cruise ship visitors were able to go to the glacier unless they arranged for alternative transport.
That being said, there is another way to get an even better view of the glacier. West Glacier Trail. OK…not every visitor would be able to view the glacier this way because It is a roughly 2-mile moderately difficult hike to get high enough to see the glacier and 2 miles back. But the views are worth it!
You will park in the parking lot at the Skaters Cabin on the west side of Mendenhall Lake. There are restrooms here and you will see several tour groups taking visitors on canoes, kayaks, and rafts out onto the lake. The trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot and is easily recognizable because of the trail sign.
The trail starts at a nice flat to easy climb through a moderately dense forest. For the first 1.2 miles, you will follow a well-groomed trail and cross various streams over sturdy bridges. There are some pretty steep portions of this trail. These steep sections have roots and rocks for steps and cable railings to keep you on the trail and aid in the climb. The steps aren’t long but they are steep.
There are several lookouts along the way where you can catch your breath and admire the views (and your assent).
If you continue on the West Glacier Trail, it will turn into the Mount McGinnis Trail about 2 miles in. This trail takes you up to Mount McGinnis and gives you an incredible overhead view of the glacier and the ice fields behind it. We’ll talk about this in another review.
Back to West Glacier Trail…Just over 1 mile into the trail, there is a little offshoot to the right which will take you on the West Glacier Spur Trail. This trail is more technical than it is difficult. You will be hiking through thick brush, climbing over boulders, and navigating across small rock fields with no trail markings. Each year, this trail has roughly 10-12 rescues for lost or hurt hikers. Look back several times on your way in (to help you recognize the way out) and be prepared with food, water, and sturdy hiking boots!
This trail will lead you onto the rock peninsula and will give you a spectacular eye-level view of the Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and Nugget Falls. It is possible to continue along the coast and work your way to the glacier. In years past, you have been able to explore the ice caves within the glacier but lately, the glacier has receded and the ice caves are more difficult to find and more dangerous to explore. We did not venture that far this year. We were quite content enjoying the brisk cool air blowing off the glacier.
As always for an out-and-back hike, the return trip feels longer (maybe it’s just me). It is equally challenging going back on the West Glacier Spur Trail but you finish the trail with a gradual and primarily flat hike back to the parking lot.
As with most trails in the Juneau area, I marveled at the lack of trash on the trail. Regulars and visitors have kept this trail clean! I did not find a stray piece of trash that I needed to pack out. Way to go hikers!
On a perfect hike, we will have saved some snacks and have fresh water in the truck…but it doesn’t always happen that way!
Shay – Be the one who cares because there is no guarantee that anyone else will
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Great photos, especially that first glacier shot! I can see why it’s a big draw, but this trail you review sounds like a perfect option for escaping the crowds and still seeing stellar views.
Thank you! It is a great alternative to the visitor center and Nugget Falls. Though I would definitely recommend that location as well. The visitor center has great information on the glacier and Nugget Falls are spectacular.