Discover Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Hike and Whale Watching Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed for an easy 1.2-mile hike and several hours on boat. Suitable for most travelers comfortable with mild physical activity.
Overview
Explore Southeast Alaska’s wilderness on a half-day tour combining an easy hike to Mendenhall Glacier’s Nugget Falls with an intimate whale-watching cruise from Auke Bay. Witness glacier ice and ocean giants in one seamless adventure.
Discover Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Hike and Whale Watching Adventure
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Juneau’s coastal wilderness commands attention, where icy giants and ocean giants battle the rugged wilds of Southeast Alaska. The Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour offers a compressed but rich encounter with this dynamic landscape. The journey starts with a guided bus ride through Juneau’s compact city streets, the hum of the engine a backdrop to towering spruce and western hemlock stretching upward, alive with the calls of ravens and the occasional eagle circling overhead.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear waterproof hiking shoes
Trails near Nugget Falls can be muddy and slippery due to glacier melt and rainforest moisture.
Bring binoculars for whale watching
Distance to whales varies; binoculars enhance wildlife viewing beyond the boat’s immediate vicinity.
Dress in layers
Alaskan coastal weather changes quickly—pack layers for warmth and rain protection.
Start early to avoid crowds
Mendenhall Glacier area can get busy midday; early starts improve wildlife encounters and photo opportunities.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Orcas
- Humpback whales
History
Mendenhall Glacier has been an important site for the Tlingit people and continues to illustrate the profound impacts of climate change visible in recent decades.
Conservation
The tour operator emphasizes low-impact travel methods and supports local hiring to reduce environmental footprint while enhancing community benefit.
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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Protect footing on wet, uneven forest trails near the glacier.
spring specific
Windbreaker or rain jacket
Keeps you dry and shields from chilly coastal winds during boat tour.
summer specific
Binoculars
Helps spot distant whales and birds across the fjord.
fall specific
Camera with zoom lens
Captures dramatic glacier scenery and breaching whales in detail.
winter specific