Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Hike & Tongass Rainforest Walk

Hike Juneau’s deep forest trails to glacier views you’ll remember

You’ll trek deep into Juneau’s Tongass rainforest with a local guide, crossing rocky trails and mossy woods before reaching a ridge overlooking Mendenhall Glacier’s wild blue ice. Expect muddy boots, hearty snacks at the viewpoint, and moments of quiet awe you’ll carry home long after your boots dry out.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup downtown near Mt. Roberts Tramway, van transport to gear up with rain jackets, backpacks, bottled water, plus a professional guide leading your hike through Tongass National Forest to a panoramic glacier viewpoint—hearty snacks included before heading back into town together.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

• Pick up at Mount Roberts Tramway base
• Van transport to main office for gear
• Transport to West Glacier Trailhead
• Hike 3.5 miles through temperate rainforest
• Enjoy glacier viewpoint, photos, and snacks
• Hike 3.5 miles back through forest
• Drop off back downtown

The Experience

“You hear that?” our guide, Sarah, said as we stepped off the van near the Mt. Roberts Tramway—she meant the hush under all those Sitka spruces. It’s not silence exactly; it’s more like the sound of wet leaves and distant water somewhere you can’t see yet. We got our rain jackets and packs sorted at their little office (they had all sizes, which helped since I always forget mine), then loaded back up for the short drive out to the West Glacier trailhead. I was already damp from the mist but honestly, it felt right for Alaska.

The first mile or so through Tongass National Forest was just green everywhere—ferns brushing my legs, moss soft underfoot, and these huge trees that made me feel about ten years old again. Our group kept stopping to check out beaver ponds (one actually slapped its tail at us—Sarah grinned and said that was a “get lost” in beaver). There were bits where the trail got rocky and I slipped once—not dramatic, just enough to remind me this wasn’t some city park loop. The air smelled sharp and earthy, kind of sweet from wet wood.

After what felt like forever but was probably less than two hours (I lost track), we scrambled up this last ridge—my legs burning—and suddenly there it was: Mendenhall Glacier looking impossibly blue against all that gray rock. It didn’t seem real at first. We sat on cold stone eating peanut butter bars and nobody talked much; just wind and someone’s jacket rustling. I still think about that view when things get noisy back home. We didn’t walk on the glacier itself (they told us ahead), but honestly? Just being there was enough.

The hike back felt different—lighter somehow, maybe because we’d seen what we came for or maybe because my boots were finally breaking in. The rain picked up a bit but nobody cared by then. When we finally got dropped off downtown again by the tramway sign, I realized my phone barely had any photos left in it… but my head did.

Top questions

How long is the Mendenhall Glacier hike from Juneau?

The guided hike covers about 6-7 miles roundtrip from the West Glacier Trailhead near Juneau.

Is this Mendenhall Glacier tour suitable for beginners?

No; hikers need good fitness and balance due to rocky, uneven terrain and elevation gain.

Do you walk on Mendenhall Glacier during this day trip?

No; this tour brings you to a glacier viewing ridge but does not include walking on the glacier itself.

What should I wear for hiking to Mendenhall Glacier?

Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support; rain jackets and backpacks are provided by the operator.

Are snacks or lunch included on this guided hike?

A hearty snack is included at the glacier viewpoint along with bottled water.

Where does pickup happen for this tour?

Pickup is at the "C" sign at the base of Mount Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau.

Can kids join this Mendenhall Glacier guided hike?

The minimum age is 10 years old; families with children 8-9 can request a private trip option.

How much time do you spend at the glacier viewpoint?

The time varies depending on group pace and weather conditions; it's not fixed in advance.