Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens Tour

Savor the rich beauty of Glacier Gardens, see the largest salmon ladder in Alaska and visit Juneau's top natural attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Forest - including entry to the visitor center - on this approximate 4-hour tour.

Enjoy commentary about Juneau's gold rush and local history as you depart from downtown en route to Glacier Gardens. Upon arrival, meet your personal tour guide and transfer to a covered shuttle for an intimate look at this natural wonderland. Here, colorful plants, trees and flowers create a dazzling contrast to the lush green forest backdrop.

You will be amazed at the diversity of the rainforest as you wind your way along pathways carved from the mountainside toward the upper regions of the forest. Visit a one-of-a-kind Alaska garden featuring towering upside-down trees covered with planted flowers. From the viewing platform at the 580-foot level, capture images of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island and the Chilkat Mountains. Explore deeper into the forest on your return trip.

Your tour continues with a visit to Juneau’s grand monument: Mendenhall Glacier. This meandering river of compressed blue ice ranks as the largest glacier accessible by road in southeast Alaska. It is a half-mile wide, hundreds of feet deep and fed by the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield.

The U.S. Forest Service staff offers a wealth of information on glaciers during your 75-minute visit to the glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center features exhibits, interactive videos and a panoramic view of the glacier. Don’t forget your camera, as it boasts the perfect vantage point for photos of this world-famous sight. There are also numerous self-guided walking trails to experience the special beauty of Tongass National Forest, allowing ever-changing glimpses of the glacier.