Trips to East Glacier Loop Trail
Getting there
East Glacier Loop Trail
The trail loops east of the Mendenhall visitor center, so you reach it by the same bus or taxi route used for the glacier.
East Glacier Loop Trail
East Glacier Loop Trail is a moderate forest hike above the east side of Mendenhall Lake. You get good glacier views and a chance at black bear sightings.
About the East Glacier Loop Trail
East Glacier Loop Trail is one of the walks that start at the Mendenhall visitor center area. It runs through forest on the east side of the valley, looping above Mendenhall Lake. The route is a moderate hike that suits people who want to stretch their legs away from the glacier crowds.
A visit is a loop of about 3.5 miles. Most of the walk is under spruce and hemlock cover, with openings that look out toward the glacier. Going clockwise keeps the steps to a minimum. Keep an eye out for bears, and make noise on the way.
- 3.5 miles loop length
Trips that go to East Glacier Loop Trail
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person.
Getting there, cost and time
The trail loops east of the Mendenhall visitor center, so you reach it by the same bus or taxi route used for the glacier.
Good to know
- Hike with a buddy and be bear aware; black bears are possible on this loop.
- Walk the loop clockwise to avoid many of the steps.
- Some backcountry areas nearby have no cell service, so plan ahead.
Near the East Glacier Loop Trail
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a 377-foot waterfall that drops into Mendenhall Lake, reached on a short, flat trail from the Mendenhall Glacier area. It is one of the most popular walks in Juneau.
Mendenhall Lake
Mendenhall Lake is a glacial lake at the foot of Mendenhall Glacier, where paddlers in kayaks and canoes head out past the glacier's face. Guided trips and rentals both operate here.
West Glacier Trail
The West Glacier Trail runs along the west side of Mendenhall Glacier, skirting Mendenhall Lake and climbing to bare rock above the ice. It is a strenuous hike, best done with a buddy and with care on the rocks.
Auke Lake
Auke Lake is a 160-acre lake in Auke Bay, a few miles from downtown Juneau. A spartan trail wraps around its eastern side through some of the largest Sitka spruces in the city.
Sailings that stop in Juneau
2,816 sailings on 18 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Carnival Legend
Koningsdam
Norwegian Jade
Sources: Juneau Hiking Trails · Outdoor Activities Guide · Auke Lake, Wikipedia · Mount Roberts (Juneau, Alaska), Wikipedia · Juneau, Wikivoyage
Photo: David Baron from Palo Alto, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0