Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, located just outside of Juneau. You can drive right to the visitor center, which makes it one of the easiest glacier experiences in the state.

From there, you have multiple ways to experience it. There are maintained trails, viewpoints, and areas where you can get close enough to really see the detail in the ice. Nugget Falls sits nearby, and many people walk out toward it for a closer view of both the waterfall and the glacier.

The glacier itself flows down from the Juneau Icefield and ends in Mendenhall Lake. You’ll often see ice floating in the water, especially during warmer months.

Kayaking on the lake is popular, and guided tours can take you closer to the glacier face, but even from the shore, it’s impressive.

This is one of the few places where you can see a glacier up close without needing a plane or boat, which makes it a common stop—but it still delivers.