Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a river of blue ice that flows down from the mountains near Juneau, Alaska's capital city. It stretches about thirteen miles and ends at a beautiful lake dotted with floating icebergs.
Mendenhall is famous for being one of the easiest glaciers to visit, with a short walk from the visitor center to see the glowing blue ice. People love the roaring Nugget Falls waterfall beside it and the chance to spot spawning salmon and black bears.
Blue Ice
The glacier looks blue because the ice is packed so tightly that it soaks up every color of light except blue. On sunny days the ice caves and cracks glow like sparkling sapphires.
Nugget Falls
Right next to the glacier is a thundering waterfall that drops nearly 400 feet into the lake. A flat walking trail leads you close enough to feel the cool mist on your face.
Salmon and Bears
In late summer, salmon swim up Steep Creek to lay their eggs, and hungry black bears come to catch them. Boardwalks let visitors watch this exciting wildlife show safely from above.