Comparing Alaska's Glaciers

[MamaBear58]

So on a 9-night cruise that includes the Hubbard Glacier, we'll also go through Tracy Arm, which I think gives a view of the Sawyer Glacier? So is a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau a "must do"? I assume each is somewhat unique, or is that "too many glaciers", especially for kids (10 and 7). On the other hand, no excursions except to Mendenhall, so maybe still a "must do" to get closer? Interested in what some of you have been to Alaska already may think. Thanks!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Since we go to Alaska to escape the desert heat, we can't get enough of the glaciers.

We saw the Mendenhall glacier as part of a tour of Juneau which also included the Fish hatchery. In July-August the salmon swim up "ladders" to spawn. Your kids might enjoy watching the salmon even more than the glaciers.

We didn't actually hike out on the glacier, just looked at it because our creaky joints don't "do" strenuous activity these daze.

 

[kendall]

Mendenhall has actually receded quite a bit, so if your plan to visit is to the visitor's center, don't plan on getting up close to the glacier at the Center. You will see lots of glaciers in Alaska, so think about how you can see them from different vantage points. You will see glaciers from the ship - do you want to see some from a different point of view? For example, in Skagway DH and I did the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, which lets you approach a glacier from the water in a voyager canoe and do some walking at the base of the glacier. In Juneau we went with NorthStar Trekking and did a 2 hour glacier trek/helicopter ride to then walk on and explore the glaciers - this was by far the highlight of our trip and we would do it again if we were to return. Your kids might enjoy a sled dog excursion - going on a glacier and visiting the sled dogs and see a demonstration. Fish hatcheries and salmon ladders would be engaging. I would think of ways to interact with the landscape because after they kids "see" the landscape after a while it will become the "same old" to them. Other ideas might include wildlife sanctuaries, ATVs, gold-panning. Happy planning!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I like Mendenhall Glacier because of the surrounding area. There are some nice hikes/walks. You can do a short hike to a waterfall that is closer to the glacier, but still not exactly close to the glacier. For your sea days that view glaciers, you are still on the ship the whole time. You would get nice glacier views, but it can be a long and boring day for the kids. I don't think they will care about seeing Mendenhall Glacier since you'll already have 2 glacier days, but they may enjoy the nature center and the nature walks. Are you just trying to figure out what to do in Juneau? You can take Mount Roberts Tram up the mountain and hike around up there. It's very nice and only $30 per person I believe for unlimited rides in a day. That you can walk up and book directly when you are docked.

 

[GoofyLovingFamily]

Medenhall Visitors Center is small. We were one and done there. I would not recommend going.