Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK - Glaciers on Waymarking.com

Mendenhall Glacier reached its point on maximum advance in the 1700s and started retreating in the 1700s because its annual rate of melt began to exceed its annual total of accumulation. According to the Visitor Center, the Glacier is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1500 square mile area of rock, snow and ice known as the Juneau Icefield. As glacial ice continues to build, gravity pulls the ice down the slope and the glacier is slowly grinding down a 13-mile journey to Mendenhall Lake.

The Glacier was first named Auke Glacier in 1879 by Naturalist John Muiir after the Aak'w Kwaan of the Tlingit Indians, but was renamed after the noted scientist who also served on the Alaska Boudary Commission that was responsible for surveying the international boundary between Canada and Alaska.

There are several trails but the most noted is the Photo Point Trail. If actually going into the Visitor's Center from May to September, there is a $3 fee to get inside the center itself but no charge to walk the trails, etc.

It is NOT recommended that you attempt to walk on this glacier unless you're properly trained as this is a hazardous activity. If visiting in the winter, beware that Mendenhall Lake may not be completely frozen and you CAN fall through and calving of the glacier (where very large chunks of ice break away) does occur even in winter conditions.

I took these photos in early September from the Visitor Center grounds, on the Photo Trail (no cost unless you go inside the Center).

Mountain / landmass name: Juneau Icefield Park name (if any): Tongass National Forest Glacier type: ice Parking / trail head / boat launch: 8510 Mendenhall Loop Rd Juneau, AK USA 99801 Travel time (approximate): 12:01 AM Final access method: Hiking trail Safe viewing location: N 58° 25.067 W 134° 32.776 Photograph submitted: yes

Visit Instructions:
To log an existing waymark, you must post a photograph of you and the glacier [TAKEN FROM A SAFE LOCATION], and describe briefly how you arrived there.

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