The trailhead for this hike starts in the same parking lot as the lake crossing. But there’s magic in the Mendenhall Ice Caves, where water runs over rocks and under frozen bright-blue ceilings inside a partially hollow glacier. It’s an incredible place and we highly recommend taking the time to see more of Juneau and it’s surroundings! Hundreds of enormous icebergs drift through this waterway every year. Images of the caves circulate the internet with such captions as “otherworldly” and “surreal,” but “shrinking” and “fleeting” could be used as well, as this glacier creates incredible ever-changing landscapes while we watch it melt away. We are beyond excited! Einer davon sind die magischen Mendenhall Ice Caves: Im Inneren … Please Note: Mendenhall Glacier Ice Cave exploration is dependent on glacier conditions and access cannot be predicted. Guided tours in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area have to be permitted by the US Forest Service. Don’t be fooled, as the trail continues on, it gets increasingly more difficult with intense uphill areas that are often wet and slippery and covered with rocks and mud. This will ensure you know the current conditions of the ice caves, have all the right gear and someone who knows the trails with you. It is 1,800 ft. deep and a half-mile wide and even though it is the most visited glacier in Alaska, most people only see if from afar. The incredibly beautiful ice caves are found under a 19 km (12 mi) long glacier. See. Suffice to say, it is not at the ice caves. The glacier is about 13.6 miles (21.9 kilometers) long and is federally protected, along with the surrounding landscape, as part of the Tongass National Forest. You’re looking for moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothes. Indeed, a glacier ice cave that was well-developed last year may even have disappeared come spring! In the winter, you can also traverse the frozen lake on foot without a guide to access the ice caves. Read Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Mendenhall Ice Cave is one of the most attractive places in the Mendenhall Glacier. Wear Waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet protected and dry. This natural phenomenon leaves us with a frozen, bright blue cavern under the glacier where we are able to catch a small glimpse into the inner beauty of the glacier. Naturally, we couldn’t visit Juneau and miss the chance to experience the ice caves for ourselves. As the glacier recession continues, the caves collapse and disappear. That said, accessing them is no easy feat. And it is one of … Ask yourself, are you really fit enough for this? Do not wear jeans or cotton clothing. Share. The ice caves are spectacular sapphire blue! The United States Forest Service operates the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as part of the Tongass National Forest, offering interpretive programs throughout the year for children and adults. No matter how you choose to visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves, safety should be a priority. Alternatively, it is possible to rent kayaks in Juneau that can be used to paddle across the lake to the west glacier beach. That said, accessing them is no easy feat. While it’s not easy to detect by visitors, the Mendenhall Glacier is receding rapidly meaning the face of the glacier and the surrounding areas are changing on a daily basis. 10 Tips for Visiting the Mendenhall Ice Caves, 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights), Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs, 2017 Travel Review – 7 States and 7 Countries. This shrine to the patron saint of Alaska sits on a small tidal island and was built from the land’s own beach stones. The path to the ice caves is very difficult and we do not suggest attempting it unless you are an experienced hiker or you have a knowledgeable guide with you. I heard there is an ice cave at Mendenhall Glacier. Get a discount with AirBNB and learn how to maximize your savings with up to $100 in discounts.PROTECT YOUR TRIPDon’t forget your travel insurance! A rare chance to get up close and personal with a 13-mile ribbon of ice near downtown Juneau. While the glacier has been receding since 1500, the majority of the change has taken place since 1958 by a total of 2.5 miles. Due to the rate of glacial recession, the ice caves have formed by the melting glacial ice and flow of water around the side of the glacier. A stunning silver lining to global warming's gloomy cloud. People that work around the glacier and monitor its changes are hopeful that once it recedes out of Mendenhall Lake it will slow down and stabilize. You will eventually reach a lookout over the glacier at this is where the West Glacier Trail officially ends. Disclosure: In accordance with FTC guidelines, we disclose that we may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. 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