Hike Through The Snowy Forest And Catch Glimpses Of Alaska's Most Famous Glacier On This Easy Loop Trail
By Megan McDonald|Published March 02, 2021
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
Juneau, Alaska is known for some pretty spectacular things. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most famous things to see just outside of downtown Juneau, and the East Glacier Loop Trail in Alaska will take you through a gorgeous forest with peekaboo views of the glacier. Strap on your boots and head on out this gorgeous winter hike!
One of the most popular areas in Juneau is the epic Mendenhall Glacier.
The area surrounding the glacier is filled with trails, forest, and plenty of wildlife. It’s famous for a reason: so much of the landscape is what Alaska is known for. The Tongass National Forest, a giant glacier, and plenty of snow capped mountains. The views just don’t get any better than this!
There’s a gorgeous little trail that branches out from the Mendenhall Visitor’s Center.
It branches off of the Trail Of Time that originates right at the Visitor’s Center. The East Glacier Loop is 2.8 miles long, and if you count the distance on the Trail of Time, it’s a total of 3.1 miles.
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This makes it very accessible to those who want a quick hike, just to get the legs moving.
The steeper sections are equipped with stairs and railings, making it an easier hike than it would normally be. The entire elevation gain is only 774 feet across the entirety of the trail.
Hiking through the snow covered Tongass National Forest is like walking through a winter wonderland. Bring your ice cleats in case the trail is a little icy from recent snowfall.
In the summer time you’ll be greeted with sunshine and warmer weather. There’s really no wrong time during the year to experience this beautiful trail.
There’s plenty of parking at the visitor’s center.
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center has tons of parking, and loads of great information about the area. The day pass is only $5.00, and well worth it to explore the trails and see the glacier up close.
This is one stunning trail that you don’t want to miss.
If you’re in the area and you want to a quick hike to experience Alaska’s beautiful countryside, the East Glacier Loop Trail will deliver all that and more.
Have you ever hiked the East Glacier Loop Trail in Alaska, and caught sight of Mendenhall Glacier? What did you think? Would you recommend this trail? Let us know in the comments below!
