Mendenhall Glacier question

[texasfm]

Is there a way to actually get to the glacier and walk on it without going by helicopter? From what I can see, all of the other excursions go BY the glacier by not TO it. Is that right?

[scubaRN]

Yes, if you hike around the opposite side from the visitor's center. It is a fairly long hike, takes about 1.5hrs to get to the glacier. You can get pictures standing by the blue ice of the glacier and hike on part of it.

 

Hope that is helpful. I was born and raised there, and lived about a mile from the glacier.

[texasfm]

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed. One more question...is the hike self-guided or a guide led hike through the cruise line?

[scubaRN]

Self guided. If the cruiseline sponsors a hike it is probably through the visitor's center and around that side of the glacier. Maps are available in the visitor's center.

 

I've done both sides many times and enjoy the side opposite the visitor's center the most.

[texasfm]

Thanks for the info. The opposite side sounds like what we're looking for.

[Budget Queen]

But you need a car (or have the phone number and a cell phone to call a cab) to get to the West loop trail, you can not access the glacier from the visitor center side. It is also listed as a 6++ mile hike- allowing 5 hours.

 

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/trails.html

[texasfm]

Thanks for the link. I guess I'd better do some more research. I just assumed we could walk there and back.