Juneau, AK, Walking the Nugget Falls Trail at Mendenhall Glacier

[auntlynne]

Curious about the walkability of Nugget Falls Trail at Mendenhall?

This video shows a family with small children at Mendenhall, pushing a stroller.

Their walk starts at the Steep Creek Trail, visits the viewing Pavilion, and then proceeds to the Falls. You will see a section as they near the falls where the path is less smooth, making a wheelchair ride rather bumpy.

(Note to follow signs to avoid more hazardous conditions on your journey.)

This looks like it was filmed at the end of the 2022 season; pretty typical weather for an AK cruise - any month.

(This is my screen grab if the YT video; the second should play if you push the red arrow.)

 

[ladyofthetramp]

I wish I could help you. When we were there the trail was flooded-like over our hiking boots flooded, so we had to turn around. But from the part we saw, it was mainly flat, bit not necessarily even. Not sure how far, because we never made it. I wish we could have. The rangers had it shut down, just wasn't safe. So, you never know.

 

[auntlynne]

I wish I could help you. When we were there the trail was flooded-like over our hiking boots flooded, so we had to turn around. But from the part we saw, it was mainly flat, bit not necessarily even. Not sure how far, because we never made it. I wish we could have. The rangers had it shut down, just wasn't safe. So, you never know.

That’s good information for those traveling. I think we often expect things to go as planned. Cruising - and especially weather-variable destinations like AK - require flexibility and acceptance /adjustment for the fact we are not in control.

I have had great experiences at Mendenhall - but very few that were sunny days.

 

[happycamper47]

I have had great experiences at Mendenhall - but very few that were sunny days.

We also have had great trips to Mendenhall. One tour guide said Juneau has about 40 sunny days a year and that is why our great government spent about $200,000 to put reflective windows in the Federal Building. He wanted to make sure we knew our tax dollars were well spent..

 

[BarlowFamily]

If the trail is open, it's very walkable! We just did it with DS8 in June. I was prepared for a "hike" but it is more of a "nature trail" smooth enough for a stroller, if not flooded. The hike is worth it. It's neat to get views of the glacier from different angles. The lookout point at the beginning is also great for views and pictures. If I remember correctly, nugget falls is 100 feet high and the glacier is 400 feet tall. Its so cool to get closer and compare

 

[Drfate102]

I am out of shape and my wife, mother-in-law, mil friend and I walked it without any problems. My Mom is older and slower did opt to not walk the trail. It was worth it.

 

[lklgoodman]

We've been there twice. First time was June 2014 and second time was this past June. On our cruise this past June, we had booked the river rafting excursion, but it was canceled because the river level was too low. We had great weather both times. I was sad to see how much smaller the glacier is now compared to when we saw it in 2014. There were a few places with an incline, but they weren't that bad.