Mendenhall Glacier

[elmirarocks]

What is the easiest, most economical way to visit Mendenhall Glacier and the falls on your own?

Edited February 3, 2019 by elmirarocks

[Tucker in Texas]

Take the public bus

 

[MMJJOli4]

The cheapest way is the public bus. We rented a car and had a wonderfull day driving to eagle beach (saw lots of bald eagles) after that we drove to mendenhall. Was also an economic option since we are a family of four and I believe the rental was about 100 dollars).

Edited February 3, 2019 by MMJJOli4
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[dfilpus]

If you take the public bus, it is a 1.5 mile walk from the bus stop to the Mendenhall Visitor Center, which may not be "easy" for some. The walk is a decent sidewalk with views of the glacier along the way.

[Melinda Brasher]

I agree with others.  Most economical is the bus, but it involves significant walking time/energy you might want to save for the actual glacier area, plus the added time of a meandering public bus.  If you're in a group of 3-4 and want to see other things, renting a car might be a great way to go.  The shuttle buses, last I heard, were about $30 round trip, per person, but one year I bargained them down 50%.  If you're in a group of 3-4, a taxi might be a better deal than the shuttle.  

 

I do recommend Mendenhall Glacier.  Some photos of my trips:

https://www.melindabrasher.com/2011/08/mendenhall-glacier.html

https://www.melindabrasher.com/2014/09/juneau-alaska.html  

[elmirarocks]

Does anyone know how much the public bus is and how often it runs?  Also, is there a cost for the visitor center?

[dfilpus]

Juneau Bus - https://juneaucapitaltransit.org/

$2 / trip for adults. Buses run once an hour, but there are two that run from downtown to Mendenhall.

Mendenhall Visitor Center - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=fseprd502109

$5, 15 yr old and younger free, or National Parks Pass.

 

[Eaglecw]

I would rent a car from Juneau car rental. It's a pretty long walk from the bus stop to the visitors center. With a car you can do other things like drive out to the Shine of St. Therese. With a car your a lot more flexible. We have been to Alaska many times and have rented a car.

 

Edited February 4, 2019 by Eaglecw