Mendenhall Glacier is one of 38 major glaciers flowing from the 5,000 square mile Juneau Icefield. Located just 13 paved miles from Juneau, Alaska's capital city, it easily attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Tourists that come to see the icefield stand in awe, marveling at the size and its beautiful colors.
In late summer and early fall the area witnesses spawning runs of sockeye and coho salmon. Brown bears, that come to feast and benefit from the salmon run, provide quite a show. The Juneau area features a variety of wildlife tours. Whales, brown bear and eagles can be just minutes away. You can get up close to black bear, porpoise, sea lions, seals, sea otters, mountain goats and Sitka Black Tail Deer.