Juneau DIY Tour: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier in the Rain 🌧️🏔️

#SceneryAlongTheJourney😍 Mendenhall Glacier is a sparkling natural gem near Juneau, Alaska, nestled within the Tongass National Forest and located about 20 kilometers from the city center. Part of the Juneau Icefield, this glacier stretches approximately 21 kilometers in length and 2.4 kilometers in width, with ice hundreds of meters thick. Its terminus flows into Mendenhall Lake, where floating icebergs and glacial ice create a breathtaking view. Juneau, the only U.S. state capital not connected by road to the rest of the state, has a population of around 32,000 (2023 data) and is known for its laid-back vibe and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and whale watching.👍 On April 28, 2025, after a transoceanic cruise from Brisbane, Australia, with stops in Japan and Alaska, our ship finally docked in Juneau on its way to Seattle. Since it was off-peak season, some attractions and transport options were still closed. With light rain and having visited before, we opted for a DIY trip to Mendenhall Glacier—a budget-friendly and flexible adventure!🤣 We did our research in advance: after getting off the ship, it’s just a 13-minute walk to Juneau’s downtown bus station. Take bus No. 3, 4, or 8—the one-way fare is only $2 (exact change needed, drivers don’t provide change). After getting off, it’s a straightforward 1.5-mile (approx. 2.4 km) walk to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The route is easy to follow.💕 We recommend downloading the “TT” app to buy tickets directly on your phone—no need to talk to the driver! If you’re unsure where to get off, just politely ask the driver to remind you when it’s the stop for the glacier. Most drivers are friendly and happy to help. You can also use the “Transit” app for real-time bus tracking.🎶 By comparison, shuttle buses at the port charge $50–80 per person. The first time we visited Juneau, we booked a cruise excursion that cost over $100 per person—yet the experience was almost the same as our DIY trip this time!😍 Once you arrive, head to the Visitor Center first. It’s the perfect starting point to learn about the glacier through historical and geological exhibits, and there’s an observation deck with panoramic glacier views. Several trails cater to different interests:😁 Nugget Falls Trail: About 1.6 km round trip—walk right next to the glacier and enjoy stunning views of Nugget Falls.❤️ Steep Creek Trail: Great for spotting wildlife like bears and salmon. A true nature experience! 🐻🎣 Photo Point Trail: A paradise for photographers—capture unforgettable panoramas of the glacier and lake. Since we already visited Nugget Falls and the glacier exhibit last year, we traveled light this time. We enjoyed the misty beauty of the glacier in the rain from the observation deck, took some photos, and then hopped back on the bus to return to the port.😘 Total round-trip transportation cost: just $4! Much cheaper than a tour group, and perfect for budget travelers or repeat visitors like us. 💰👍 #Juneau #MendenhallGlacier #DIYTravel #Alaska #BudgetTravel #OffSeasonAdventure