Exploring Alaska’s Surreal Mendenhall Ice Caves (Juneau)
The Mendenhall Ice Caves once ranked among the world’s most magical experiences—wandering through glowing cerulean tunnels beneath a living glacier, with light filtering through compressed ancient ice like a frozen sapphire realm.
Important Update (January 2026): Due to rapid glacial retreat from climate change, the famous accessible ice caves at Mendenhall Glacier have collapsed and are no longer safely reachable. The glacier fully receded from Mendenhall Lake in November 2025 for the first time in modern history—sources like Atlas Obscura mark it “permanently closed,” and local reports confirm no accessible caves since around 2021. New formations may appear unpredictably, but current access requires helicopters or extreme routes, and guides do not guarantee or offer cave entry.
The 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier (terminating 12 miles from downtown Juneau) remains stunning from afar, with iceberg-dotted Mendenhall Lake and Nugget Falls.
Alternatives for Glacier Adventures Near Juneau:
- Helicopter Tours — Land on the glacier for ice trekking (caves rare/unpredictable).
- Paddle & Trek Tours — Canoe across the lake and hike to the glacier’s face/moraine (no cave entry).
- Other Alaska Ice Caves — Consider Spencer Glacier (train access) or Matanuska Glacier for more reliable features.
Safety Note: Glacier travel is inherently dangerous—crevasses, collapsing ice, and unstable terrain have caused rescues and fatalities. Always go with experienced guides if venturing near ice.
The caves’ fleeting nature underscores climate impacts, but the glacier’s beauty endures. For more Juneau ideas (hiking, whales, trails), check local resources or ask below!