Booking choice: The Nugget Falls and whale watching tour, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Book this Compare the options below
Most visitors to Mendenhall Glacier want two pictures: the ice from Photo Point and Nugget Falls up close. The first is a short stroll from the visitor center. The second takes a little more time, which is why it is the walk that separates a quick stop from a full visit.
The Nugget Falls Trail was completed in 2010. It branches off halfway down the Photo Point Trail and skirts the lake flats to the base of the falls, according to the Forest Service. This guide covers the distance, the surface, the timing and the tours that build it in.
The quick answer
Nugget Falls is right next to Mendenhall Glacier. The Nugget Falls Trail is 0.8 miles one way on a low-gradient gravel and dirt surface, branching off the Photo Point Trail near the visitor center. Including the start along Photo Point Trail, the round trip is about 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes, per the waterfall tour listing. The glacier is about 12 miles from the cruise port. The waterfall and whale tour gives you 2 hours 15 minutes at the glacier, enough for the falls; the 4-hour glacier and whale tour does not include the hike, per its listing.
Is Nugget Falls located near Mendenhall Glacier?
Yes. The falls drop into the lake beside the glacier, across the water from the visitor center, and a trail leads to their base.
From the visitor center side, the falls and the glacier sit across the lake from you. The trail follows the lakeshore around to the falls. The ice now stops on dry ground short of the water, but the falls and the lake flats remain the easiest way to get close to the scene on foot.
To see how the glacier is changing, and how the guided tours reach the ice edge, read can you walk on Mendenhall Glacier.
How far is Nugget Falls from Mendenhall Glacier visitor center?
The Nugget Falls Trail is 0.8 miles one way. With the start along the Photo Point Trail, the round trip from the visitor center is about 2 miles.
The waterfall tour listing describes the walk as a 2-mile round trip on a gravel path taking about 45 minutes. That is a steady pace with time for photos; allow more if you stop often or walk with children.
The falls are reached on foot, from the visitor center side of the lake.
Time for the falls built in: 2 h 15 min at the glacier after a whale-watching jetboat.
Book thisWhat is the Nugget Falls Trail like?
Easy walking. The Forest Service describes it as low gradient with a gravel and ground surface, following the lake flats.
- Start: the short Photo Point Trail near the visitor center; the Nugget Falls Trail branches off halfway down.
- Surface: gravel and packed ground, so wear shoes with some grip; it can be wet.
- Gradient: low, with no big climbs.
- Scenery: the lake flats, icebergs on the water and the glacier ahead.
- Wildlife: the recreation area is home to black bears, porcupines, beavers, bald eagles, waterfowl and, in season, Arctic terns.
Bring a rain jacket. Spray near the falls adds to whatever the sky is doing.
How long does the walk to Nugget Falls take?
About 45 minutes round trip at a steady pace, per the waterfall tour listing. Plan an hour if you like to linger.
That matters when your time is fixed. With 45 minutes at the glacier, the walk to the falls fills the whole window with nothing to spare. With two hours or more, you can do the falls, Photo Point and Steep Creek without hurrying. The planning detail is in how much time you need at Mendenhall Glacier.
Which tours give you time to hike to Nugget Falls?
The waterfall and whale tour is built for it. The 4-hour glacier and whale tour leaves it out, and the day trip's 45 minutes is too short to do it comfortably.
The table compares the three tours that include free time at the visitor center side of the glacier, per their listings.
| Tour | Time at the glacier | Nugget Falls? |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour (5 h) | 2 h 15 min free time | Yes: the listing names the 2-mile round trip |
| Glacier and Whale Watching Tour (4 h) | Self-guided time at the visitor center and Steep Creek | No: the listing says the hike is not included |
| Whale Watching and Glacier Day Trip (4.5 h) | 45 minutes free time | Listed as an option, but tight for a 45-minute walk |
Nugget Falls, the visitor center and Steep Creek in one unhurried visit, with whales on the same day.
Book thisHow do I get from the Juneau cruise port to Nugget Falls?
Get to the glacier first, about 12 miles from the docks, then walk. A tour, a private shuttle, a taxi or the city bus can bring you to the visitor center side.
Private shuttles from the Mount Roberts Tramway area take about 30 minutes. The city bus (Capital Transit routes 3, 4 and 8) takes about an hour to Dredge Lake Road, then about 30 minutes on foot to the visitor center, before the falls walk even starts. Fares are cash, exact fare.
The waterfall and whale tour meets outside the Mount Roberts Tramway building at the docks and handles the ride for you. The options are compared in visiting the glacier without a tour.
Can you see Nugget Falls from the water?
Yes. The canoe tours paddle on Mendenhall Lake, and the paddle and hike listing describes passing through the mist of Nugget Falls.
The lake canoe tour spends about two hours paddling past icebergs and waterfalls, per its listing, with rain gear provided. The canoe paddle and hike goes further: up to 7 miles of paddling past Arctic tern nesting grounds and the falls' mist, then ashore near the ice for a walk across rough rock. It is moderate to strenuous, needs at least 4 guests and allows free cancellation up to 15 days before.
Paddle through the mist of Nugget Falls, then land by the glacier and hike the rocky ground.
Book thisWhat else is near the Nugget Falls Trail?
Photo Point at the start, the visitor center and Steep Creek nearby, and the East Glacier Loop for a longer hike.
Back at the start, the visitor center offers a short film of about 15 minutes, displays, the Discovery Southeast bookstore and rangers, reached by stairs, elevators or an easy ramp. A small seasonal fee applies there for ages 16 and over. The Steep Creek boardwalk is the place to watch spawning sockeye and, in season, black bears. For more climbing, the East Glacier Loop gains about 500 ft.
Hours at the visitor center vary by season; check the Forest Service page before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Nugget Falls Trail?
0.8 miles one way, per the Forest Service. The round trip from the visitor center is about 2 miles.
Is the trail hard?
No. It is low gradient on gravel and packed ground, though it can be wet.
Can I walk to Nugget Falls on a 45-minute stop?
It is tight: the round trip takes about 45 minutes. A visit with two hours or more is more comfortable.
Is there a fee for the trail?
No. The trail is free; the small seasonal fee covers the visitor center, for ages 16 and over.
Ready to book
Choose your glacier tour
Free cancellation on every option, per each listing. Booked on GetYourGuide.
Nugget Falls Time & Whale Watching
- Bus to the Mendenhall Valley and back from the meeting point by the Mount Roberts Tramway
- A jetboat with indoor seating, a naturalist guide, binoculars, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks
- Two hours and fifteen minutes of free time at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour
- Minivan transfers from the Mount Roberts Tramway building near the cruise pier
- About two hours of paddling on Mendenhall Lake with an expert wilderness guide
- Rain jacket, rain pants, rain boots, paddling gloves and a dry bag
Canoe Paddle & Glacier Hike
Up to seven miles of paddling in 8- or 12-person canoes, landing by the glacier for a hike over rocky ground; moderate to strenuous
