North Platte River Scenic Drive | Torrington

Information

Landmark: North Platte River Scenic Drive
City: Torrington
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

North Platte River Scenic Drive, Torrington, USA Wyoming, North America

The Mendenhall Glacier is a glacier located in Juneau, Alaska, USA. It is a prominent feature of the Mendenhall Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The glacier's surface is characterized by crevasses and seracs, with a dominant blue hue in its denser ice. The terminus of the glacier is a wall of ice approximately 100 feet high. The surrounding valley features temperate rainforest vegetation, including Sitka spruce and western hemlock.

Location & Access Logistics

The Mendenhall Glacier is situated approximately 13 miles northeast of downtown Juneau. Access is via Glacier Highway. Parking is available at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Public transport options include the Capital Transit bus route 3, which stops near the visitor center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Mendenhall Glacier is a remnant of the Juneau Icefield, a large ice mass covering over 1,500 square miles. It is a tidewater glacier, meaning its terminus historically reached the sea, though it has been retreating significantly since the mid-18th century. Its current recession is a subject of ongoing scientific study.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking trails include the Photo Point Trail (0.2 miles roundtrip, paved) and the East Glacier Loop Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty). Kayaking tours are available on Mendenhall Lake, offering close-up views of the glacier face. Ice climbing is possible on designated sections of the glacier, requiring specialized equipment and guides.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides restrooms, interpretive displays, and a gift shop. There are covered picnic areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity of the visitor center and parking areas. Food vendors are typically present during peak tourist season near the visitor center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for clear views of the glacier and surrounding landscape is during daylight hours. The months of May through September offer the most accessible conditions with less snow cover on trails. For photography, early morning or late afternoon light can provide enhanced contrast on the ice formations.

Facts & Legends

A notable phenomenon is the formation of ice caves beneath the glacier, which are accessible only during specific winter months and are subject to collapse. Local Tlingit legend speaks of the Raven, who is said to have carved the Mendenhall Valley.