MENDENHALL CAMPGROUND

Overview Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.

Recreation The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. 4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity.

The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment. Facilities The campground is open seven days a week. The entrance gate is closed nightly from 10pm to 7am and the exit gate is open 24 hours a day.

Sites characterized as accessible are open for all users. The campground offers 69 sites, 56 of which are fully accessible. Nine are full-service RV sites with electric, water and sewer hookups; nine are partial-service RV sites with electric and water hookups.

Seven sites are located in a separate walk-to backpacker area. All sites are furnished with picnic tables, tent pads and combination fire rings with grills. Water faucets and accessible vault toilets are provided, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities.

A dump station and trash dumpster are located on-site. Natural Features The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east.

On either side of the campground the mountains rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area.

The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses.