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Mgra Dredge Lake Loop Trail
This is a lollipop shaped trail that goes out to a loop and comes back on the same section of trail that leads to the loop. It is in the Dredge Lakes area (part of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area) south of Mendenhall Lake. The gradient of the trail is mostly level and the tread is firm glacial gravel. Some sections are underwater during heavy rain events, particularly in the fall. Vegetation is typical of early successional post-glaciation, including willow, alder, and cottonwood with scattered spruce and hemlock. Beavers are particularly active in the Dredge Lakes area.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Closed on Federal Holidays |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | No reservations are available for this area. |
| Open Season: | 1/1 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Juneau, AK |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: From downtown Juneau, travel north on Egan Drive to Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn left to remain on Mendenhall Loop Road at the junction of the loop and Glacier Spur Road (which goes straight ahead). Turn right at the entrance to the Forest Service District office at 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road. Go to the parking lot at the back of the building to access the Weather Service Trail into the Dredge Lake system of trails. Turn right at the T-intersection with Dredge Lake Trail. Continue on as the Dredge Lake trail becomes the Dredge Lake Loop Trail. Alternately, after making a left on Mendenhall Loop Road, make a quick right on Dredge Lake Road. Park at the end and walk through the gate to Dredge Lake Loop Trail.Activities
Mountain Biking
This short trail is connected to many others in the Dredge Lakes system of trails. This and others are 8' to 10' wide. Bring friends or family, children or adults for an easy ride. Beavers use the area as habitat and provide wildlife watching opportunities. The dams they build occasionally cause flooding on parts of this trail and some of the trails used to access the Dredge Lake Loop Trail.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Day Hiking
This is a lollipop shaped trail that goes out to a loop and comes back on the same section of trail that leads to the loop. It is in the Dredge Lakes area (part of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area) south of Mendenhall Lake. The gradient of the trail is mostly level and the tread is firm glacial gravel. Some sections are underwater during heavy rain events, particularly in the fall. Vegetation is typical of early successional post-glaciation, including willow, alder, and cottonwood with scattered spruce and hemlock. Beavers are particularly active in the Dredge Lakes area.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Beavers and snowshoe hare are common in this area. Black bears are also seen.Swimming
No life guard is on duty. Swim at your own risk. The water is cold and swimmers may choose only to go on the warmest of days.| Clothing Requirements | bathing suit or a wet suit. |
| Water Temperature | Forty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Ice Skating
This is a small lake and if snow hasn't covered the ice skating is possible after the ice is thick enough. Sometimes wind will make the ice rough or snow will get slushy before it freezes.| Nearby Resorts | None |
| Warming Shelters | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The trail receives a good snow cover since it is not under the tree canopy. The trail is without major protrusions, so it doesn''t require a lot of snow for a good skiing surface.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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