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Moraine Ecology Trail
The Moraine Ecology Trail is most easily accessed from the paved Steep Creek Trail near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. It diverges from the Steep Creek Trail in a sandy area. Near the kettle ponds look for ducks and loons. Three other trails intersect with the Moraine Ecology Trail; the North Shore Trail (runs along the shore of Mendenhall Lake), Old River Trail (departs from the south end of the Ecology Trail), and the Bus Parking Trail (connects to the tour bus parking lot). The trail nears the silty beach of Mendenhall Lake, providing views of the glacier.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | No reservations are available for this area. |
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| 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 right and continue straight ahead to the end of the road, which will be come Glacier Spur Road after Mendenhall Loop Road turns off to the left. The Steep Creek Trail begins in the first and second Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center parking lots as coming from the Visitor Center (the trail forms a loop that goes through both parking lots). The Moraine Ecology Trail veers off the paved Steep Creek Trail. Watch for "ME" signs.Activities
Day Hiking
The Moraine Ecology Trail is most easily accessed from the paved Steep Creek Trail near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. It diverges from the Steep Creek Trail in a sandy area. Near the kettle ponds look for ducks and loons. Three other trails intersect with the Moraine Ecology Trail; the North Shore Trail (runs along the shore of Mendenhall Lake), Old River Trail (departs from the south end of the Ecology Trail), and the Bus Parking Trail (connects to the tour bus parking lot). The trail nears the silty beach of Mendenhall Lake, providing views of the glacier.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
Experience the young forest as it becomes established after the action of the glacier stripped the rock bare as it receded. Towards the lake shore are views of Mendenhall Glacier.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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