Mendenhall Glacier (Tlingit: Áakʼw Tʼáak Sítʼ) is a glacier about 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Juneau in the southeast area of the U.S. state of Alaska.

[4] Given that average yearly temperatures are currently increasing, and the outlook is for this trend to continue, it is actually possible that the glacier might experience a period of stabilization or slight advance during its retreating march.

This is because increasing amounts of warm, moist air will be carried up to the head of the icefield, where colder ambient temperatures will cause it to precipitate as snow.

Since 2011, periodic glacial floods have occurred from the Suicide Basin into the lake and downstream Mendenhall River.

[11] In a joint article for the Juneau Empire Geologist Cathy Connor and Geophysicist Roman Motyka, both professors of the University of Alaska said "climatic warming coupled with ice loss through iceberg calving are the reasons the Mendenhall Glacier is retreating and shrinking.

[16] The lake has a unique ecosystem and is a nursery for a variety of fish including several type of salmon, Dolly Varden, char, and cutthroat trout.

One of the scientists, Cathy Conner, was reported as finding "The most recent stumps emerging from the Mendenhall are between 1,400 and 1,200 years old.

This was the first U.S. Forest Service visitor center built in the nation;[20] it was designed by Linn A. Forrest and dedicated in 1962.

Two routes traverse a series of wooden steps and a gradual elevation gain of 500 feet (150 m) on this trail.

The Trail of Time, which connects to East Glacier Loop, includes historical signs and handicapped accessibility.

In addition to the busy summer season, the center hosts the Fireside Lecture series on Friday evenings, January through March.