A lakeside waterfall walk in the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area near Juneau.
Nugget Falls is reached from the Mendenhall Glacier visitor area, following the edge of Mendenhall Lake toward the waterfall. The setting combines water, mountains and the glacier landscape, making the walk a natural extension of a visitor-center stop. It is a waterfall route in its own right, not a trail onto the glacier.
The Forest Service’s visitor brochure gives the full Nugget Falls outing as two miles round trip and describes its gravel surface as moderate. The separately listed trail segment is shorter, so allow time for the approach from the visitor area as well as the return. A brochure estimate of about one and a quarter hours is a starting point, not a guarantee for every walking pace. Check current Tongass notices and local conditions, carry appropriate layers, and allow a comfortable transport buffer if returning to Juneau on a schedule.
Know before you go
Mendenhall Glacier visitor area; follow official trail signage.
Check current Tongass trail, weather and flood notices.
Visitor brochure: 2-mile round trip on gravel, moderate.
Confirm which visitor-area facilities require a pass.
Gravel route; ask the Forest Service about current surface conditions.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Additional location data © OpenStreetMap contributors under ODbL 1.0. This source identifies the waterfall feature.
Sources & further reading
- US Forest Service — Nugget Falls Trail ↗
- US Forest Service — Mendenhall brochure and map ↗
- OpenStreetMap contributors ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.