Mendenhall & Steep Creek options

Question

We will be doing a whale-watching tour in the morning in Juneau and would like to go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Nugget Falls, and Steep Creek in the afternoon- especially hoping to see bears at the creek. If we take a cab, will we be able to get a cab back to the port easily, or should we do a tour? Do we even have a chance to see bears midafternoon at the creek? TIA

Answer

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, and Steep Creek in an afternoon after a morning whale-watching tour is doable, but there are a few logistics and wildlife considerations to keep in mind.

If you take a cab from the cruise port, getting to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is straightforward. However, hailing a cab back from Mendenhall or Steep Creek may be less predictable, especially mid-afternoon. While some taxis can be pre-arranged or booked through local services, availability can be limited depending on cruise ship traffic. Because of this, many visitors prefer organized tours or shuttle services that include return transportation, which guarantees you won’t be stranded.

Regarding Steep Creek, this is a known spot for bear viewing, especially during salmon runs. The best chances to see bears are usually in the morning or early evening when they are most active feeding. Mid-afternoon sightings are possible but less predictable. Bears are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.

If you are set on doing it independently, here are some tips:

Pre-arrange a taxi or ride-share for your return to the port to avoid waiting times.
Plan for at least 30–45 minutes at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to see the main viewpoints and Nugget Falls.
Give yourself flexibility at Steep Creek; even a short stop can be rewarding for wildlife photography.
Bring binoculars and maintain a safe distance from any bears you encounter.

Alternatively, guided tours that combine glacier views and bear viewing can streamline transportation, provide expert knowledge, and increase safety, especially if you want to maximize wildlife viewing without worrying about cab availability.

Guided Mendenhall and bear-viewing tours: convenient, informative, safer for wildlife observation.
Independent cab approach: requires pre-booking return and more planning, moderate chance to see bears mid-afternoon.
Allow sufficient time for walking trails and scenic viewpoints at Mendenhall and Nugget Falls.

In summary, both options are possible, but tours offer peace of mind and potentially better wildlife viewing opportunities, while independent cab trips provide flexibility if you’re comfortable planning return transportation and adjusting your schedule.

Mendenhall & Steep Creek options

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