Trail: Mendenhall Moraine Ecology Trail
National Park: Tongass National Forest
Features: Beach(es)
Creek(s)
Geological feature(s)
Glacier(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)
Activities: Bicycling (any)
Bicycling - Mountain
Dogs - On leash
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Showshoeing
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Wildlife observation - Birds
Wildlife observation - Mammals
Rockhounding
Snow - Snow play, general
Others
Elevation: 100 ft
Miles: 1.5 miles
Desc: The Moraine Ecology Trail at Mendenhall Glacier takes the traveler back in time to trace the path of plant succession in the wake of the glacier’s retreat. As nitrogen-fixing shrubs give way to mixed forest, the area is active habitat fro birds, a beaver colony, other small mammals and Sitka black-tailed deer. A salmon spawning stream crossed by the trail attracts black and brown bears late in the summer or fall. Hikers can easily see the shape of the landscape carved by the glacier and how plants and animals have colonized it since the glacier’s retreat. Erratic rocks consisting of granite called Diorite have been left by the glacier throughout this trail. There are excellent views available of the glacier and lake in front of it, at times filled with icebergs.