As the first cruise ship of the season, the Norwegian Bliss, is scheduled to arrive in Juneau on April 14, the US Forest Service said it is prepared to welcome thousands of visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and surrounding recreation area that is managed by the federal agency.
The Forest Service has announced it is fully prepared for the influx of tourists, ensuring a high-quality experience at one of Southeast Alaska’s most visited natural landmarks.
In collaboration with local partners and organizations, the agency has developed a plan to maintain staff presence and visitor services, despite ongoing staffing challenges of having several employees laid off due to the Trump Administration’s goal of reducing government expenditures.
“Our goal is to maintain the unique and memorable experience visitors have come to expect by adapting to staffing changes and ensuring the area remains accessible and safe,” said Juneau District Ranger Michael Downs.
To support the plan, minor reductions have been made to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center’s typical summer hours of operation. Throughout April, the center will be open intermittently. Starting May 4, it will be open Sunday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Saturdays. However, the surrounding recreation area, including paths and trails, will continue to operate daily from 6 am to midnight.
A collaborative team, including Forest Service staff, Discovery Southeast employees, volunteers, and cultural representatives from the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida, will help manage the visitor center and grounds. Their responsibilities range from visitor safety and resource protection to education, crowd control, and support for tour operators. The team will also manage bear-human interactions and maintain the area’s trails, campsites, and facilities, Downs said.
While indoor restrooms will only be accessible during visitor center hours, five portable toilets in the recreation area will remain open 24/7. An additional bathroom near the parking area will be available from 8 am to 7 pm daily.
Staffing support will also come from across the Forest Service, including personnel from the Juneau Ranger District, the Tongass National Forest Supervisor’s Office, and the Alaska Regional Office.
The projected 1.7 million cruise ship passengers for Southeast Alaska in the summer of 2025 is expected to set a new record, surpassing the previous high of 1.65 million passengers recorded in 2023.
