HomeAlaskaJuneau › Mendenhall Refuge Trail

Mendenhall Refuge Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Running trail in Juneau, Alaska · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Mendenhall Refuge Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24hScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastTrailhead parking

Scenic area featuring a flat trail for hiking and biking with glacier views plus wetlands and bird-watching opportunities.

What runners say about Mendenhall Refuge Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (82 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Great views and you can watch the many flights go in and out of the Airport.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“The Mendenhall Refuge Trail / Airport Dike Trail is a flat, relatively easy walking path through the wetlands near Juneau International Airport.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 4 mentions

“Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash are commonly brought.”

If you have two hours or more of a layover at the Juneau airport I highly recommend checking out this great trail! Alaska is the best!

★★★★★ — Justin , Nov 2022

Such a beautiful area. I just wish there was a loop instead of having to walk all the way back… but I do recommend.

★★★★★ — Jarell , Aug 2024

Great hiking trail around the wetlands and the Juneau International Air Port . The trail is flat and an easy walk/jog. Great views and you can watch the many flights go in and out of the Airport.

★★★★★ — Team , Feb 2019

I loved this trail! There are several trails that branch off in different directions. I had my dogs on leashes, but next time I'm going to leave them at home. It gets really muddy in some areas. That reminds me. Next time I'm going to wear my boots. 😂👍

★★★★★ — Jun , Aug 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 82 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 19 mentions

“But the view of the water channels around the airport are amazing along with some spectacular views of the Mendenhall Glacier.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 10 mentions

“Great place for a hike, photography of dogs, aircraft, scenery, enjoying the outdoors, bring a jacket if needed and water for thirst.”

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Flat & fast 7 mentions

“The Mendenhall Refuge Trail / Airport Dike Trail is a flat, relatively easy walking path through the wetlands near Juneau International Airport.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Easy parking but wicked busy trail on sunny days.”

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Plan your run at Mendenhall Refuge Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Phone+1 907-465-4266

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Mendenhall Refuge Trail

Mendenhall Refuge Trail Access Rd, Juneau, AK 99801

Get directions

Running trails near Juneau

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Airport Hiking Trail

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ScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Brotherhood Bridge Trail

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LoopMixedScenic

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Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Trail

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Paved

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Auke Lake Hiking Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 86 reviews

Juneau, AK

Scenic

Hiking area featuring kid-friendly trails, a lake, and other natural features.

2.0 miles away

Spaulding and Auke Nu Trail Head

4.8 ★★★★★ 32 reviews

Juneau, AK

Natural surfaceScenic

2.8 miles away

Dredge Lake Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 35 reviews

Juneau, AK

ScenicDog-friendly

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Juneau, AK →

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.