There's A Little Known Unique Ice Cave In Alaska... And It's Truly Extraordinary
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Courtney
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Getting up close and personal with an ice cave in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. Simply put, it’s very dangerous. It’s risky and it’s undeniably life threatening. Yet it’s hard for an adventure hound not to be totally captivated by the epic pictures floating around the internet. If you’re an explorer, you’ll be itching to visit this cave at first glance. It is beaming with turquoise blue colors, out-of-this-world beauty and totally epic sights. This little known unique ice cave in Alaska is truly extraordinary, and you’ll want to add it to your bucket list STAT.
Mendenhall Glacier in the Alaska state capital of Juneau is truly a sight to behold. The 13-mile-long glacier can be viewed right from the comforts of the visitor center which is open during the summer season in Alaska (May through September).
At the bottom of the stunning Mendenhall Glacier is Mendenhall Lake. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, this is one of the most picturesque areas in all of the last frontier.
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If you are more of an "up close and personal" type of adventure hound, a helicopter tour taking you deep within the Mendenhall Valley and landing right atop the glacier might be the perfect way for you to experience this incredible glacier. Fly around alpine ridges and lush rain forest before landing atop this glorious glacier. Get off and explore the deep blue colors of the glacier before getting ready for the most enchanting photo-op of your life.
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The most adrenaline packed way to explore Mendenhall Glacier is by hiking. Cramp Ons (and preferably a guide) are your best bets to stay safe and sound while getting deep into the backcountry. You will be rewarded with views only able to be seen on foot and will likely leave the excursion feeling like your life is utterly complete. Hiking on a glacier is life changing, for SURE.
But perhaps the most rough and ready way to get up close and personal with Mendenhall Glacier is by exploring the ice caves. These piercing blue caves are a rare sight to behold that will have you screaming "Only in Alaska!"
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It has been reported that over the last few years the caves have collapsed but a few still do remain. The collapse is primarily due to rising temperatures that cause the glacier to melt. Visiting these incredible ice caves before it is no longer possible is a bucket list item that you'd be crazy not to have on your list.
Inside the caves you will find water plunging down as the ice melts. It looks like rain but is simply freezing cold melt that requires you to be dressed in warm layers. This area is extremely dangerous and not for the faint of heart. People have died exploring these caves and unfortunately this is one of the highest prone accident areas for search and rescue in the Juneau area. Due to the remoteness and the "off the beaten path" factor, this information is really not too surprising. Visiting these caves is definitely risky and extreme caution in Alaska's unforgiving backcountry is always advised.
It's always a little ironic when thinking about how some of the most beautiful sights in the world are also some of the most dangerous, especially when experienced on an up close and personal level. Although claustrophobic inside, the experience is without a doubt utterly mind-blowing. Sit in peace and take in the sounds of the glacial ice popping.
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The turquoise colors that surround you are beyond any plausible definition. Epic, surreal, life-changing... all apply. Yet none can fully put into accurate account the actual feeling you get when inside a transcending glacial blue fortress of solitude.
After a nearly 8 mile hike to get to these enchanting ice caves, a photo-op to prove you came, saw and conquered is a must.
Are you adventurous and daring enough to visit this ice cave up close and personal in Alaska?
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