Rugged coastal city surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and dense rainforest that serves as a gateway to remote wilderness, wildlife viewing, and maritime adventures.
General Information
How to Get There
From Seattle (900+ mi): Fly directly into Juneau International Airport or take a ferry through the coastal marine highway system connecting ports along the scenic southeastern waterways.
Overview
Juneau is the capital of Alaska, on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaska Panhandle, and the second-largest city in the U.S. by area, but with no road out of town: you reach it only by air or ferry. The town sits at the foot of Mount Juneau. It started in 1880 with a gold strike, and it draws about 1.5 million cruise visitors a year, sometimes with roughly 6,000 a day, so the downtown is busy in summer.
Highlights
- Mendenhall Glacier: 12 miles from downtown
- Mount Roberts Tramway: a cable car from the cruise dock to alpine trails
- Alaska State Capitol, Alaska State Museum, and St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
- Whale watching: humpbacks in summer, and bear viewing at Pack Creek
- Nearby: Glacier Bay via Gustavus, and Haines and Skagway by fast ferry
Things to Do
Experience Alaska's Capital City
Juneau, Alaska's capital city, is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, rainforests, and the waters of the Inside Passage. Accessible primarily by air or sea, Juneau combines spectacular wilderness with fascinating history, Native culture, outdoor adventure, and some of Alaska's most famous natural attractions.
Visit the Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau's most famous attraction. Located within the Tongass National Forest, the glacier stretches from the Juneau Icefield and can be viewed from multiple overlooks and trails. Visitors can explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, observe icebergs floating in Mendenhall Lake, and learn about glaciology and climate science through exhibits and ranger programs.
See Wildlife on a Whale-Watching Tour
Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska for whale watching. Guided excursions frequently encounter humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. The nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage support abundant marine life throughout the summer season.
Ride the Goldbelt Tram
The Goldbelt Tram carries visitors from the waterfront nearly 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts. At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and surrounding mountain ranges while accessing hiking trails, cultural exhibits, and dining facilities.
Explore Alaska's Gold Rush History
Downtown Juneau features numerous historic buildings dating to the gold rush era. Visitors can explore museums, historic districts, old mining sites, and interpretive attractions that tell the story of the prospectors and entrepreneurs who helped establish the city in the late nineteenth century.
Visit the Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum showcases the history, cultures, and natural heritage of Alaska. Exhibits feature Alaska Native artifacts, Russian colonial history, gold rush collections, artwork, and displays covering the development of the state from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Explore Tongass National Forest
Juneau sits within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Visitors can explore temperate rainforests, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and wildlife habitats through a network of trails and scenic recreation areas surrounding the city.
Take a Glacier Flightseeing Tour
Flightseeing excursions provide breathtaking views of the Juneau Icefield, glaciers, mountain peaks, and remote wilderness areas. Many tours also include glacier landings, allowing visitors to walk on ancient ice formations that are otherwise inaccessible.
Enjoy Kayaking and Water Adventures
The protected waters surrounding Juneau offer excellent opportunities for sea kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours. Visitors can paddle among forested shorelines while watching for marine wildlife and enjoying views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
Top Trails
West Glacier Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
One of Juneau's most popular hikes, this trail leads to viewpoints near Mendenhall Glacier and offers excellent opportunities to experience the area's rainforest environment, glacial landscapes, and scenic overlooks.
Mount Roberts Trail
Length: Approximately 4.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,800 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Beginning near downtown Juneau, this challenging trail climbs through dense forest and alpine terrain to the summit area of Mount Roberts. Hikers enjoy spectacular views of the city, Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains.
Nugget Falls Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly trail follows the shoreline of Mendenhall Lake to Nugget Falls, a dramatic waterfall located near the face of Mendenhall Glacier. The route provides some of Juneau's most iconic glacier views and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Travel Alaska - Juneau, alaska.org, Juneau, Alaska, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
Featured Locations and Trails
Jay Galvin from Pleasanton, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Alaska State Capitol
Historic government building serving as the seat of Alaska’s legislature, featuring unique architecture and public access to legislative chambers and exhibits.
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Jay Galvin (jay galvin), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Mendenhall Glacier
Massive river of ice flowing from a sprawling icefield, featuring a dramatic glacier face, iceberg-filled lake, and easily accessible viewpoints within a scenic wilderness setting.
