Even though no roads lead to Juneau, it’s more than worth the long journey by air or sea to visit this remote and unique region. Nestled in the lush Tongass Forest of the pristine Inside Passage, Juneau is teeming with wildlife, natural beauty and rich culture. I arrived in Juneau countless times through the fjords of Inside Passage, as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea. Yet, I never tired of this wonderous destination and love sharing Juneau’s top 10 things to do.
Gastineau Channel and Tongass National Forest
The Gastineau Channel is the dramatic (15 mile or 24 km) entrance channel between mainland Alaska and Douglas Island. This passage is the route to Juneau for most large ships, including cruise ships. Furthermore, it has shallow water depths and is becoming increasingly unnavigable. The main cause is largely from high sedimentation rate from Mendenhall Glacier & River. Over the last decade, I’ve arrived in Juneau many times through the Gastineau Channel and never tire of its breathtaking entrance.
Overall, the Tongass National Forest of southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States spreading over 17.6 million acres (68,000 km). It’s part of the Pacific Northwest Rainforest, as the Earth’s largest remaining temperate rainforest. Also, it’s named for the Tongass group of the Tlingit people, who inhabited this area. The forest is primarily made up of conifers, such as, western hemlock, red cedar and sitka spruce, sprinkled with various deciduous trees, colorful mushrooms, ferns and mosses.
Juneau’s Top 10 Things to Do
Juneau Downtown Historic District
This historic district was the heart of a gold mining camp established in 1880. Now, everything here is in walking distance with a variety of shopping, museums and restaurants. Also, there are several booths at the cruise terminal, where tourist can sign up for adventurous day activities or tours. The oldest saloon and a popular tourist destination is the Red Dog Saloon. Additionally, the most popular restaurant in Juneau is Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Both of these landmarks are within walking distance from the cruise terminal.
On the banks of the Gastineau Channel is a seawalk that goes to “The Whale Project,” a Sculpture and Infinity Pool. “Tahku” is the name of this 6.6 ton, 25-foot whale breaching. In addition, the Alaska State Museum offers a cultural collection and exhibits on the Northwest Coastal Cultures, for example, the Tlingits as well as fine art and natural history.
Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway
This Mt Roberts Tramway is walking distance from the cruise terminal. In 5 glorious minutes, it takes you 1800 feet above sea level for arguably the best panoramic view of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. Although this juncture is only half way up Mount Roberts 3,819 foot elevation, the views here are jaw-dropping.
First, the scenic tram leaves you at the Visitor’s Center with shops and exhibits to learn about the flora and fauna. Most importantly, the opportunities for views are endless and available for any level of mobility. The view gives perspective on why Juneau is only accessible by water or air. Also, it showcases the 15-mile (24 km) distance of Gastineau Channel, Juneau, the Chilkoot Mountains and Douglas Island. There’s the 7.6-mile Mount Roberts Trail, rated as difficult, yet full of wildflowers and panoramic views. I’ve walked part of it and run into snow even in early summer.
Mendenhall Glacier Recreational Area – Juneau’s Top 10 Things to Do
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is available by a 20-minute shuttle ride from the cruise terminal. Overall, there’s something for everyone here at this extraordinary recreational area. This 13-mile-long glacier is one of the many connected to the vast Juneau ice field, the 1500 square mile vestige of the last Ice Age. Finally, it terminates on the turquoise Mendenhall Lake.
There are many ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the glacier, lake, salmon-filled streams and Tongass National Forest through the endless hiking trails and canoeing on the lake. I walked a moderate 2-mile trail to the refreshing Nugget Falls with panoramic views of the glacier, lake and forests.
This living museum is abundant with flora and fauna, for example, bald eagles, porcupines, bears and colorful wildflowers. Glaciers are the Canaries in our Coal Mine symbols of climate change. On the west end of the Juneau icefield, Mendenhall is no exception, shrinking at alarming rates. For example, from 1946-2009, its terminus retreated over 700 metres (0.43 mi). In 2019, I couldn’t believe the drastic noticeable difference since 2012 (photo above). However, the Tongass National Forest and the surroundings are thriving. with abundant wildlife and wildflowers.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest
This botanical garden is just 6.8 miles from Juneau and on the bus route from Juneau Bus Transit Center. The Glacier Gardens offers fully guided tours, taking you through pristine 50 acres of Tongass Rainforest and manicured gardens, with their iconic Flower Towers. There are both non-native and native plants to see in the habitat, for example, giant hemlock and spruce trees, fox gloves, lupines and the medicinal Devil’s Club. In addition, from Thunder Mountain there are panoramic views of the Mendenhall Valley and Juneau.
Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching
My best whale-watching excursions were with the company Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka Bay. Overall, I experienced this company as respectful about the whales, keeping a healthy distance and providing informative presentations with their Naturalist.
Related: Seeing the Awesome Humpback Whales of Inside Passage
In Juneau, I went on 2 amazing whale watching tours, seeing whales breach both times. The first time was surreal and even the guides were taken aback. Even though we kept a healthy distance, 2 humpbacks stayed close to our boat and breached bringing their entire bodies out of the water. It seemed like they were showing off for us, as it was so demonstrably awesome and close.
In addition, I went on another excursion with this company cruising past Mendenhall Glacier. There were a couple juvenile humpbacks repeatedly breaching. These were at a greater distance than my original tour. However, this time it was very repetitive as this one juvenile must have jumped more than 10 times. The guide was suggesting that the juvenile may be exercising or developing a physical strength.
Gold Mining and Panning Adventure
On the banks of Gold Creek, learn how to pan for Gold! Tours are available, along with a prospector to guide you, while experiencing what it was like to seek your fortune. Also, some tours combine the panning with the Salmon Bake mentioned next.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake
Savor and enjoy fresh, wild Salmon grilled over an alderwood fire, along with Chilkoot baked beans, wild rice pilaf, hot chowder and delicious blueberry cake. Beer and wind are available at a fee. Along with music and good festive fun, rejuvenate in the pristine surroundings of Gold Creek and waterfall. Many combine the Salmon Bake and Gold Panning Experience.
Tracy Arm Fjords and Sawyer Glacier Tour
Just 45 miles (72 km) south of Juneau are the majestic Tracy Arm Fjords. Boat or floatplane tours are available from the cruise terminal. I took a Tracy Arm Fjords & Sawyer Glacier Cruise. At the end of Tracy Arm are North and South Sawyer tidewater glaciers. Overall, there’s abundant wildlife to see along the way, like whales, orcas, bears, mountain goats, harbor seals, bald eagles and sea otters.
Helicopter Tour and Glacier Icefield Walk
This scenic helicopter tour takes you over the amazing Juneau Icefield. Here, you see rock formations and icefalls from the air with commentary from the pilot. Also, you take a guided walk throughout the epic glacier on the 240-1400 metre deep ice. Just north of Juneau this icefield continues through the border into British Columbia.
It’s the source of many glaciers, including Mendenhall and Taku Glaciers. Overall, the icefield is home to over 40 large valley glaciers and 100 smaller ones. From the icefield’s 19 prominent glaciers, most importantly, Taku is the only one presently advancing.
Sled Dogging Camp
Finally, this tour is for dog lovers, getting an up close and personal opportunity to interact with the dogs at the Musher’s summer training camp. Here, you experience the one-of-a- kind ride along in a sled dog training run and also, get to play with the husky puppies. Also, you can watch the dog handlers and interactive demonstrations. The Musher’s Camp is in the Tongass National Rainforest, surrounded by giant spruce and hemlock trees, wildflowers and all the temperate rainforest has to offer.
Overall, Juneau’s Top 10 Thing to Do
Because there’s so much to do in Juneau, it’s ideal to have at least 5 days here to even scratch the surface. Also, I find that Juneau is one of my favorite places to have no plan and just wander, letting the day guide me. The fresh alpine and briny air, along with scenic surroundings can easily fill up a day with a rejuvenating and fulfilling experience.
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