Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is located at the foot of Mt. Juneau in Southeast Alaska and offers an incredible variety of hiking trails for adventurers of all skill levels.
With its magnificent landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls, Juneau's hiking trails promise breathtaking scenic views and abundant wildlife. With over 250 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat paved to uphill, nearly vertical treks, Juneau is an ideal destination for hikers. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or new to the wilderness, you'll surely fall in love with everything the Juneau area offers.
This article will guide you through a list of the best hiking trails in Juneau, ranging from easy to more challenging ones, highlighting the views and wildlife you can expect to encounter while exploring. We'll also provide essential tips for preparing for a hike in Juneau and information about where to book hiking and other tours in Juneau.
Preparing for a Hike in Juneau
Before heading out on any of Juneau's hiking trails, being well-prepared is crucial. The weather in Juneau can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. So whether you are going for a quick hike or an overnight adventure, ensure you have the following items:
- Waterproof and breathable clothing
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots
- A daypack with drinking water, snacks, and extra layers
- A map and compass or GPS device
- Insect repellent and bear spray
- First aid kit and a small survival kit
- A camera to capture the stunning views
- Bring adequate camping gear if you plan to spend the night on the trail.
Scenic Views and Wildlife on Juneau Hiking Trails
Juneau's hiking trails boast some of the most breathtaking views in Alaska, with vast glaciers, towering mountains, and tranquil lakes. Wildlife is abundant on the trails. You may encounter bald eagles, black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, and various bird species.
Easy Hiking Trails in Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier, located 12 miles from downtown Juneau is Alaska's most accessible glacier and is home to multiple trails with great views.
These include:
The Photo Point Trail:
This short trail is only 1/3 of a mile long and takes you to one of the best overlooking views of Mendenhall Glacier. This is a must if you are not an expert hiker but want great unobstructed glacier views.
Mendenhall River Trail:
Also known as The Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei, it is an easy paved trail that follows the Mendenhall River greenbelt area. The course starts at Brotherhood Bridge off Glacier Highway and yields excellent views of Mendenhall Glacier. If you want to spot beautiful birds like Kingfisher and Savanahh Sparrow, you must hike this trail.
Nugget Falls Trail:
This 2-mile round trip trail leads you around the edge of Mendenhall Lake to the majestic Nugget Falls, a spectacular waterfall cascading down the mountainside. The course is relatively flat and suitable for all ages; however, you should travel in groups of two or more since bears are in the area. This is the best trail if you want a close view of the glacier.
Steep Creek Trail:
This quarter-mile loop takes around 20 minutes to complete and is very easy since most of the trail is paved and on a raised boardwalk. Are you looking to see bears? If you are lucky and go during the salmon spawning seasons, you might spot some majestic bears.
Gold Creek Flume Trail:
This almost 2-mile hike at the edge of downtown Juneau will take you down a boardwalk to a waterfall. Since there is virtually no elevation gain, this old mining trail is excellent for the whole family. If you are visiting Juneau for just a few hours and want to get a taste of what the area offers, this is a fantastic hike with fascinating sites to see along the way.
Moderate Hiking Trails in Juneau
Mount Roberts Trail:
This 4.5-mile round trip trail can be accessed from a trailhead on Basin Road close to downtown Juneau and takes you to the summit of Mt Roberts. The first 2-mile section from the trailhead to the Mountain House is moderate, but things get more challenging afterward.
Mount Roberts Trail:
Mount Roberts Trail offers spectacular views of downtown Juneau, Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountain ranges and can be steep in some sections. Due to the elevation gain, you will likely encounter snow in the upper part of the trail. Still, the breathtaking scenery is well worth the effort.
West Glacier Trail:
A 7-mile round trip trail that begins at the end of Skater's Cabin Road and ends at the junction of the Mt. McGinnis Route, the trail leads you through verdant rainforests alongside the Mendenhall Glacier's edge. This trail gives you a closer look at the glacier's otherworldly crevasses and ice formations.
East Glacier Trail:
This 3.5-mile loop through young rainforests and an elevation gain of 650 feet can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. While hiking the trail, be on the lookout for bears.
Mount Juneau Trail:
This 5.8-mile round trip out-and-back trail rises over 3,500 feet above the Gastineau Channel and takes you up the steep and rocky slopes of Mt Juneau. The route can be challenging, but the excellent views of the city of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel are a fantastic reward for your efforts. Be on the lookout for porcupines and bears.
Dan Moller Trail:
Dan Moller Trail is a 3-mile long (6-mile round trip) trail across downtown Juneau on Douglas Island. The course has an 1800 feet elevation gain that can take 3-6 hours to complete. The trail begins at Pioneer Ave in Douglass Island and follows Kowee Creek. This hike is known for its incredible views and abundant wildflowers in the early summer. During the winter, the trail is popular for skiing and snowmobiling.
Challenging Hiking Trails in Juneau
Perseverance Trail:
This 3-mile trail is a local favorite, offering a challenging hike through dense forests, meadows, and steep terrain. The Perseverance trailhead is one of the most popular trails in Juneau. It follows Gold Creek into the valley behind downtown. The trail branches off to the more challenging Granite Creek Trail, a 7-mile long moderate to strenuous trail. The route offers various turnoff options, including Ebner Falls, Granite Creek, and Mt. Juneau.
Thunder Mountain Trail:
A challenging trail with steep inclines and descents. The course provides outstanding views of Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield, and distant mountain ranges. One of the highlights of hiking the Thunder Mountain Trail is the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of black bears, mountain goats, and the elusive coastal wolf.
Hiking Tours in Juneau
If you prefer a guided experience, you can book a hiking tour here on Voyij.com. These guided tours provide expert knowledge of the trails, wildlife, and local history, ensuring a memorable and safe experience.
