Rain or shine, Juneau, Alaska is likely one of the most scenic capital cities in the USA.

Whether or not you fly into Juneau Worldwide Airport or dock on the shores of the Gastineau Channel and step off a cruise ship, the mountain city gives vacationers a coastal neighborhood stuffed with pure wonders, wildlife adventures and the freshest seafood.

Juneau is situated in a part of the Pacific Temperate Rainforest. Its local weather consists of cool temperatures and excessive ranges of precipitation, which creates a perfect surroundings for vegetation and wildlife to thrive.

Wealthy in historical past, artwork, music and Native heritage, Juneau is for the nice out of doors fanatic, the precious collector and the connoisseur meals lover. Keep a day or higher three. Juneau is the style of Alaska you’ve been craving.

For those who plan on visiting, right here’s our mini information to Juneau, Alaska.

Right here’s an summary:

The place to Keep in Juneau, Alaska

Glacier Nalu is your base camp to journey. The campground resort options tiny properties, RV, and tent websites inside strolling distance to the Mendenhall Glacier.

Located within the Tongass Nationwide Forest, the campground is simply a brief drive from Juneau Worldwide Airport and Alaska Marine Freeway Ferry Terminal and a 15 minute drive to downtown. The campground gives 30-amp hookups at every website, free WiFi and Cable TV, clear restrooms with showers, and a communal laundry facility.

For those who’re trying to expertise tiny dwelling residing, Glacier Nalu Campground gives two tiny properties for a novel getaway with all of the comforts of a lodge room designed for {couples}, small teams, and households.

Dyea Tiny Residence is nestled amongst Sitka Spruce timber and boasts a one-bedroom loft retreat, a compact kitchenette, and a comfortable toilet beginning at $140.

Tenakee Tiny Residence is crafted from yellow cedar sourced straight from Tenakee, Alaska and gives one of the best nature views from the 2 loft bedrooms; one that includes a queen mattress and the opposite a full. Full with a kitchenette and toilet with a soaking tub, the gorgeous inside is a welcoming ambiance for an unforgettable getaway beginning at $170.

Every tiny dwelling gives free WiFi, free espresso and tea, and out of doors coated gazebos with a hearth pit to roast marshmallows and make recollections across the campfire.

What to See in Juneau, Alaska

Mendenhall Glacier

The large Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for our information to Juneau.

About 12 miles from downtown, the 13.6-mile glacier is an outlet glacier of the Juneau Icefield situated in Mendenhall Valley. Each the glacier and the encircling panorama is federally protected underneath the Tongass Nationwide Forest.

Just a few trails contained in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Space will present some breathtaking views and photograph choices of the glacier and lake. Take a brief stroll to Picture Level or hike the difficult 3.5-mile East Glacier Loop to get one of the best view of the glacier. After you’re taking within the picturesque great thing about the glacier, observe the Nugget Falls Path, about 2 miles spherical journey, to the bottom of a raging excessive quantity waterfall on the shores of Mendenhall Lake.

For a quieter view of Mendenhall Glacier, be a part of a guided float journey or canoe tour on Mendenhall Lake or go sea kayaking on Auke Bay.

Nugget Falls Path and Waterfall

For those who’re searching for a fast and scenic journey, the Nugget Falls Path is a implausible choice!

At simply 0.8km, this path begins midway alongside the Picture Level Path and ends on the beautiful Nugget Falls, skirting the gorgeous shoreline of Mendenhall Lake. It’s a straightforward stroll, excellent for nearly anybody.

This path was rebuilt in 2010, so it’s good and well-maintained, with a path that stays above the lake’s excessive water mark.

Getting there from downtown Juneau is a breeze! Simply head north on Egan Drive and switch proper onto Mendenhall Loop Street. Proceed straight till the street turns into Glacier Spur Street after Mendenhall Loop turns left. As soon as parked, stroll down the paved path in the direction of the Customer Centre and observe the path to the suitable simply previous the Customer Centre. You’ll cross an elevated walkway via a shocking rock gorge after which it’s clean crusing to Nugget Falls!

Hold your eyes peeled for wildlife whilst you’re on the market. In summer time, Arctic terns nest across the lake and in the event you carry binoculars, you would possibly catch a glimpse of goats on the encircling mountains. Black bears have additionally been noticed, so make certain your meals is safe – no have to tempt them into considering the campsite or path is a buffet!

As you hike, you’ll be handled to beautiful views of the glacier for a lot of the method. And while you lastly attain Nugget Falls, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular show of cascading water, full with sounds and mist that actually carry the scene to life.

Shrine of St. Therese

Take a journey on Previous Glacier Freeway that result in seashores, coves, and the peaceable Shrine of St. Therese.

The stone Shrine is located in opposition to the backdrop of the Chilkat Mountains overlooking Lynn Canal on an island related by a protected causeway. Whether or not visiting the chapel or strolling tranquil paths, the Shrine of St. Therese is a spot of peace and wonder.

Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

A go to to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is a really Alaskan expertise. Be taught concerning the salmon spawning course of and take within the out of doors hatchery operations.

Guests can have the chance to be taught concerning the life cycle of pacific salmon, discover saltwater aquariums with over 150 totally different species of marine life and get to pattern a wide range of smoked salmon merchandise.

Open Summer time Might-September and Winter October 1—April 30, the hatchery is a novel expertise whereas in Alaska.

Admission charges vary from $7 for adults and $5 for youngsters (underneath the age of two are freed from cost) and consists of limitless impartial exploration of reveals and aquariums.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

One factor you’ll be able to’t depart Juneau with out attempting is the Alaskan-caught wild salmon.

With recent salmon grilling over an open, alder wooden hearth, Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a tour-plus-feast providing scrumptious Alaskan flavors in a panoramic rainforest setting.

The all-you-can-eat expertise is greater than only a meal. Positioned proper exterior downtown, the meal consists of roasted salmon, baked “cheechako” hen (“cheechako” is slang for “newcomers”), Gold Rush potatoes, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, recent salads and corn bread. Roast your personal marshmallows over an open hearth as folks music carried out by native musicians compliments the two-hour expertise.

After dinner, stroll via the luxurious surroundings of Southeast Alaska’s rainforest to the Salmon Creek Waterfall, the place you’ll be able to see salmon spawning (in season), the previous shaft from the historic Wagner Mine the place Joe Juneau and Richard Harris first struck gold in 1880 and even pan for gold your self!

Tickets are round $80 for adults and $50 for youngsters (youngsters 3 and underneath are free).

The place to Eat in Juneau, Alaska

Downtown is filled with recent seafood eating places, breweries and even a well-known fudge manufacturing unit, Alaskan Fudge Co. However a couple of locations in Juneau stood out for the range, ambiance, and affordability.

Satan’s Membership Brewing Co.

First up is Satan’s Membership Brewing Co. Identified for his or her easy bites and contemporary-styled European beer selection, this contemporary brewery is a favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike.

Sandwiches, shareables and typically pizza are all on a rotating menu, however the freshly popped Home Popcorn is a should. Topped with dietary yeast and salt along with your alternative of olive oil or butter, this popcorn is the proper accompaniment to one in every of their IPAs, or signature stouts.

The beers are all brewed with care, proper in downtown Juneau.

Handle: 100 N Franklin St, Juneau

Meals Vans Gunakadeit Park

Positioned in Gunakadeit Park, there are a number of meals vans providing recent shucked oysters, home made crepes from Alaskan Creep Escape, one-of-a-kind s’mores from Captain S’extra and Brew and Alaskan fish tacos from Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos.

Tables line the park with loads of chairs located round hearth pits to sit down and revel in whilst you feed your senses.

With a full bar on website, you’ll be able to attempt some extra native brews from Alaskan Brewing Co. and Barnaby Brewing Firm.

Handle: 139 S Franklin St, Juneau

Forbidden Peak Brewery

Take a journey exterior of downtown, and you’ll find yourself in scenic Auke Bay, the place Forbidden Peak Brewery brews beer, exhausting seltzer, soda, and cold-brew espresso.

Providing a taproom and an enormous patio with hearth pit and an unobstructed view of Auke Bay, the family-owned brewery is a the picture-perfect place to finish a day’s journey.

Handle: 11798 Glacier Hwy, Juneau

Purple Spruce AK, a world road meals eatery, is situated contained in the taproom. Serving varied burgers, Asian-inspired noodle dishes, Alaskan favorites and hand-tossed salads, there’s something to fulfill all style buds.

Handle: 11798 Glacier Hwy, Juneau

We hope our information to Juneau, Alaska offers you adequate data to plan a vacation to the Pacific Temperate Rainforest!

As we wrap up this mini-guide to Juneau, Alaska, it’s clear that there’s a lot to discover on this beautiful capital metropolis. From mountaineering the beautiful trails to discovering the fascinating historical past, Juneau has one thing for everybody.

Don’t overlook to feast on recent seafood, style the personal brewed beer and take a tour to see the majestic glaciers up shut and to discover the wilderness!

Whether or not you’re searching for journey or simply wish to absorb the pure magnificence, Juneau gained’t disappoint. So pack your baggage and prepare for an unforgettable expertise!

For extra journey suggestions and tales about Alaska, take a look at our different journey suggestions – there’s at all times a brand new journey ready for you: