Ashton & Eric
Things To Do
Perseverance Trail
If you only have time for one hike, do Perseverance. Easily accessible from downtown, the trail was used by miners in the 1880 gold rush (there's still a mineshaft at the trailhead that shoots out cold air from inside the mountain!). A short climb puts you in a canyon right in the middle of the mountains. You'll also see rainforest, waterfalls, rushing creeks, wildflowers and wildlife. Stay on the main trail for flat terrain, or take one of several more-challenging offshoots (definitely take the short offshoot to Ebner Falls at Mile .8). (Pic: Ashton's dad Kevin posing in the canyon)
Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau may be the only place in the world with a drive-up glacier, and there are many ways to experience it. The visitor's center has great views, a museum, a short trail to must-see Nugget Falls, and a creek with salmon and bear-viewing. Juneau Shore Tours offers guided kayaking tours so you can see the face of the glacier up close. To get CLOSEST, Temsco Helicopters lands you on top of the glacier for a guided walk or dog sled. (Pic: Heather and Chris Backer take a helicopter ride to the top)
Mount Roberts Tramway
*Save this for a post-wedding group outing on 8/4!* Mount Roberts sits on the edge of downtown next to Gastineau Channel. The views are amazing, and you don't even have to climb it to see them! The top includes a visitor center, restaurant, viewpoints, trails, and a very regal rescued bald eagle named Lady Baltimore. (Pic: Eric and Chad the Dad hike along the top)
Tracy Arm Fjord Tour
If you have a whole day to spare, this is a must do! The boat takes you down a fjord with teal water and mountains jutting up on either side of you. You pass wildlife and giant icebergs as you make your way to two active glaciers at the end of the fjord (you may even see icebergs calve off them). It's $160 for the whole day and extremely worth it. (Pic: Reggie Bass with a giant iceberg)
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
This is the only Juneau restaurant you definitely need to go to. It's literally "As Seen on Top Chef" famous. The menu is limited and all crab-based, but that's all you need! (Pic: Cheers to giant crab legs)
Whale Watching
There are several whale watching companies to choose from. The link shows 5 of the most popular. You will always see humpbacks and probably seals and sea lions. This is the only population of humpbacks that do group bubble-feeding -it's amazing and if you're lucky you might see it! Orcas aren't guaranteed but not uncommon. The tours are only a few hours and pretty readily available, so you don't need to plan it too far in advance. (Pic: A mama and baby orca seen on a tour)
5 Glacier Floatplane Tour
At $230 for an hour this is kinda pricey, but it's the only way to see all the glaciers that surround Juneau. The plane leaves from downtown and can usually be booked within just a few days. (Pic: Glacier seen from the plane)
Pack Creek Bear Tours
This is ridiculously expensive ($829 a person!) but it has to be mentioned. A plane flies you to Admiralty Island, which has one of the densest grizzly populations in the world, and they're acclimated to humans. You are very likely to see one or more grizzlies at close range, fishing for salmon and doing other bear things. (Pic: Two grizzlies seen on an Admiralty camping trip)
Free Stuff
Tours are great but a lot of the best things in Juneau are free! The drives that lead out of Juneau ("out the road") and Douglas Island (Douglas Hwy) are beautiful and lead to lots of beaches and hikes. You may see bears along the way, whales from the beaches, and all kinds of other wildlife. Here are some of our faves: PRETTIEST EASY TRAILS: Sandy Beach/trails- Douglas Island, end of town Rainforest Trail - Douglas Island, Hwy Mile 12 Mendenhall Wetlands-Dike Trail - Mendenhall Refuge Trail Access Rd PRETTIEST MODERATE TRAILS: Perseverance (see above) John Muir Trail - Glacier Hwy Point Bridget Trail - Out the road, Mile 38 Dan Moller Trail - Douglas Island, Pioneer Ave A CHALLENGE: Thunder Mountain Trail - behind Glacier Valley Elementary BEST BEACH AREAS: Auke Bay Recreation Area - Glacier Hwy Shrine of St. Therese - Out the road, Mile 21 Eagle Beach - Out the road, Mile 28 (Pic: Ashton and Jen Parkin posing at the Shrine)