Unique Things to Do in JUNEAU, ALASKA

There are many things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Although Juneau’s cruise ship terminal is a significant draw to the capital of Alaska, the real Juneau adventure awaits those who stay longer.

Joe Juneau, a French Canadian prospector, and miner, is the city’s founder. The population has grown from a small mining community to a townhome to families, businesses, and tourists. Let’s look at the 15 most exciting things you can do in Juneau.

What to do in Juneau Alaska

Mendenhall Glacier

It is so impressive that the pictures can’t do it justice. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in Tongass National Forest, on the Juneau Icefield. Many things can be done in Juneau, including many in this park.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center

To find out which areas are safe, head to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center when you arrive in the Mendenhall Valley. If you’re interested in tours, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center can help you find them. The best thing to do in Juneau for qualified daredevils is to ice climb at the glacier. You can contact the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center to find out if it’s possible.

Mendenhall Ice Caves

One of Juneau’s most incredible sights is the Mendenhall Ice Caves. You will feel transported to a world of ice, glass, and other natural attractions. The Mendenhall Ice Caves can usually be accessed between July and September.

• Book the highly-rated Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves Tour. You’ll have the opportunity to paddle from Mendenhall Lake to Glacier, where you can get up close to the glacier. This is something that only a few people get to experience.
• You can also join a kayak trip to the glacier, where you will search for wildlife and paddle around ice flows before finally stepping foot on the glacier.

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is also worth a visit. It’s a waterfall that flows downstream from the glacier. Nugget Falls flows into Mendenhall Lake, where you can skate in winter. Explore the area by heading to the West Glacier Trail and East Glacier Loop trailheads near the lake.

These trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the area’s inner workings and see different landscape perspectives. If you take public transit, it takes approximately an hour to reach the Mendenhall Glacier.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

How can a rainforest sit within minutes of massive glaciers? It’s a valid question. You won’t find this adventure anywhere else in the world. Glacier Gardens Forest Adventure takes visitors on a vehicle tour through the Alaskan rainforest on Douglas Island.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures will take you on a journey to other worlds. Each turn will transport you to another place, from hidden places amongst the hemlocks to hanging gardens. The natural upside-down flower towers, which look straight out of Dr. Seuss’s books, are one of the most impressive things about the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. It would help if you made this a day trip as it takes some time to get there and back.

Mount Roberts Tramway

We could not go up Mount Roberts tramway because it was cloudy both times we visited Juneau. However, if you’re in Juneau on clear days, take the tramway for a bird’s eye view of Juneau, the channel, and the surrounding landscape. The top has nature trails and an interpretive center. You can either hike up to the top or take the tram up and back.

Hiking Trails

It is impossible to visit Juneau without exploring the city’s many beautiful hiking trails. The most popular are the West Glacier Trail and Douglas Island trails. Douglas Island is a short drive from downtown Juneau. You can visit the Tongass National Forest trails here and view some of the fauna and flora that live there.

Thunder Mountain is an excellent trail for those who enjoy it rough. Although it can be a bit muddy, the views from the summit are spectacular. Mountain goats, eagles, and other birds will be available to observe in their natural habitat.

Juneau Waterfront

The Juneau waterfront is an excellent place to take a stroll if hiking is not your thing. Interactive signs and stops are available to help you learn about Juneau’s history. Continue along the boardwalk across the water to reach a quiet park with a magnificent sculpture of a breaching whale.

Tracy Arm Fjord

A small boat and a guide are the best way to see Tracy Arm Fjord. The narrow fjord is narrow, and you will be met by fog just below the tops of the mountains.

You’ll likely see whales and other marine life and the glaciers. The glaciers shimmer a brilliant blue, making you feel dwarfed by the stunning scenery.