Best Outdoor Things to Do in Juneau

Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, sits on the edge of wilderness, with no road access to the outside world. With Gastineau Channel and the misty waters beyond beckoning paddlers and whale watchers, and the dramatic forested mountains rising behind the town like a green screen, Juneau is a magnet for outdoors enthusiasts. The traditional homeland of the Tlingit people, this small city of 32,000 offers a disproportionately large number of hiking trails, mountain expeditions, and water-based adventures for a town of its size.

Nestled in the middle of the Inside Passage, Juneau can only be reached by boat or plane. This relative isolation gives it a somewhat magical feel, as it’s a modern capital completely enveloped by wilderness. Hiking trails originate from downtown, and the port is a launch pad for fishing charters, whale watching trips, and kayaking tours. 

On Land

Mendenhall Glacier

An excellent introduction to Juneau’s outdoor wonderland is a day trip to Mendenhall Glacier. Thirteen miles long, it’s one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, with a visitor’s center, viewing platforms, boardwalks, and lots of lovely forested hiking trails. You can take a short, easy hike along the Steep Creek Trail, or, if you’re up for more of a challenge, take a guided trek to an ice cave. Nugget Falls roars with glacier water and is a one-mile hike from the visitor center.  

Biking & Winter Sports

Other land-based adventures include cycling and winter sports, both of which are easily accessible from town. Road cyclists will find quiet stretches along North Douglas Highway and the Mendenhall Valley, while mountain bikers can explore forested singletrack and old mining roads that cut through the hills above Juneau. In winter, snowfall opens the door to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing on local slopes. 

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife watching is a year-round draw, but summer is prime time. Salmon runs bring fish into local streams, which in turn attract black and brown bears, sometimes visible from roadsides or trails. For more reliable viewing, guided bear-watching trips, often involving short flights to nearby islands, offer the best chance to observe bears fishing in their natural habitat.

Hiking

Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the multitude of trails in the area, some originating right on the edge of downtown. The moderate Perseverance and the challenging Mt Juneau trails are just two of the shorter and more popular hikes. And for folks who want to save their legs a massive climb, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway swings you 1800 feet up Mount Roberts, where a network of trails (with astounding views of Gastineau Channel) awaits.

Gold Panning

For a less strenuous outdoor activity, try your hand at gold panning. Gold panning offers a low-key way to connect with Juneau’s mining past while spending time outdoors. Several local operators run short excursions to forested creeks just outside town, where you can learn the basics of panning and try your luck in the same waterways that drew prospectors north in the late 19th century.

Image

On the Water

Boat Tours

Whale watching and wildlife cruising are other popular activities. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions regularly pass through Juneau’s waters in summer. These are some of the most reliable whale sightings in Alaska, and multiple operators run excursions out of Auke Bay and the downtown docks. 
Further afield, full-day boat journeys to Tracy Arm Fjord give you access to narrow fjord walls, iceberg-filled waters, and a front-row seat to tidewater glaciers calving. These are longer outings but rank among Alaska’s top maritime experiences. 

Kayaking

The island-dotted waters beyond Juneau’s shores also offer much to explore. The Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park has 14 islands and is a great place to watch for wildlife, practice photography and simply enjoy the astounding beauty of the region. Kayak rentals are possible in town, and guided kayaking tours abound, from short half-day adventures to multi-day expeditions. You can even spend an afternoon paddling around icebergs in Mendenhall Lake. 

Fishing

Fishing is another cornerstone of outdoor life in Juneau, whether you’re an experienced angler or a complete novice. The surrounding waters are rich with king, silver, red, pink, and chum salmon in season, as well as halibut and rockfish. Half-day and full-day fishing charters depart regularly from Auke Bay and the downtown harbor, with all gear provided and local captains who know where the fish are running. Freshwater fishing is also possible in nearby streams during salmon runs.

Image

In the Air

Helicopter Tours

The Mendenhall Glacier spills down from the vast Juneau Icefield, a remnant of the last Ice Age and a destination in its own right. Helicopter tours are the most common way to access the Icefield, often combining a landing on the ice with a short guided walk or a dogsled experience. It’s a practical way to reach an otherwise inaccessible landscape, and one of the few places where you can step directly onto a working icefield without a multi-day expedition.

Image

Alaska Native Culture

For travelers who want to combine culture with time outdoors, Juneau’s Indigenous heritage is closely tied to the natural landscape. The surrounding forests and waterways have sustained Tlingit communities for thousands of years, and learning about traditional uses of local plants, animals, and waterways adds important context to any hike or boat trip. Visitor centers and guided tours are good places to pick up this perspective and get locally grounded recommendations.

Image

Overall, Juneau stands out as a unique combination of accessibility and wilderness, offering a broad range of outdoor activities within easy reach of town.