ON TO JUNEAU
We depart Sitka on an Alaska Air flight to Juneau. Observing travel between islands in Alaska is interesting. For many residents, even going to see Grandma entails flying. We sit just behind a young mother flying with her four children and are impressed with her parenting skills. She's obviously done this before. She anticipates potential issues, has come
prepared with snacks and books, lets the kids know her expectations and then compliments them on their good behavior in regular intervals to give incentive to keep it up. Her organization, patience, people and parenting skills are a pleasure to observe.
It’s easy to get a view of downtown Juneau by taking a ride on the Mt. Roberts tramway. The view from the top is worth
the ride, and gives us a panorama of the overall area.
prepared with snacks and books, lets the kids know her expectations and then compliments them on their good behavior in regular intervals to give incentive to keep it up. Her organization, patience, people and parenting skills are a pleasure to observe.
It’s easy to get a view of downtown Juneau by taking a ride on the Mt. Roberts tramway. The view from the top is worth
the ride, and gives us a panorama of the overall area.
A 10-15 minute hike will take you above tree line, and for the more adventurous, in lieu of the tram ride down there is a 4.5 mile trail back to town. Today, we opt to take the tram. For anyone with less than stellar knees, other gorgeous hiking trails in the area may be the better choice.
The other Juneau highlight we want to check out is the Mendenhall Glacier, located outside of town, not too far from the airport. Mendenhall is one of 38 glaciers that flow from the Juneau Ice field, with annual snowfall exceeding 100 feet.
The Visitor Center has nice views and some nice exhibits, ranger programs and a good 15 minute movie entitled
“Landscape of Change”. There’s a $3.00 charge to enter the Center. To really experience the glacier, there are several easy trails. Less than half a mile from the Visitor Center, Photo Point Trail offers a good vantage point for viewing or photographing the glacier from across the lake at the bottom of the glacier.
The other Juneau highlight we want to check out is the Mendenhall Glacier, located outside of town, not too far from the airport. Mendenhall is one of 38 glaciers that flow from the Juneau Ice field, with annual snowfall exceeding 100 feet.
The Visitor Center has nice views and some nice exhibits, ranger programs and a good 15 minute movie entitled
“Landscape of Change”. There’s a $3.00 charge to enter the Center. To really experience the glacier, there are several easy trails. Less than half a mile from the Visitor Center, Photo Point Trail offers a good vantage point for viewing or photographing the glacier from across the lake at the bottom of the glacier.
A 20 minute walk each way takes you to Nugget Falls, where you can stand under a large waterfall and also be close enough to the glacier to feel the cold air coming from its’ surface.
The East Glacier Loop Trail is a three mile loop trail. This gravel trail offers views of the glacier from a higher grade.
Guided kayak rentals on the lake are also available, as well as helicopter trips to the glacier. Tours are even available to fly over the glacier, land and go dogsledding while up there. The level of activity may vary based on weather. Juneau is located in a rainforest, so if you’re there on a clear day, take advantage of the wonderful activities available.
If you go:
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 789-0097
www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall
Juneau is a cruise ship town but has personality and natural beauty. The Red Dog Saloon caters to the cruise ship crowd and other tourists but has a charm that’s worth checking out. Sawdust floors, taxidermy, trapping memorabilia including furs, guns and antiques make this a fun, classic Alaska stop. Tracy’s Crab Shack, right next to the Cruise Ship Dock is a Juneau institution with personality and good food.
Guided kayak rentals on the lake are also available, as well as helicopter trips to the glacier. Tours are even available to fly over the glacier, land and go dogsledding while up there. The level of activity may vary based on weather. Juneau is located in a rainforest, so if you’re there on a clear day, take advantage of the wonderful activities available.
If you go:
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 789-0097
www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall
Juneau is a cruise ship town but has personality and natural beauty. The Red Dog Saloon caters to the cruise ship crowd and other tourists but has a charm that’s worth checking out. Sawdust floors, taxidermy, trapping memorabilia including furs, guns and antiques make this a fun, classic Alaska stop. Tracy’s Crab Shack, right next to the Cruise Ship Dock is a Juneau institution with personality and good food.
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