Welcome to my recommendations on how to spend an unforgettable day in Juneau, Alaska! Recently, my husband and I had the privilege to explore some amazing parts of “the last frontier” with a friend who was born and raised right in Alaska. He owns a plane and took the time to fly us above the Mendenhall Glacier for a once in a lifetime experience. There are opportunities for seaplane, flightseeing, and helicopter tours that you can look into, if you wish. There are other ways to see the Mendenhall Glacier that do not include flying. Our friend took us around some lesser known places. Of course; some of these spots are popular with visitors, but for the most part, we were able to experience a unique Alaskan adventure! I’m sharing what we did to inspire you to try some off the beaten path excursions in Juneau. Let’s “take off” into some of the things that we did!
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Take a walk through the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge
Take a walk around Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge where you’re sure to see Bald Eagles and fantastic mountain views! Located next to the airport, you can see planes and helicopters taking off and landing. These wetlands produce a crucial wildlife habitat. The natural beauty offers unique recreational opportunities. This 3,800 acre refuge was established in 1979 to conserve wildlife. Historically, these wetlands and valley were significant fishing, hunting, and meeting grounds for the Tlingit Indians, but an incursion of European settlers followed the discovery of gold in 1880. There are streams that cross the wetlands mixing fresh and saltwater, creating a rich environment. This feeds many fish, mammals, and over 250 species of migratory and resident birds. If you walk on the wetlands, beware of incoming tides.
“Public access to the refuge is available at Mile 3, Egan Drive from a parking lot cul-de-sac near the radio station or off Berners Avenue just west of the airport along the Mendenhall River. A popular scenic view turnout for eastbound traffic at Mile 6, Egan Drive offers parking , a viewing platform, and interpretive signs for the refuge. On Douglas Island, good public access is available from a large parking lot at Mile 8.5, North Douglas Highway, just before the Fish Creek bridge.”
Alaska is definitely one of those places that you’ll want to take lots of professional looking photos. I recommend a Canon R7 camera with RF-S 18-150mm Lens to get some great mountain shots.
Visit a waterfall at the base of Bullard Mountain
Nugget Falls is a waterfall downstream of Mendenhall Glacier, at the base of Bullard Mountain. Nugget Falls total height is 375 feet. Nugget Falls can be seen pouring into Mendenhall Lake near the base of the Mendenhall Glacier. The falls and glacier can be viewed up close from a huge sand bar!
Hike Outer Point Loop Trail
This gorgeous trail leads to a hidden rocky shore with amazing mountain views. Discover the numerous species of unique plants; some only found in Alaska. The Devils Club and Skunk Cabbage will make you feel like you’re on another planet! Once you make it to the beach, there is an extremely high chance of seeing more than one Bald Eagle. The distance of Outer Point Loop is 1.1 miles, with an elevation of 60ft. The trail is easy and well suited for young hikers. The Rain Forest Loop is an alternate route with a distance of 1.1 miles and elevation of 130ft. This trail is also easy and great for kids. Shaman Island is connected by a “tombolo” (a spit connecting to an island that is not really an island at low tide) at extreme low tides. Be careful to not get stranded on the island once the tide rises. Don’t forget your hiking boots! Conditions can be slippery from ice, rain, and or mud. While on the trails, please do not dig up flowers or feed the wildlife. Please carry out all trash and pick up after your pet.
Experience the Alaskan Brewing Company
Tasting Room Address
5364 Commercial Blvd.
Juneau, AK 99801
Tasting Room Hours
Monday – Sunday 11pm – 8pm
Since the explorers of the 1700s, through the Gold Rush; Alaska has had a rich history of brewing. The Alaskan Brewing Company opened in 1986 and was the first brewery in Juneau since the prohibition. With a humble beginning, Alaskan Brewing Company has grown to become one of the most award-winning craft breweries in America. The Tasting Room is 5 miles from downtown Juneau and 3 miles from the airport. It is open year-round and offers visitors and locals alike, the chance to try the newest brews. They have over 20 Alaskan beers on tap daily. The Tasting Room sells individual bottles, 6-packs, 12-packs and cases of beer.
Wild Alaskan Food Truck
This food truck is located on-site and offers seafood and burgers.
Forno Rosso Alaska Pizzeria & Catering
Located next to the Alaskan Brewing Co. tasting room. This food truck serves artisan pizza year-round.
Alaska’s enormous and rugged landscape offers countless opportunities to feed anyone’s adventurous side! Juneau is one of the many gorgeous areas of Alaska worth visiting. I hope that you’re able to enjoy these amazing mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, wetlands, and much much more. As always, thank you for reading!
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