Visitor Centers • Geologic Formations
THE 10 BEST Juneau Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Juneau
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Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
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35 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (20)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Showing results 1-30 of 35
What travelers are saying
- Vicki R2 contributionsIt's been a number of years since I've been inside the Visitors Center. I usually just hike around but had my niece and nephew with us and they had not been inside. Was great to look through the high power binocular to see the sheep out on the mountain. Couldn't see them with the naked eye. Loved the short movie that was playing. I wanna see it again so I can make note of the gal that was weaving as I forgot as soon as I walked out of the theater. Hahaha! I highly recommend a visit inside if you haven't in awhile like me. A lot to see and learnWritten November 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jruthieTulsa, OK11 contributionsWe are avid cruisers and are always looking for exceptional excursions. This was by far one of the best excursions we have ever been on. A smaller vessel picked us up from the cruise ship and as the cruise ship continued down the Fjord, we were able to cruise up close and personal to one of the glaciers. This was during early spring and there were so many Harbour seals on the ice, many with new babies. The view of the glacier that close is absolutely breathtaking and we were able to enjoy glacier ice margarita as well! The views were awe inspiring and we even got to see mountain goats and a bear. This is definitely an excursion you don't want to miss.Written October 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The Happy TravelerChicago, IL655 contributionsNugget Falls and its trail is a great place to hike to from the Mendenhall Visitor Center. It’s a brisk 30 minute hike 1 way on a pretty flat trail that takes you directly to the falls and next to the glacier. The sheer force of the falls can be felt wherever you’re standing.
Formed by the creek from the Nugget Glacier, the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers of 99 feet and 278 feet onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, which is the freshwater pool at the face of the Mendenhall Glacier. The lake then drains via Mendenhall River into the Inside Passage.
This is a MUST SEE fun activity if you’re coming here and well worth the hike!Written October 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stewarts Vacation991 contributionsThis is a brilliant glacier to visit, easily accessible from Juneau. There is a large Visitor Centre with a small charge to enter, however, we skipped this in order to spend our time outdoors: 1) walking to view the glacier from all angles, 2) walking to Photo Point, 3) doing the loop walk to Nugget Falls and 4) walking the Steep Creek Trail boardwalk. Sadly, as with many of the glaciers worldwide, Mendenhall Glacier is also receding at an alarming rate. Well worth a visit while it is still so clearly visible. Apparently by 2050, it might no longer be visible from the Visitor Centre!Written November 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ali THamilton, Bermuda107 contributionsWe decided to walk the trail up to Mount Roberts and take the gondola down. We walked from the ship port, the trail was well signed posted up until we passed over a bridge then unfortunately the trail was obscured by parked cars, we ended up walking to the perseverance trail so we knew we had gone too far, we had to back track. We asked for directions and got on the Mount Roberts trail, be sure to keep an eye out for the path we were not the only ones that missed it that day.
Once on the trail it is 2 miles of steep inclines along rugged uneven terrain. I am not an experienced hiker, nor in great shape and I found it challenging, but worth it when you got to the top. Wear proper hiking boots as it is muddy near the top even on a dry warm day. If you are fit and a regular hiker it’s probably a breeze. Allow yourself 2 hours if you are slower like me but the trail says an hour and half is typical.
Gondola ride down allowed for great views.Written August 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cheri bSaint Louis, MO291 contributionsThis was an amazing visit! It was a testimony to the vision and work of one fine Alaskan man. Visitors ride up the mountain viewing the constructed areas and planters all the way up to a viewpoint and down again amist the natural rainforest. The vehicle carries several people and feels like a large golf cart. It is magical for garden/landscape lovers like myself. The tour ends at a visitor's center and cafe. Recommended for nature lovers.Written October 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Luanne F2 contributionsWe were so happy we took the time to go to the hatchery. If is very nicely set up and very interesting. Be sure to watch the video in the visitor center.Written August 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WesOrmondOrmond Beach, FL214 contributionsOur visit to Sawyer Glacier was part of our Lindblad/Natl Geographic Cruise. We were able to approach the glacier on zodiac boats and get very close (about 1/4 mile) from the base of the glacier. Saw harbor seals and mountain goats. Vastly impressive sight that takes your breath away.Written August 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael C1 contributionEven the twenty somethings were impressed by the experience.... Booked the helicopter ride for the family to Herbert Glacier including a dog sled ride with Alaska Icefield Expeditions. Our group of 5 had 2 nervous flyers but we found the ground team's prep and the pilot's interactions helped to calm nerves. Ride up & back gave perspective to how large the glacier really is. Team provided snow boots which simplified packing... Once on the glacier, we were assigned to sleds and given a 1.5Mile tour of a portion of the field. Our drivers Joey & Josi shared there passion for their dogs and some of the logistical challenges they'll face when competing in the up coming Iditarod race in '24.Written July 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DianaShelly86 contributionsI hiked this by myself (25 y/o F) and felt very safe. Bring bear spray, bring a bear bell, bring plenty of cold weather gear regardless of weather when you set out. Bring more water and food than you think you'll need, and download this route on the AllTrails App (it's free). Alaskan wilderness is no joke. The walk up to this trailhead takes you through some of the oldest and most majestic, cozy parts of Juneau. The trail itself is 5ish miles, and gorgeous. *lush* beyond belief, looks like Hawaii. This is a *must do* when in Juneau. It is rated "challenging" but I would rate it a level below that. You need proper shoes. Do not ever navigate off the trial, there are many mineshafts that you can fall into. There were not many steep drop offs at all, it was very doable.Written September 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hoover67Ohio255 contributionsEagle Beach is in a beautiful spot......and yes, it has lots of eagles:-] I couldn't find much information, before booking one of their three State owned cabins so this might help others. They are all heated by kerosene stoves, which work great and you have to bring your own camping pad or mattress. The main differences between the cabins, in my opinion, is the view you get from each cabin. The Saturday Creek cabin is closest to the mouth of the river and has the best views of mountains and eagles. The Berry Patch cabin is also by the river and also has nice mountain views. but a little further away. The Martin cabin is in the woods away from the river so it has no views....except trees :-] The Saturday Creek and Berry Patch cabins will have people walking by a lot and the Martin cabin is more private.Written September 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jannieday13Green Valley, AZ44 contributionsWe took a drive on Douglas to sight see. Great views and trails.
You could get a "cool" feeling up in the snow.Written May 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Loren GNorman, OK40 contributionsCalling this an Island, while correct, underestimates its size, and depth of scenery and beauty. Yes, we saw a brown bear! and Whales, Whales and Whales! and More! Take the Gondola to see the whole viewWritten August 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- willqhLa Grande, OR41 contributionsLoved this walk through the trees and on the beach, lots of hidden mining treasures along the path tooWritten August 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sibylla OGeneva, IL187 contributionsbesides a beautiful park and flowers also a great view of the airfield and town. Take your time and take the tour!Written July 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Juneau
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Juneau:
- Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
- Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
- 3.5 Hour Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska...skip the crowds with us!
- Juneau's Premier Whale Watching! - More time on the water!
- Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
- These places are best for nature & parks in Juneau:See more nature & parks in Juneau on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Juneau:
- Tracy Arm Fjord
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Nugget Falls
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- DIPAC's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Juneau:See more nature & parks for couples in Juneau on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Juneau:See more nature & parks for groups in Juneau on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Juneau:
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Nugget Falls
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- Mount Roberts Trail
- Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
- These are the most romantic places for nature & parks in Juneau:See more romantic nature & parks in Juneau on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for nature & parks in Juneau:See more hidden gem nature & parks in Juneau on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adventurous nature & parks in Juneau:See more adventurous nature & parks in Juneau on Tripadvisor