Some of my favorite summertime memories in Juneau began with packing snacks, enticing family and friends, and building up the hype for what lay ahead. Juneau is well known for its summer-time beauty. We have all heard that proverb about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Well, I think with the right vantage point, we can all see how stunning Juneau is.
Hiking is a common pastime across the globe. A universal activity that crosses beliefs, understandings, perceptions, or any other conflict. Anyone can join in the fun. I remember one summer when my mother packed up 6 kids and walked us to the bus station. We rode all the way to downtown Juneau, where we were led through the winding streets to the Mt. Roberts trailhead on 6th Street. The seven of us gained 3,819 feet in elevation, hiked four and a half miles, and had about a million bug bites. But we made it. The trail is rated as difficult, but because of the lifestyle Juneauites have, we completed the trek in jeans and T-shirts, often in our Xtratuf boots. Even as children, we loved the view of Downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the Gastineau Channel from the landing where the tram meets the mountain. From there, you can see cruise ships docked near central downtown, boats in harbors, and the bridge that connects the island and the mainland. The perfect vantage to get the big picture of how truly beautiful Juneau is.
Hikes I recommend in Alaska's Capitol:
Mt. Roberts: Difficulty Level: Difficult, Gained Elevation: 3,819, Type: Out & Back (Tram available down when open & paid), Access: Basin Road, Downtown Juneau
Thunder Mountain: Difficulty Level: Difficult, Gained Elevation: 3,106, Type: Out & Back, Access: Several trailheads with different Difficulties.
Eagle Crest Ski Area: Difficulty Level: Easy, Type: Out & Back, Access: 300 Fish Creek Road, Pro-Tip: Bring a bucket or ziplocs for Blueberry picking when it's berry season in Juneau.
West Glacier Trail (Mendenhall Glacier): Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous, Gained Elevation: 1,197, type: Out & Back, Access: End of Skaters Cabin Road
Airporr Trail: Difficulty Level: Easy Walk (paved), Type: Out & Back, Access: End of Radcliffe Road Near the Juneau International Airport. 1 Mile and wheelchair accessible.
Make noise and have fun! Keep your eyes open and look for bears, porcupines, and other animals you wouldn't want to come in contact with. Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. Bring plenty of water, food, and any gear to shed or add layers for unexpected weather. COTTON KILLS!
0 comments