Explore the Best Hiking Trails in Juneau, Alaska
Did you know Juneau has more miles of hiking trails than roads? Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through lush rainforest, stunning glacier views, or a challenging hike into the alpine, there’s a trail for everyone here. From family-friendly strolls to more rugged adventures, Juneau’s trail system offers a perfect way to experience the wild beauty of Southeast Alaska, and many of the best hikes are just minutes from Glacier Nalu Campground. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local trails, organized by difficulty, to help you plan your next adventure.
Easy Hiking Trails in Juneau
Nugget Falls Trail
The hike out to Nugget Falls is a must do for all those planning to visit the Mendenhall Glacier (and if you are coming to Juneau we really hope you plan to visit this world famous glacier!). The trail is 2-miles round trip, and the gravel path helps you to find sure footing. Meandering through the glacial landscape, you will get a feel for the vastness of the glacier and the way it shapes the land we live on. You’ll see alder trees, lupine, fireweed, and keep your eyes peeled for porcupine and bears.
It is only 3.9 miles from Glacier Nalu Campground to the glacier, so be sure to check this one out!
Local Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid cruise ship crowds and catch beautiful lighting on the glacier.
Brotherhood Bridge Trail
Brotherhood Bridge Trail is a paved trail that follows the Mendenhall River. The trailhead is just across from Don Able. There is a lovely view of the glacier from the parking lot. This trail is also 2 miles long and is popular with walkers, runners, bikers, and families. In the summer the field near the trailhead is full of various Alaskan wildflowers such as fireweed and irises.
This one is only 3.5 miles away from Glacier Nalu.
Local Pro Tip: Visit in late July through mid-August to catch the fireweed in full bloom. This scenic trail lights up with vibrant pink flowers during peak summer.
Auke Lake Trail
This heavily wooded trail provides some protection on rainy days. Park at Goat Hill Road (off of Mendenhall Loop) to access this 2-mile round trip gravel trail alongside Auke Lake. This trail is a favorite because of its lush, green scenery and views of the lake. Keep in mind, if you are bringing your four-legged adventure buddy with you, this is a leash-only trail.
This is the closest trail to the campground, at just .5 mile away.
Local Pro Tip: This is a great trail for rainy days, as the dense tree canopy provides natural shelter from the weather.
Moderate Hikes in Juneau
West Glacier Trail
West Glacier Trail is on the opposite side of the lake from the visitor’s center, where most tourists go to see the glacier. It is a beautiful trail year round, and has amazing views of the glacier and the stunning glacial landscape. The trail is officially about 3.5 miles one way, but you don’t have to go the whole way to enjoy the lush green forest trail and a closer-up view of the glacier.
The trail conditions vary depending on season and weather. Expect some wet, muddy conditions as well as slippery patches, and even a few small streams you might have to pass over. There are some spots that have a lot of tree roots to pass over, and some switchbacks on stone steps.
SAFETY TIP: Stop once you get to the bench/swing outlook. After this point, the trail gets dangerous and is not recommended without a guide. People get lost and have to be rescued from this area every year because they venture off trail or try and go too far- please don’t let that be you!
The trailhead for West Glacier is just 1.2 miles away from Glacier Nalu Campground, making it totally doable to walk there, continue your hike, then walk back.
Local Pro Tip: If you are bringing your dog along for the adventure, be sure to keep them close. This is also a popular spot for porcupines!
Salmon Creek Dam Trail
Salmon Creek Dam trailhead is just past the hospital. You have to pass the hospital on Egan, then do a U turn when you are able to, then turn right onto the access road before you come to the hospital stoplight. The first .25 miles of this trail is a very steep incline, after that it levels out and becomes a very doable, beautiful hike. You will enjoy views of the rainforest- ferns, berry bushes, towering sitka spruce trees, and more. There are also several places where the trail opens up allowing you to see waterfalls, ponds, and the valley below the trail.
The trail itself is a wide gravel path until the end, where it is a narrow, steep trail through the trees on boardwalk steps. It is 3 miles to get to the dam.
You will need a car to get to this trail- it’s about a 17 minute drive from the campground.
Local Pro Tip: At the very end this trail is very steep and has some dangerous sections. Be sure to be cautious, or skip that part of the trail. You will still enjoy this beautiful hike.
Perseverance Trail
Perseverance Trail is located downtown Juneau. Just a short, steep drive away from the busting downtown streets is this stunningly beautiful trail. This unique hike follows a rail line for the old Alaska Juneau Mine. Take in the breathtaking views of the valley and mountains surrounding the trail, crystal clear glacier fed streams, and lush rainforest scenery.
This trail is fairly steep, and can be slippery especially when it is wet and muddy- but it is well worth the work!
It is about a 20 minute drive from Glacier Nalu Campground to the Trailhead.
Local Pro Tip: Perseverance has several places where it branches off and leads to another trail. Some of them are definitely worth exploring if you have a little extra time. Look up a map to prepare before you get there.
East Glacier Trail
This is a beautiful loop trail located near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Approximately 3 miles, this moderate hike takes you through lush rainforest, along glacial streams, and up to scenic viewpoints overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier. The trail begins from the Trail of Time and features a mix of gravel paths and stone steps.
The trailhead for East Glacier is about a 6 minute drive from Glacier Nalu Campground.
Local Pro Tip: Be bear aware and loud, this is a popular place for black bears, including mommas and their cubs.
Ready to explore the best hikes in Juneau? Whether you’re planning an easy walk to Nugget Falls or a more adventurous hike up West Glacier Trail, Glacier Nalu Campground is the perfect home base for your outdoor adventures. Book your stay today and start your trail-filled Alaska experience!
