While in Juneau experience Perseverance Trail, Rainforest Trail, Auke Bay Trail, Channel Islands Paddle Route, Ann Coleman Wall Underwater Trail, Auke Recreation Area, and Sunshine Cove Underwater Trail SEAtrails; Juneau is also a jumping off point for wildlife viewing, exploring Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield, Glacier Gardens, and Glacier Bay National Park.
Also visit the Alaska State Museum, capitol building and Governor’s house, the South Franklin Street Historic District; St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church; Shrine of St. Terese; Point Bridget State Park; Douglas Island; Treadwell Mine Historic Trail and Mount Roberts Tramway.
Located on the mainland of Southeast Alaska, opposite Douglas Island, Juneau was built at the heart of the Inside Passage along the Gastineau Channel. Juneau lies 900 air miles northwest of Seattle and 577 air miles southeast of Anchorage. Juneau is Alaska’s State Capital and is located within the Tongass Rainforest climate which provides Juneau with lush vegetation and colorful wildflowers. The Tlingit and Haida Indians were the first to settle in the area and Native Alaskan influence is still prominent today.
The hiking guide 90 Short Walks is available at book stores and visitor centers and gives a great overview of local trails for those looking for more information or other hiking opportunities.
Alaska’s Marine Highway System offers regular ferry service to Juneau from many points, including Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. There is also daily service between Haines, Skagway, and Juneau from May through September. AMHS offers an affordable alternate to air travel for passengers who are traveling on foot, and want to enjoy and explore the Southeast Passage.
Juneau is accessible by air from Anchorage or Seattle with service provided by Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines partners with other major commercial U.S. carriers making connections from other points in the United States and abroad convenient for travelers wanting to visit Juneau. Smaller communities within Alaska can connect to Juneau via commuter carriers such as Air North. The airport is located 9 miles from downtown and the ferry terminal is located 14 miles from downtown Juneau.
Once in Juneau, taxi cabs offer standard city rate fares while many hotels and lodges provide free airport and ferry terminal shuttles. Rental cars are available at the airport. The local public transit system is useful and widely accessible.
Juneau is the largest SEAtrails community and has full services for accommodations, food, amenities, outdoor equipment rentals including skiffs and kayaks, car rentals, transit, camping, laundry, showers, medical and emergency services.
Juneau has a mild, maritime climate. Average summer temperatures range from 44 to 65; winter temperatures range from 25 to 35. It is in the mildest climate zone in Alaska. Annual precipitation is 92 inches in downtown Juneau, and 54 inches ten miles north at the airport. Snowfall averages 101 inches.
For more information contact the Juneau Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 1-888-581-2201, or 101 Egan Drive, Centennial Hall, Juneau, Alaska 99801, or contact the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Juneau, 155 South Seward Street, Room 218, Juneau, Alaska 99801, 907-586-5226.