Take a deep breath and exhale slowly as you gaze at the majestic peaks of Alaska's mountain range. Marvel at the spectacular 10 million year old glaciers. Take pleasure in the wildlife of bears, sea lions, and lynx; whale watching, birding and salmon fishing. From one adventure to another; hiking, kayaking, ziplining, trekking on a glacier, mountain climbing, biking, diving, heli-tours and dogsledding, Juneau offer something for all ages and skill levels. And best of all, no long drives or boat trips are needed to find yourself in the heart of a Last Frontier adventure.  A quick two hour flight north from Seattle, makes it easy to get to your legendary trip. 

Juneau offers the most spectacular wildlife and bird viewing in the world. Whether you prefer a guided tour or exploring on your own, opportunities to view marine mammals, bears and birds abound in and around Juneau. 

Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing

Every April to November, approximately 600 humpback whales inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. They migrate annually to feed on the abundant plankton and small fish that thrive in this region.   The Orca, or killer whale, also calls the area home. These whales, though much smaller than humpbacks, have been known to pursue much bigger prey -- salmon, seal, even moose and other whales have been hunted down by these “wolves of the sea.” 

Bears

Black and brown bear inhabit the area around Juneau.  Nearby Admiralty Island National Monument and the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area (Kootznoowoo is a Tlingit word meaning "Fortress of the Bears"), is home to the largest concentration of brown bear in North America -- some 1,600, or one for every square mile of the island. There is a bear sanctuary and viewing area at Pack Creek, with viewing restricted by permit from June 1 to September 10.

Contact the U.S. Forest Service at 907-586-8751 or www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/admiralty for more information.

Winging Their Way

Alaska’s Inside Passage is home to approximately 20,000 bald eagles (the human population of this same area hovers near 70,000). Around Juneau, bald eagles can easily be spotted in trees, flying overhead or feeding along nearby streams, particularly during salmon spawning season.  A local favorite is the salmon hatchery located just a quick car ride from Juneau’s downtown.

If the mere thought of spotting a Steller’s Jay or marbled murrlet sets your heart aflutter, May or June is an ideal time to visit when more than one hundred thousand birds travel to and through Juneau.  Its unique and accessible combination of mountains, forests, wetlands and inter-tidal habitat provide visitors with extensive and diverse birding opportunities.  More than 300 species of birds follow the flyways of the state's Panhandle and more than 100 species nest in Juneau alone!

While it may have taken more than 10 million years to create many of Alaska’s glaciers, access to one of the best is about 15 minutes from Juneau’s downtown.  Located just 13 miles from the city core or four miles from the airport, the Mendenhall Glacier, one of Juneau's most popular attractions with more than 350,000 visitors each year, is also one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers.

A marvel of nature lies two thousand feet above historic downtown Juneau, the 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield, the fifth largest icefield in North America.  Extending from Taku Inlet to Skagway, the icefield is the birthing ground of 38 major glaciers, including Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier.  The icefield is estimated to be around 3,000 years old, but it is in a constant state of renewal and retreat depending on each year's dosage of snow.

There are a number of ways to see and experience the Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau Icefield.  In addition to visiting it independently, ground tour companies offer trips there, as well.   From May through September, the Visitor Center, which is operated by the USDA Forest Service, charges a $3.00 admission fee.

Flightseeing companies offer aerial tours of the Icefield, while helicopters offer tours that include everything from short walks on the ice to two-hour  plus treks.  Those not interested in taking to the air can also take advantage of day boat tours to the spectacular and breathtaking views of twin Sawyer Glaciers, located in Tracy Arm Fjord, southeast of Juneau.

Another great trip from Juneau is one to the glaciers to the north – especially those in Glacier Bay National Park. 

Many Glacier Flightseeing & Activities are available throughout Juneau.

For those who spell adventure F-I-S-H, five species of salmon; Pink, Chum, Coho, Sockeye and King inhabit the waters surrounding Juneau. Also, calling the Inside Passage home is the Pacific halibut, often weighing in excess of 100 pounds. Dolly Varden, cutthroat and steelhead trout are also found in nearby rivers, lakes, streams and saltwater shoreline areas.  

Juneau is paradise for the sport fishing enthusiast.  Bring your own group or join with another from casting from the shore to going out any one of dozens of charter-fishing boats. Guided fly-fishing is also an option, either by skiff, on shore or hopping a float-plane to a remote river or lake. State of Alaska fishing licenses are required and can be purchased from the charter boat captain, fish guide or at the Juneau Visitors Center. (click on any of the links below)

From hotels to hostels, Juneau is famous for the most charming Bed & Breakfasts to historic hotels and accommodations in the state. Alaskan hospitality at its finest found here.

Most areas of Juneau are near fantastic hiking, dining, attractions and scenery. For the most part, downtown accommodations are located close to many of the galleries, historic and adventure attractions, while those in the Mendenhall Valley are located near the airport, ferry terminal and Mendenhall Glacier. Douglas Island accommodations offer easy access to downtown Juneau; Eaglecrest, Juneau's ski resort, and incredible ocean views. Lodging located "out the road" near Juneau's Auke Bay, are just northwest of the Mendenhall Valley and easily accessible boat harbors, ocean views and rainforest wilderness.

Regardless of the accommodation chosen, whether it's a hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast, it’s bound to provide a unique and memorable experience.  This is partly due to those who live here.   Juneau residents are friendly and love their hometown so much they want you to savor all of its' fine qualities for a lifetime. From the glaciers, to the wilderness, to the culture, relish the Last Frontier.