Southeast Alaska offers scenery like no other imaginable place. Juneau is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the country at nearly 17 million square miles. Though Juneau is part of the main continent, it is separated by thousands of miles of rock and ice, essentially functioning like an island. No roads connect to Juneau and visitors must enter town by boat or plane. Once in town the stunning steep mountains which jut right out of the Gastineau Channel will take your breath away. The landscape is still being carved by glaciers and with over 235 days of precipitation a year Juneau displays a lush green rainforest along its coastlines and glaciers.
West Glacier Trail
Whether a hiker aims to reach the Mendenhall glacier or the summit of nearby Mount McGuiness, West Glacier Trail’s stunning views never disappoint. The half day 3.25 mile moderate trail runs along the west side of Mendenhall Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier to a viewpoint revealing blue ice, snow capped peaks and the valley down below. From the overlook access can be gained to the glacier for experienced glacier travelers as well as a difficult and lesser maintained trail to the summit of Mt. McGuiness at 4,228 feet. Beware of avalanche danger from December to May.
The hike to the lookout point gains about 1,300 feet in elevation after the first relatively flat mile and is best hiked in May through September. Like much of the Tongass National Forest black bears frequent the area. Bear spray is recommended as several bears have been seen on this trail.
To find the trailhead drive 9 miles north of Downtown Juneau on Egan Drive/Glacier Highway and turn right onto Mendenhall Loop Road. After about 2 miles turn left at a signed intersection to continue on the Loop Road and after 1.7 miles turn right on Montana Creek Road. The trailhead is at the end of this road.
Perseverance Trail to Mount Juneau
If there is a window of pleasant weather then this alpine hike will reveal nothing short of stunning panoramic views of ocean, mountains and snow and colorful alpine flora. The short 3 mile, but steep hike to the 3,576-foot peak rises right beside the Gastineau Channel.
Access must be gained through Perseverance Trail at the end of Basin Road, behind downtown Juneau. Follow the trail for 1 mile on easy to moderate terrain. The trail runs through Gold Creek Valley, the sight of the 1880 gold discovery by Richard Harris and Joe Juneau which led to the founding of the city.
The Mount Juneau trail is found on the left side about a mile up Perseverance Trail. From here prepare to climb steep switchbacks through Sitka Spruce, Western Columbines, Lupines, and Wild Geraniums. The last stage of the climb is straight up and steep along alpine mountainside. Trekking poles are a big help on loose rocks on the hike down. Once on the ridgeline the whistles of Marmots may be heard and sightings of Marmots, Mountain Goats and several species of birds are possible. On a clear day peaks rise out of the earth to the east for as far as the eye can see. To the west Admiralty Island as well as the Chilkat and Fairweather ranges can be seen in the distance.
Late June to mid September is the advisable time to hike this trail as snow often remains on the mountain until June.
Mount Jumbo Trail
On Douglas Island, across the Gastineau Channel from Downtown Juneau are many mountains which often get overlooked. Mount Jumbo, also called Mount Bradley is one of these peaks. The trailhead is next door to 401 Fifth Street in Douglas.
The trail gains 3,337 feet in the three miles to the rocky summit where the view stretches up and down the channel and across to downtown Juneau and its many surrounding peaks which separate the town from the 1,500 square mile Juneau ice field.
The hike begins through large Sitka Spruce and levels out on wood planks through marsh and bog land which harbor beautiful flowers in early summer. The trail then starts to gain in elevation and even in June some of the hiking may be through snow. Gaiters are recommended as well as trekking poles for the way down. With the aid of experience and an ice ax, glissading down is a fun, fast-paced option.
When there is still snow around the crown of the peak the trail may not be visible but there is generally a boot pack which can be followed to the visible summit where there is a steep drop off. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers.
Maps of the areas are always useful. USGS Juneau B-2 (NW) is of use on West Glacier Trail. USGS Juneau B-2 (SE) and B-1 (SW) are useful for Mount Juneau. USGS quads Juneau A-2 and B-2 are useful for Mount Jumbo.
Naomi Judd - Naomi Judd, CIG, was first inspired by the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and her persuit of the mountains continued in the White Mountains ...
