The best road cycling routes in Juneau City and Borough

Best view at sunset

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center near Juneau brings you up close to the rugged beauty of Alaska. Here you can not only admire the impressive glacier and the turquoise glacial water, but also gain exciting insights into the geology and ecosystem of this region. The center itself offers exhibitions that illustrate the history and development of the glacier and a fascinating view of the retreating ice. The area around the center is criss-crossed by easily accessible trails such as the Photo Point Trail and the popular Nugget Falls Trail, which takes you to the roaring Nugget Falls. For nature lovers, the Steep Creek Trail is a highlight - especially during salmon season, when bears gather at the stream. From elevated walkways you can observe the animals without disturbing their peace. In winter, a completely different scene awaits you, when nature freezes in silent beauty. Take the time to explore the short Trail of Time, which tells the history of the glacier on information boards and lets you delve deep into the formation of this unique landscape. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is more than just a visitor center - it is an experience that shows you the power and fragility of nature first hand.

This is one of several great viewpoints of Mendenhall Glacier along this run. However, just like all the other trails along the visitor center, it tends to get very crowded as soon as the visitor center shuttle buses start running for the day. So, if you want to be able to actually keep up a run, you'll have better odds of managing that either before the first shuttle bus visitor or after the last one.

Parliament and administrative seat of Alaska

Eagle Beach, situated 27 miles north of Juneau, is a favored local camping and leisure spot. Bordered by majestic snow-capped mountains, it's an ideal place for a picnic. The beach extends alongside the Eagle River estuary, a summer haven for spawning salmon that attracts bald eagles and bears, offering fantastic wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for seals and sea lions in the water.

Lena Beach, located around 15 miles north of Juneau, Alaska, is renowned as one of the best beaches in the area. Offering a rocky coastline with stunning views of the Chilkat Mountains across Auke Bay, it's a picturesque picnic spot. Visit during low tide with rubber-soled shoes to explore the tide pools and discover sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more. Keep an eye out for bald eagles in the treetops and the chance to spot humpback whales in the bay.

A crossing that spans over the Herbert River, which is sourced from the Herbert Glacier. This bridge serves as a crucial transportation link, allowing vehicles to safely traverse the river and access various regions. It not only facilitates local connectivity but also offers scenic views of the flowing river and the surrounding landscape.

As you cross over the bridge you will see Lemon Creek. Flowing through the Alaskan landscape, Lemon Creek is nourished by the melting waters of Lemon Creek Glacier and another nearby glacier. The creek's journey takes it all the way to the tidal flat at the head of Gastineau Channel, situated around 5 miles to the northwest of Juneau's borough.