Top 4 Waterfalls around Juneau
Best waterfalls around Juneau are found amidst a landscape shaped by glaciers and mountains. This Alaskan region features natural monuments and trails that lead to various cascades. Juneau's geography includes Mendenhall Lake and Gold Creek, providing settings for several waterfalls. The area offers opportunities to explore diverse natural features.
Best waterfalls around Juneau
- The most popular waterfalls is Nugget Falls, a waterfall that flows over two tiers before plunging into Mendenhall Lake. This thundering, enormous waterfall is a destination…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Nugget Falls
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Ebner Falls
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End of Granite Creek Trail
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Salmon Creek Trail
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Mendenhall Waterfall, also known as "Nugget Falls," is located on beautiful Mendenhall Lake. From there, you also have a good view of the Mendenhall Glacier. You can easily get to the starting point from Juneau by bus or car. However, Juneau itself can only be reached by plane or boat.
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You can probably guess how Gold Creek got its name. But the history behind Ebner Falls — this picturesque waterfall in Gold Creek, which you can see from an overlook on the trail — is a little more obscure. It may have been named for one of the early miners in this area. You'll also find one of the more precarious sections of trail here, as it narrows to a footpath to skirt around a cliff.
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Whether you're walking or running, this thundering, enormous waterfall is a worthy destination. It also draws understandable crowds, but the flat, beach-like area around it makes it pretty easy to dodge walkers.
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The Salmon Creek Trail starts with a brief, steep uphill along a road, eventually transitioning to a narrow track that roughly follows Salmon Creek upstream. Watch for lovely cascades as the creek tumbles downhill through the forest, and for an old water pipeline leading down from the reservoir.
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The maintained Granite Creek Trail ends after a couple of lovely waterfalls, although you can follow faint footpaths to explore the alpine bowl you find yourself in. You might see mountain goats and other wildlife on this trail, plus plentiful blueberries in the fall. Heads up: There is extreme avalanche hazard on this trail during the winter, and extensive snow fields (left by avalanches) may linger well into the summer.
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You can probably guess how Gold Creek got its name. But the history behind Ebner Falls — this picturesque waterfall in Gold Creek, which you can see from an overlook on the trail — is a little more obscure. It may have been named for one of the early miners in this area.
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Nugget Falls falls over two tiers - approximately 30m and 85m - before plunging into the aquamarine waters of Mendenhall Lake. Before the glacier retreated in recent decades, the spray from the falls is said to have reached the glacier ice.
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The waterfall of Nugget Creek flows down Cascaden into Mendenhall Lake. Earlier, when the glacier was larger, it is said that it probably flowed on the glacier or the glacier obscured the waterfall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular waterfalls around Juneau?
The most prominent and frequently visited waterfall is Nugget Falls. It cascades 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake, offering breathtaking views alongside the Mendenhall Glacier. Its accessibility and stunning backdrop make it a favorite.
Are there family-friendly waterfalls around Juneau?
Yes, Nugget Falls is highly family-friendly. An easy 0.8-mile hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center leads directly to its base, suitable for all ages and activity levels.
What is the difficulty level of trails leading to Juneau's waterfalls?
Difficulty varies. The trail to Nugget Falls is an easy 0.8-mile walk. Other trails, like those leading to Ebner Falls or the End of Granite Creek Trail, are considered more challenging or intermediate, sometimes narrowing to footpaths or involving steeper sections.
What natural features can I expect to see near Juneau's waterfalls?
You can expect to see majestic glaciers, such as the Mendenhall Glacier near Nugget Falls, along with glacial lakes, dense forests, and potentially wildlife like mountain goats. The area around Salmon Creek Trail features lovely cascades and a river.
What outdoor activities can I do near Juneau's waterfalls?
Beyond visiting the waterfalls, Juneau offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like Perseverance Trail and more challenging ones like Mount Jumbo Trail. There are also mountain biking trails, such as the Treadwell Ditch Trail and Herbert Glacier Trail.
What is the best time of year to visit Juneau's waterfalls?
The best time to visit is generally during late spring and summer when meltwater from glaciers and snowpack ensures the waterfalls are at their most powerful and impressive. This season also offers more favorable hiking conditions.
Can I visit Juneau's waterfalls in winter?
While some waterfalls may be accessible, winter visits can be challenging. For example, the End of Granite Creek Trail has extreme avalanche hazard during winter, and extensive snowfields can linger well into summer. Always check local conditions and advisories before planning a winter trip.
How long does it take to hike to Nugget Falls?
The hike to the base of Nugget Falls is an easy 0.8-mile walk from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, typically taking about 20-25 minutes one way.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Juneau's waterfalls?
Some sources mention opportunities for rock jumping or swimming beneath Salmon Creek Falls. However, water temperatures in glacial-fed areas are extremely cold, so caution is advised.
Where can I find parking for Juneau's waterfalls?
For Nugget Falls, parking is available at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. For other waterfalls, parking access may vary, often found at trailheads.
Are there any less-known waterfalls to explore in Juneau?
Beyond the popular Nugget Falls, you can explore Ebner Falls, a picturesque waterfall in Gold Creek with a more obscure history. The End of Granite Creek Trail also leads to lovely waterfalls in an alpine bowl, and the Salmon Creek Trail features beautiful cascades as the creek tumbles downhill.
What do visitors enjoy most about Juneau's waterfalls?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views, especially the combination of powerful waterfalls with glaciers and icebergs. The sensory experience of the immense roar and spray, particularly at Nugget Falls, is often mentioned, along with the excellent photography opportunities.
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Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Juneau:
