5 Great Juneau Hiking Trails

Juneau, Alaska’s capital and the third-largest city in the state, is also an exceptionally beautiful place to visit. Though a popular destination for cruises, the city has so much more to offer than can be seen on short excursions and day trips.  So many people don’t make it past the top attractions, like the Mendenhall Glacier and the Mt. Roberts Tram. Discover another side to this incredible place this summer, including getting outside on some of the best Juneau hiking trails.

Some of the best hikes in Juneau are accessible from downtown, while others are further afield.  Whatever it is that brings you to Juneau, there’s no better place to stay than our comfortable boutique hotel, located right in the heart of historic downtown Juneau.  Come explore with us this summer, and book a room at our Juneau hotel today!

Our Favorite Juneau Hiking Trails to Explore This Summer

Juneau is an incredible city and offers a lot to everyone who visits.  Downtown Juneau is just as exciting as it is beautiful, wedged between Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Chanel.  And, of course, one of the best ways to explore this incredible city is by getting into the outdoors and navigating your way along hiking trails.

There are around 250 miles of Juneau hiking trails to explore, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular activities in the city for both locals and visitors alike. And, as we’ve said, some of the best Juneau hiking trails can be accessed from right here in downtown Juneau. It’s never been easier to enjoy some of the most striking scenery in Alaska from the comfort and convenience of our Inn.  Many of our favorite Juneau hiking trails are relatively easy, but there are definitely some challenging trails in the area, too.

Hiking Near Downtown Juneau

The Perseverance Trail is one of the most popular and highly trafficked Juneau hiking trails, and for good reason.  It’s easily accessible from downtown Juneau and offers a quick escape into nature.  Within just a few minutes, you’ll go from being in the urban downtown to fully immersed in Alaska’s wilderness.  The Perseverance Trail follows an old railroad line as it climbs above the Gold Creek Valley. There’s plenty to see on this trail, including old mine shafts, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

The Perseverance Trail also branches off into several other great Juneau hiking trails, including the Granite Creek Trail, the Mount Juneau Trail, and the Glory Hole Trail. Each of these trails offers gorgeous views of the mountains and ridgelines, and they offer a quick and easy way to see wildflowers during the summer. Another great hiking trail that starts in downtown Juneau is the Mt. Roberts Trail, which takes you up to the peak of Mount Roberts where the popular tram, which is closed for the 2020 season, takes visitors.

Hiking Near Mendenhall Glacier

While you’re in Juneau, of course, you must visit Mendenhall Glacier.  It’s Alaska’s most accessible glacier, and there are great hiking trails in the area worth exploring. The Nugget Falls Trail is a short 2-mile roundtrip trail that leads you to a large beach overlooking a cascading waterfall, with views of the glacier in the background.  The East Glacier Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that leads you through the rainforest, before opening up to another view of this impressive glacier. For another lesser-traveled trail that leads you to a beautiful view of Mendenhall Glacier, try the West Glacier Trail.

Hiking on Douglas Island

Douglas Island is just across the bridge from downtown Juneau but offers visitors another chance to explore Alaska’s exceptional wilderness without traveling too far. One of our favorite Juneau hiking trails is here; the Dan Moller Trail.  It’s a great spot to view wildflowers, and there’s a waterfall to enjoy along the way. The Eaglecrest Ski Area parking lot is also a gateway to a number of great hiking trails. From the top of the Ptarmigan chair lift, you’ll find a number of hiking trails that spread out across the ridgeline. On sunny summer days, the views are exceptional, with the Juneau icefield, Mt. Juneau, Mt. Roberts, and Admiralty Island visible in the distance.

Where to Stay in Downtown Juneau

With nearly 250 incredible miles of Juneau Hiking Trails to explore, needless to say, you’re going to need a few days here (at least)!  When it comes to choosing where to stay in downtown Juneau, there’s one place that stands out from the rest, and that is our boutique hotel.  The Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites was not only the first boutique hotel in downtown Juneau, but it’s the best.  We offer 12 comfortable guest rooms, exceptional amenities throughout your stay, and the best location imaginable.

From here, not only can you can easily access all of the hiking trails in the downtown Juneau core, but you’re close to the best restaurants, breweries, shops, and attractions in downtown Juneau.  Give yourself something to look forward to this summer, and book a room at our downtown Juneau hotel today!