Top 9 Lakes around Juneau
Best lakes around Juneau are situated in a region characterized by its coastal rainforest, proximity to the Tongass National Forest, and glacial landscapes. This area offers a diverse natural environment, including proglacial lakes, non-glacial lakes, and secluded mountain lakes. Juneau's geography provides a backdrop for various outdoor activities and wildlife viewing opportunities. The lakes contribute to the region's appeal for those seeking natural exploration.
Best lakes around Juneau
- The most popular lakes is Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint, a viewpoint that offers views of the Mendenhall Glacier and floating icebergs. It is a popular destination for witnessing a receding glacier and diverse wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Windfall Lake public use cabin, a hut overlooking Windfall Lake. This cabin is available for public use and comes with a canoe, offering a backcountry experience.
- Visitors also love Chapel by the lake, a religious building with views of Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier. It provides a serene place for reflection amidst the Alaskan landscape.
- Juneau is known for proglacial, non-glacial, and secluded mountain lakes. These offer a variety of environments to explore, from glacier-fed waters to clear, forested shores.
- The lakes around Juneau are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Nugget Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
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Mendenhall Lake Beach Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
You can catch glimpses of Mendenhall Glacier at the far end of the lake, and you might see kayakers in the water, too — either locals, or visitors on an expedition with any of several local guide services.
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Windfall Lake public use cabin
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The cabin must be reserved in advance, for a fee, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948. If you have not reserved the cabin, please do not disturb its occupants.
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Peterson Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Further on, the trail becomes much more eroded, with lots of exposed roots and rocks in addition to the mud and slippery planks.
Although this trail is often at its best during the winter, when it's used for skiing and snowshoeing, the lakeside cabin at trail's end is a popular destination year-round. Take a hint from the Forest Service and, if you hike this trail in the summer, consider wearing long rubber boots to protect your feet from the mud.
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Windfall Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This trail ends at the Windfall Lake cabin, which is available for public use but must be reserved in advance (for a fee) at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948
If you continue hiking farther along the main trail, you'll be on the Montana Creek trail, which is often brushy, frequently overgrown, and sometimes flooded.
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Tips from the Community
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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The Windfall Lake trail ends at this public use cabin, which overlooks the lake and comes with the use of a canoe. The trail up until this point can be quite muddy in the summer, but the muddiest spots have been graveled over to make for easier passage. If you were planning to bikepack the cabin it must be reserved in advance, for a fee, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948. If you have not reserved the cabin, please do not disturb its occupants.
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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 first 2 miles (3.2 km) of Peterson Lake Trail should be in relatively good shape, as they follow the line of an old miner's tram. However, there may still be muddy spots and slippery, wood-plank boardwalks. Further on, the trail becomes much more eroded, with lots of exposed roots and rocks in addition to the mud and slippery planks. Although this trail is often at its best during the winter, when it's used for skiing and snowshoeing, the lakeside cabin at trail's end is a popular destination year-round. Take a hint from the Forest Service and, if you hike this trail in the summer, consider wearing long rubber boots to protect your feet from the mud.
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The Windfall Lake trail ends at this public use cabin, which overlooks the lake and comes with the use of a canoe. The cabin must be reserved in advance, for a fee, at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948. If you have not reserved the cabin, please do not disturb its occupants.
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Although the first part of this trail starts on a wide gravel road, you'll soon find yourself enjoying a more natural-looking footpath through Tongass National Forest, peppered with boardwalks, wooden stairs, and gravel to help you avoid the worst of the mud. This trail ends at the Windfall Lake cabin, which is available for public use but must be reserved in advance (for a fee) at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948 If you continue hiking farther along the main trail, you'll be on the Montana Creek trail, which is often brushy, frequently overgrown, and sometimes flooded.
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This trail takes you along the beach of Mendenhall Lake — it's mostly level but not paved. The trail can be a little rocky sometimes, and may even wash out or flood in places, although you're never very far from the main (paved) trail. You can catch glimpses of Mendenhall Glacier at the far end of the lake, and you might see kayakers in the water, too — either locals, or visitors on an expedition with any of several local guide services.
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When you visit, you have your first glimpse of the actual attraction, the glacier of the same name, across this lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes for visitors in Juneau?
Many visitors are drawn to Mendenhall Lake, primarily for the stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and floating icebergs from the Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint. Auke Lake is also very popular due to its accessibility and wide range of water sports and fishing opportunities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Juneau?
Yes, Twin Lakes Park is an excellent family-friendly option, offering picnic areas, an enclosed playground, public fishing docks, and paved pathways. It's great for leisurely walks and birdwatching. Mendenhall Lake also has family-friendly trails like the Nugget Falls Trail.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near Juneau's lakes?
Juneau's lakes are rich in wildlife. At Mendenhall Lake, you can often spot sockeye salmon spawning and black bears fishing in Steep Creek between July and September. Auke Lake is home to eagles, seals, sea lions, beavers, river otters, and occasionally black bears. Twin Lakes is great for birdwatching, including ducks, geese, and bald eagles. Peterson Lake offers opportunities to see migrating and nesting birds and various mammals.
What water activities are available on Juneau's lakes?
Auke Lake is ideal for a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Twin Lakes also offers kayaking, rafting, and sport fishing. At Mendenhall Lake, boating, fishing, and swimming are possible, though kayaking near icebergs is recommended for experienced individuals due to cold water. Windfall Lake has a public use cabin that comes with a canoe for exploring the lake.
Are there hiking trails near Juneau's lakes?
Absolutely. The Mendenhall Lake area features several trails, including the popular Nugget Falls Trail. For a more secluded experience, the Peterson Lake Trail offers a moderate hike through rainforest terrain. The Windfall Lake Trail leads to a public use cabin and is known for its natural footpath through Tongass National Forest. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring Hiking around Juneau.
What is the difficulty of hiking trails to lakes near Juneau?
Trail difficulties vary. The Nugget Falls Trail at Mendenhall Lake is generally easy. The Peterson Lake Trail is considered moderate, with rooted and sometimes muddy sections. The Windfall Lake Trail is also intermediate, with some muddy spots that have been graveled. For easier options, consider trails like the Twin Lakes Park Walk or explore Easy hikes around Juneau.
Can I go fishing in Juneau's lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Auke Lake offers excellent fishing for various salmon species (coho, sockeye, pink, chum), rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden. Peterson Lake is a prime destination for fly fishing, with Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout in the lake, and steelhead, trout, coho, and pink salmon in Peterson Creek. Twin Lakes also provides public fishing docks.
Are there any unique accommodations or cabins near the lakes?
Yes, the Windfall Lake public use cabin offers a backcountry experience, complete with a canoe. It must be reserved in advance. Peterson Lake also features the Peterson Lake Cabin, a popular backcountry rental for a rustic stay.
What historical or cultural sites are near Juneau's lakes?
Twin Lakes Park holds historical importance for the local Tlingit people and features the Richard L. Proenneke Cabin, showcasing Alaskan wilderness craftsmanship. The trail leading to Peterson Lake follows a historic tram route from a 1900 placer gold mine. Additionally, the Chapel by the lake offers a serene place for reflection with views of Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier.
What winter activities are available on Juneau's frozen lakes?
In winter, locals often enjoy ice skating on Mendenhall Lake or walking/skiing across it for glacier views. The Peterson Lake Trail is also suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the colder months.
What is the best time to visit Juneau's lakes?
The summer months (July to September) are ideal for wildlife viewing, especially salmon spawning and bear activity at Mendenhall Lake. The longer hiking season at lower elevation lakes like Peterson Lake also makes summer and early fall popular. For winter activities like ice skating or snowshoeing, visit during the colder months when lakes are frozen.
Are there mountain biking trails near Juneau's lakes?
Yes, there are several mountain biking trails in the Juneau area. While not directly on the lake shores, trails like the Herbert Glacier Trail and West Glacier Trail are accessible and offer different difficulty levels. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Juneau guide.
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