The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Juneau
4.8
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1,197
hikers
31
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Juneau navigate a landscape defined by glaciers, temperate rainforests, and coastal mountains. The region is situated within the Tongass National Forest, featuring a verdant and often misty environment. Key natural features include the Mendenhall Glacier, the Gastineau Channel, and surrounding peaks like Mount Roberts. This diverse terrain offers a range of accessible paths suitable for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Juneau
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Trail of Time,…
Last updated: November 7, 2026
4.7
(15)
438
hikers
3.66km
01:07
120m
120m
Embark on an easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike along the Nugget Falls Trail, a route that guides you to the base of the impressive Nugget Falls. You will experience a…
3.11km
01:30
540m
0m
Begin your hike to Gastineau Peak with a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts, quickly ascending into alpine meadows. This moderate route covers 1.9 miles (3.1 km) and gains 1785…
2.88km
01:23
500m
0m
Embark on a moderate hike up the Mount Roberts Trail to Father Brown Cross, a route that quickly transports you into an alpine environment. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) journey involves…
2
hikers
2.25km
00:36
20m
30m
Embark on an easy hike along the Trail of Time, a pleasant route through the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This trail covers 1.4 miles (2.2 km) with a gentle elevation…
1
hikers
3.61km
00:57
30m
20m
Explore the Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei, also known as the Mendenhall River Trail, for an easy hike through lush Alaskan scenery. This well-maintained path, often paved, winds through towering Sitka spruce…
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Tips from the Community
The path to the waterfall is well-maintained and well-signposted. You can't miss it.
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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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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.
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The Mount Roberts Mountain House is the upper station for the Goldbelt Tramway — but you can also run up the mountain to get here. If you ran up and want to take the tram down, you might be asked to pay $5 for a tram ticket or, alternatively, buy $10 worth of products at the gift shop in the Mountain House, which comes with a free tram ride back down the mountain.
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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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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.
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The Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei trail ends in a small parking area, at the end of River Road. If you don't want to retrace your steps, you can call a taxi to pick you up. However, the walk back to the trailhead is a fine opportunity to enjoy the wildflowers and meadows alongside the trail.
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The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) originally built this shelter in 1937; it served as the first registry booth at Mendenhall Glacier. It was restored by HistoriCorps workers in 2010, and now stands as a monument along the Trail of Time trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Juneau?
Juneau offers a fantastic selection of outdoor adventures for families. This guide features 30 family-friendly hiking trails, with 21 of them rated as easy and 8 as moderate, ensuring there's something for every age and ability.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes around Juneau?
Juneau's family-friendly trails offer diverse terrain, from relatively flat paths through wetlands and rainforests to gentle ascents with rewarding views. You'll find well-maintained paths, boardwalks, and some trails with slight elevation changes, often leading to stunning natural features like glaciers or waterfalls. Many routes, like the Mendenhall Wetlands Airport Dike Trail, are particularly flat and accessible.
Are there any easy, flat trails suitable for strollers or very young children?
Yes, Juneau has several easy, flat trails perfect for strollers or toddlers. The Trail of Time is a great option, offering a gentle walk. Another excellent choice is the Mendenhall Wetlands Airport Dike Trail, known for its minimal elevation gain and scenic views.
Can we see waterfalls or glaciers on these family-friendly routes?
Absolutely! Juneau is famous for its glaciers and waterfalls. Many family-friendly trails offer views of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. For a direct experience with a waterfall, the Nugget Falls Trail is a popular choice, leading to a spectacular 377-foot waterfall cascading into Mendenhall Lake. You can also find Ebner Falls near some of the trails.
Are there opportunities to see wildlife while hiking with family?
Juneau's trails are rich with wildlife viewing opportunities. Hiking through the Tongass National Forest, you might spot black bears, mountain goats, marmots, and a variety of bird species, including bald eagles. The Mendenhall Wetlands area, accessible via trails like the Mendenhall Wetlands Airport Dike Trail, is particularly good for birdwatching.
Are dogs allowed on family-friendly trails in Juneau?
Many trails in Juneau are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific regulations for each trail or park. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash. Remember to pack out all waste and be mindful of wildlife, especially bears, by keeping your dog close and under control.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions accessible from these trails?
Juneau offers numerous scenic viewpoints and natural attractions. The Photo Point Trail and Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint offer stunning perspectives of the Mendenhall Glacier. For panoramic views of Juneau, Douglas Island, and the Gastineau Channel, consider trails leading towards Mount Roberts Mountain House, which can be reached via the Mount Roberts Trail.
How do other hikers rate the family-friendly trails in Juneau?
The family-friendly trails around Juneau are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, well-maintained paths, and the accessibility of incredible sights like glaciers and waterfalls.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Juneau?
The best time for family hiking in Juneau is typically from late spring through early fall (May to September). During these months, the weather is milder, trails are generally clear of snow, and the temperate rainforest is lush and vibrant. Summer offers the longest daylight hours, perfect for extended outdoor adventures.
Is public transport available to reach family-friendly trailheads?
Yes, Juneau does offer public transport options that can help you reach some popular trailheads. The Capital Transit bus system serves various parts of the city, including routes that pass near trail access points for areas like the Mendenhall Glacier. It's advisable to check the current bus schedules and routes for specific trail access.
Are there any loop trails suitable for families?
While many trails are out-and-back, Juneau does offer some loop options or opportunities to combine trails for a circular experience. For example, the Mendenhall Glacier area has various interconnected paths like the West Glacier Trail that can be combined to form a loop, offering different perspectives of the glacier and surrounding landscape.
Are there any trails that offer a good mix of easy walking and interesting sights for kids?
The Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei (Mendenhall River Trail) is an excellent choice for families. It offers an easy walk along the Mendenhall River, providing beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it engaging for children. The proximity to the Mendenhall Glacier area also means there are other attractions nearby to explore.
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