Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. This series features our Alaska cruise showcasing the beauty, excitement, and unique experiences from each port of call. Time to explore glaciers, wildlife and pristine wilderness, and neat historical trivia about America's Last Frontier!
Day 3: Getting to Know Juneau
Our third day in Alaska began with a scenic drive through downtown Juneau. Our driver provided us with fascinating insights into the city's history, life along the Gastineau Channel while pointing out landmarks and sharing stories of Juneau's rich past. We passed by historic buildings, the civic center, charming shops, and bustling streets, giving us a feel for the heart of Alaska's capital.
After about 30 minutes, we arrived at Mendenhall Glacier Park, ready for our next adventure. The Nugget Falls Trail, a 2-mile round trip, awaited us. As we hiked, we we welcomed the soothing sounds of chirping birds and hidden brooks, and the natural beauty of the park.
The trail itself is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. It meanders through lush forested areas, offering glimpses of Mendenhall Lake along the way. The closer we got to Nugget Falls, the more we could hear the roar of the cascading water. The sight of the falls was breathtaking, with water plunging from a height of 377 feet into the serene Mendenhall Lake.
Mendenhall Glacier
At the end of the trail, we were greeted by the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a sprawling river of ice that stretches for 13 miles. The glacier's stunning blue ice, a result of dense, compacted ice absorbing all colors of the spectrum except blue, made for a spectacular backdrop. Some images we took in an attempt to capture the beauty of the glacier, the falls, and the tranquil lake:
After soaking in the views, and enjoying an uncrowded lakefront, we retraced our steps back to the park entrance, snapping more photos along the way. The drive back to downtown Juneau was filled with anticipation for our next stop – lunch at Tracy's King Crab Shack.
Tracy's King Crab Shack did not disappoint. The vibe was fun and lively, and despite its popularity, the lines and wait were not bad at all when we visited. And the service was excellent. We indulged, savoring every bite. The large pots used to boil the crabs were working non-stop with the steady flow of diners.
With satisfied appetites, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown Juneau. The area is filled with unique shops offering a variety of souvenirs and places to eat. As we walked, we admired the eclectic mix of businesses and the vibrant atmosphere. Among them, the historic Red Dog Saloon and the Alaskan Hotel and Bar.
We learned a new word from the Tlingit - the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America - that serves as a joyful remembrance of our short visit: Haa Aani. This translates in English to "Our Home Land."
As we made our way to the port along the boardwalk, we watched the constant activity of seaplanes taking off and landing. It's fascinating to note that Juneau is only accessible by air or water, making these seaplanes a vital part of daily life here.
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Pronti? Via!
On this visit to Alaska we did not use cruise sponsored excursions. Instead, we either went directly to excursion vendors, did stuff on our own, or used Viator. To find the activity that is best for you (or you group) visit our Viator Shop for a list of our Alaska Cruise Top Value Picks. Happy travels!
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