Sightseeing
Season: May–Sep
Glacier & wildlife sightseeing
- Visitor center, Photo Point and Nugget Falls
- Black bears at Steep Creek in salmon season
Juneau sits in a temperate rainforest. It can rain on any day of the year, the weather changes quickly, and it is noticeably colder near the ice than in town. Pack for comfort in the wet and you will enjoy the glacier whatever the sky does.
The essentials, all year
- A waterproof jacket with a hood. The single most useful thing you can bring.
- Layers. A base layer, a fleece or light insulated jacket, and your waterproof on top. Add or remove as you go.
- Shoes with good grip. Trails are often wet, and the beach at Nugget Falls is gravel and stones. Waterproof walking shoes or light hiking boots are ideal.
- A small backpack for layers, water and snacks.
- Sunglasses. Glare off the ice and the lake is strong, even on cloudy days.
Summer: May to September
Summer days are mild rather than hot, and long hours of daylight mean cool evenings. A light fleece and a rain jacket cover most days. Insect repellent can help on the trails in midsummer.
Autumn and spring
Expect more rain and cooler temperatures. Add a warm hat and gloves, and waterproof trousers if you plan a longer hike.
Winter: October to April
Temperatures often hover around freezing, with snow, rain or both. Wear an insulated waterproof jacket, warm layers, a hat and gloves, and waterproof boots. Trails can be icy, so traction devices that slip over your boots make a big difference. Read more in visiting Mendenhall Glacier in winter.
What to bring on tours
- Helicopter and dog-sled tours: a warm layer, hat, gloves and sunglasses. Operators usually provide glacier boots.
- Glacier treks: warm, waterproof layers and gloves. Crampons and a harness are provided.
- Whale watching: it is colder on the water. Bring a hat, gloves and binoculars.
- Canoe and kayak tours: guides usually provide waterproof gear. Bring a change of socks.
For the trails
On longer hikes such as the West Glacier Trail, also carry water, food, a first-aid kit and bear spray. Bear spray cannot be taken on flights, so buy it in Juneau.
Nice to have
- Binoculars for bears, mountain goats and whales
- A waterproof phone case or dry bag
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera with a zoom lens
