Rainforest and jungle in Juneau
Juneau sits inside the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Rainforest walks here are short and easy, and they start close to town. The two named walks are a guided golf-cart tour through a rainforest garden and an open public trail to a small beach with views.
Places to go
Rainforest Trail
Rainforest Trail is an accessible walk through rainforest to a small beach with views near the end of North Douglas Highway. It is one of the easiest ways to reach the shore on the Juneau side of the water.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The most structured option is the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, a guided tour through a temperate rainforest botanical garden. Guided golf carts seating 18 passengers take you along a two-mile path past native plants, towering trees, waterfalls and the Flower Towers, which are upside-down flower displays. A scenic overlook is part of the route. It is a relaxed way to see the forest without doing much walking yourself.
If you prefer to walk on your own, the Rainforest Trail is a 0.8-mile one-way path near the end of North Douglas Highway. It runs through rainforest to a small beach with views of the water. The walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way and is accessible. The Upside-Down Forest, a planted display of upside-down tree stumps seeded with flowers, is another short stop, open May to September.
Where to go
- Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. Guided golf-cart tour of a temperate rainforest garden, passing Flower Towers, waterfalls and a scenic overlook. By guided golf cart. A trip that goes here: Tongass National Rainforest Meditation Walk, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $310 a person
- Rainforest Trail. Accessible walk through rainforest to a small beach with views, near the end of North Douglas Highway. 0.8 mile one way on the trail, by walk. A trip that goes here: Tongass National Rainforest Meditation Walk, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $310 a person
- Upside-Down Forest. Planted display of upside-down tree stumps seeded with colorful flowers. Open May to September. A trip that goes here: Tongass National Rainforest Meditation Walk, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $310 a person
Getting there
The Rainforest Trail and garden tour are both out on North Douglas Highway. Car rentals are available at the airport and are the easiest way to reach areas outside town on your own.
When to go
The Upside-Down Forest is open May to September only. Rain is common here, and glacier and rainforest viewing is often best on overcast and rainy days, so a wet forecast should not stop plans.
Good to know
- Weather can change quickly and trails can be slippery, so bring layers and a rain jacket.
- Hike with a buddy when possible and stay bear aware.
- Cell service is limited in some areas, so do not rely on your phone for navigation.
Questions
Is there an easy rainforest walk near Juneau?
Yes. The Rainforest Trail is an accessible walk of 0.8 mile one way, taking 30 to 45 minutes each way, through rainforest to a small beach with views near the end of North Douglas Highway.
Can you see the rainforest without walking far in Juneau?
The Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a guided tour in golf carts along a two-mile path through a temperate rainforest garden, past waterfalls, native plants and the Flower Towers.
When is the Upside-Down Forest open?
The Upside-Down Forest, a planted display of upside-down tree stumps seeded with flowers, is open from May to September only.
