Auke Lake
Auke Lake is a 160-acre lake in Auke Bay, a few miles from downtown Juneau. A spartan trail wraps around its eastern side through some of the largest Sitka spruces in the city.
About Auke Lake
Auke Lake is a 160-acre lake in Auke Bay. Lake Creek and Little Lake Creek feed it, and it drains through a single outlet, Auke Creek, into saltwater at the bay. Salmon use that outlet to reach the lake.
A spartan trail circles the eastern side of the lake through some of the largest Sitka spruces in Juneau. The Auke Lake Trail was redesigned in 2009 by the University of Alaska Southeast with partners including the City and Borough of Juneau. A visit is quiet and simple, with the lake and the forest close at hand.
- 160 acres Lake surface area
- Mid-April Typical ice-out
- July to October Adult salmon run
What you can do at Auke Lake
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Trips that go to Auke Lake
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person.
Getting there, cost and time
Auke Lake sits in Auke Bay, outside downtown Juneau.
Good to know
- Hike with a buddy and be bear aware on the trails.
- Ice-out typically happens in mid-April, and salmon run into the lake from July through October.
- Juneau is very spread out, so a car or taxi is the practical way to reach the lake.
Near Auke Lake
West Glacier Trail
The West Glacier Trail runs along the west side of Mendenhall Glacier, skirting Mendenhall Lake and climbing to bare rock above the ice. It is a strenuous hike, best done with a buddy and with care on the rocks.
Mendenhall Lake
Mendenhall Lake is a glacial lake at the foot of Mendenhall Glacier, where paddlers in kayaks and canoes head out past the glacier's face. Guided trips and rentals both operate here.
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a 377-foot waterfall that drops into Mendenhall Lake, reached on a short, flat trail from the Mendenhall Glacier area. It is one of the most popular walks in Juneau.
East Glacier Loop Trail
East Glacier Loop Trail is a moderate forest hike above the east side of Mendenhall Lake. You get good glacier views and a chance at black bear sightings.
Sailings that stop in Juneau
2,816 sailings on 18 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Carnival Legend
Koningsdam
Norwegian Jade
Sources: Auke Lake, Wikipedia · Mount Roberts (Juneau, Alaska), Wikipedia · Juneau, Wikivoyage
Photo: Gillfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0