What it's like
Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park is a group of 14 islands in the waters off Juneau, Alaska's capital. The islands sit in the quiet, wild coastline that makes the town feel so remote, reachable only by air or by sea.
A visit is mostly on the water. Paddlers go out among the islands for wildlife viewing, photography and sport fishing. Getting out to the islands starts at the Juneau waterfront, with a boat from there.
Good to know
- Juneau has no road or rail link, so the trip out is by boat.
- Guided and unguided trips are both used here, so check how the boat and gear are arranged before you go.
Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park
A group of 14 islands in the waters off Juneau, reached by boat. Paddlers come for wildlife viewing, photography and sport fishing among the islands.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Whale waters off Juneau
Whale watching from Juneau means a boat trip into the Inside Passage waters around the city. Humpback and orca whales feed here, and boats carry visitors out to see them.
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.
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.
Mendenhall Glacier
A massive glacier calving into its own lake, and Juneau's most popular attraction. Most visitors look at the face from the visitor center, then walk the trails to Nugget Falls.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Kayaking and paddleboarding
