Getting there
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a short hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
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.
About Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls sits on the trails around Mendenhall Glacier, just south of the glacier's active face. The falls tumble about 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake, and the glacier's meltwater and the ice floating in the lake give the walk its character.
A visit is a simple walk. The flat trail from the visitor center area leads to the foot of the falls, with the glacier and mountains in view along the way. Expect no facilities on the route, and plan a full round trip of about 2 miles.
- 377 feet Height of the falls
- 2 miles Round trip on the trail
- 30 minutes Walk to the foot of the falls
What you can do at Nugget Falls
Trips that go to Nugget Falls
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person.
Getting there, cost and time
Nugget Falls is a short hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
About 30 minutes each way on foot.
Good to know
- There are no facilities or rest areas along the way, so bring water and plan ahead.
- Hike with a buddy and be bear aware on the trails around the glacier.
- The round trip is about 2 miles, so allow time to walk back before your bus.
Near Nugget Falls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: ALASKA.ORG · Juneau Hiking Trails · Outdoor Activities Guide · Top Juneau Attractions · USDA Forest Service · USDA Forest Service
Photo: Enrico Blasutto, CC BY-SA 4.0