What it's like
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.
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.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Mount Roberts Trail
Mount Roberts is a 3,819 foot peak just east of downtown Juneau. Its trail starts at a trailhead on Basin Road and climbs steeply to the Mountain House and the summit.
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.
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.
Perseverance Trail
Perseverance Trail is the most popular and easily reached trail system in Juneau. It climbs from the end of Basin Road into the Gold Creek valley behind downtown, past old mine ruins.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Hiking
