Juneau in June

Question

We will be in port from 2-9 pm on June 19. We have rented a car and plan to go to Mendenhall Glacier and do Nugget Falls hike. We are hoping to go to Gold Creek and do some gold panning ( we will have 2 boys with us 9 &. 11) and also see Eagle Beach. We can’t afford excursions but hoping to see as much as we can. Is there a preferred order to visiting these sites? Any other suggestions?Any advice appreciated . Thanks

Answer

With your port time from 2–9 PM in Juneau and a rented car, you have a good window to see several highlights. Since you want to include Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, Gold Creek, and Eagle Beach, planning the route efficiently will help maximize your time and minimize backtracking.

A recommended order would be:

Start with Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls: This is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Juneau. Park at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, then hike the Nugget Falls trail. The hike is easy and family-friendly, taking roughly 30–40 minutes round trip. You can also explore the short trails around the visitor center for glacier viewpoints.
Head to Gold Creek: After the glacier, drive to the Gold Creek area for some recreational gold panning. Depending on which tour or self-guided panning site you use, this could take 30–60 minutes. Make sure to check any operating hours and fees if using a private panning location.
Finish with Eagle Beach: This is a nice, scenic spot near the airport area, good for a short stop and beach walk. It’s a relaxed way to end your outing before heading back to port.

Additional suggestions to make the most of your short visit:

Keep an eye on timing to ensure you return the car and board on time. Traffic in Juneau can be light, but summer tourists can cause delays.
Pack snacks, water, and layers. Weather can change quickly, especially near Mendenhall Glacier.
If your kids enjoy wildlife, look out for eagles and salmon in the Mendenhall area—especially in the river near the Visitor Center.
Consider quick photo stops along the drive—you can see scenic views without long detours.
If you have extra time, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Nature Trail is short, flat, and educational for kids.

This itinerary balances hiking, fun activities for kids, and scenic stops without needing paid excursions, and it’s logistically efficient given your limited afternoon in port.