Category: Juneau hikes

Hike for a pint: Winter 2021 Kick-off

Posted in Juneau hikesTagged , , 1 Comment

I’m continually in awe of the care that goes into maintaining some pretty rugged trails in Juneau that I get to enjoy for free.

In Juneau there’s and organization, Trail Mix, that conquers this epic task. They’ve had some cool fundraisers lately, including a virtual auction where I got outbid on everything I wanted. To support their mission, I signed up fort heir winter 2021 Hike for a Pint challenge!

Basically you pay an entry fee, and you get a passport of hikes. If you complete 5 of the 7 hikes, by mid-March you get a free pint of beer or gelato at a local Juneau business!

There are so many things I like about this. Supporting the nonprofit and local businesses, check. Beer and gelato, check. Completing a checklist, check check.

The hike list! There are a few that are new to me.

Also, I got a silicone pint glass. I didn’t know that was a thing.

It’s a thing.

I’m excited to try out some more new hikes, and of course get that free pint of calorie-free gelato (because of all of those hikes I did first)!

Juneau walks: Mendenhall glacier rec area

Posted in Alaska, Juneau hikesTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Part of the reason I chose to live where I did is the access to trials for biking and walking, so I’m trying them out!

Today’s post-work walk took me to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area- a labyrinth of trails that weave through Mendenhall River area just downstream of the glacier. There are many route options.

It ‘s the map!

Today I basically stuck to the west trail segments and did Back Loop Bridge, Dike Trail, and part of River trail.

It was beautiful, relatively flat and traversable (with a few low trees and obstacles), and I only ran into about 5 people (weirdly all at once, on bikes, heading in different directions).

Mendenhall River with the glacier in the background

This way to adventure

Moose Lake

Moose Lake

Glacier casually peeking through…

I found several spots to stop and take in the views. My final spot was on Moose Lake where I sat and threw rocks into the glassy calm water and watched the ripples disappear.

This route did not disappoint. The perfect weather and lighting didn’t hurt. I’m excited to explore more of the routes!