The Iconic Trail in Alaska Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

We have plenty of iconic hiking trails here in Alaska. Many visitors to Alaska jump at the opportunity to hike the trail to Exit Glacier and Thunderbird Falls Trail, and both of those trails are wonderful. For folks on the Juneau side, there’s one iconic trail in Alaska that everyone should hike at least once in their lifetime, and it’s one of my favorites. Let’s check it out:

Nugget Falls Trail is a two-mile out-and-back trail that begins from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. I’d recommend carving out some time to visit the Visitor Center so you can learn about the area—it’s truly fascinating. If you plan on accessing the Visitor Center or nearby attractions like Photo Point and Steep Creek Trail, you’ll need to pick up a day pass during the summer season. Fees are not necessary for hiking the Nugget Falls Trail, though.

After checking out the Visitor Center, it’s time to hit the trail. Thankfully, this is one of the easier hikes in Alaska. You won’t be scrambling over anything or gaining thousands of feet in elevation. It’s actually pretty stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible, though be aware that the final stretch near the waterfall can become uneven toward the end.

The trail is a mix of gravel and paved with an average width of six feet. Since it’s a fairly easy hike, this is a great kid-friendly trail that the entire family can enjoy. Dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, just keep them on a leash. 

This iconic trail in Alaska can be especially busy on the weekends. If you want to beat the crowds, I’d suggest hiking this trail early in the morning or on a weekday. You might even find yourself the only one on the trail! Love when that happens. 

The views of the Mendenhall Glacier are spectacular. Glacier views and Alaska go together like peanut butter and jelly, and this view doesn’t disappoint.

You can get pretty close to Nugget Falls, so be sure to wear some waterproof gear and a pair of solid hiking boots. This impressive waterfall plunges down about 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake, and it’s just stunning on a beautiful day. 

Hang out here for as long as you’d like. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching, so keep your eyes on the skies, and you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or two.

Overall, this trail would take you under an hour to complete, which gives you ample time for more adventures in Juneau. If you’re a sucker for a good view like I am, this scenic chalet in Juneau might become your new favorite place to stay in Alaska. 

Want to learn more before you go? Check out the Nugget Falls Trail on AllTrails for reviews, maps, and current conditions, and visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center website for hours, fees, and seasonal updates.

Have another Alaska hike you think deserves a spotlight? Nominate it through our Only In Your State nomination form—we’d love to hear about it!