Top 9 Lakes in Juneau City and Borough
Best lakes in Juneau City and Borough are found within a landscape shaped by glaciers, dense forests, and coastal features. This region, part of the Tongass National Forest, offers diverse aquatic environments, from glacier-fed lakes to urban recreational areas. Juneau's lakes provide opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation, reflecting the area's natural beauty and ecological significance.
Best lakes in Juneau City and Borough
- The most popular lakes is Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint, a viewpoint that offers…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Nugget Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Mendenhall Lake Beach Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Windfall Lake public use cabin
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The cabin must be reserved in advance, for …
Tip by
Windfall Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Chapel by the lake
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Mendenhall Recreation Area
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Dredge Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Moose Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Salmon Creek Dam and Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Crystal Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Mendenhall Waterfall, also known as "Nugget Falls," is located on beautiful Mendenhall Lake. From there, you also have a good view of the Mendenhall Glacier. You can easily get to the starting point from Juneau by bus or car. However, Juneau itself can only be reached by plane or boat.
0
0
The Windfall Lake trail ends at this public use cabin, which overlooks the lake and comes with the use of a canoe. The trail up until this point can be quite muddy in the summer, but the muddiest spots have been graveled over to make for easier passage. If you were planning to bikepack the cabin it must be reserved in advance, for a fee, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232948. If you have not reserved the cabin, please do not disturb its occupants.
2
0
Whether you're walking or running, this thundering, enormous waterfall is a worthy destination. It also draws understandable crowds, but the flat, beach-like area around it makes it pretty easy to dodge walkers.
1
0
A Rustic Gem in Auke Bay, Alaska. This picturesque Presbyterian church, designed by architects Harold Foss and Linn A. Forrest, showcases the beauty of visible spruce log architecture. With stunning views of Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier, it's a serene place for reflection and spiritual connection amidst Alaska's captivating landscape.
0
0
This trail takes you between Moose Lake, to the east, and the mighty Mendenhall River to the east. Watch for several access trails leading down to the river, and for signs of wildlife — particularly beaver, whose dams sometimes cause flooding in this area.
2
0
This stretch of trail travels along the northern side of Crystal Lake; watch for beavers in the water. Although you can't do a loop all the way around the lake, the trail continues all the way east to a meeting with the Glacier Spur Road.
2
0
You are entering the Dredge Lakes section of Mendenhall Recreation Area, with easy trails that wander past a handful of lakes. Heads up: Unpredictable portions of the trail may flood due to beaver activity in the nearby lakes. Watch for wildlife as you hike — sometimes even in the trees!
2
0
If you want to keep walking, the Dredge Lake Trail continues past the lake and makes a short lollipop-shaped loop before retracing its original route. However, if your goal is to visit as many lakes as possible, you'll get the "best bang" for your visit by walking this section of trail.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for outdoor activities in Juneau City and Borough?
Juneau City and Borough offers several lakes with diverse outdoor activities. Mendenhall Lake is popular for hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming, with stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Auke Lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and has an inviting boat launch. Twin Lakes is excellent for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, and features a city park with amenities.
Which lakes in Juneau City and Borough are best for families?
Several lakes are great for families. Mendenhall Lake offers easy trails like the Nugget Falls Trail. Auke Lake has an interpretive trail, swimming platforms, and an Alaskan beach for picnicking. Twin Lakes features a city park with picnic tables, a fishing pier, and Project Playground, considered Alaska's premier playground. The Mendenhall Recreation Area, including Dredge Lake and Moose Lake, also offers easy, family-friendly trails.
Where can I experience glacier views and unique natural features around Juneau's lakes?
For glacier views, Mendenhall Lake is the primary destination. You can see floating icebergs and the Mendenhall Glacier waterfall. The Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint offers elevated views. The Chapel by the lake also provides serene views of both Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier.
Are there opportunities for fishing at Juneau's lakes and creeks?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Mendenhall Lake and Auke Lake are good spots, with Auke Lake supporting various salmon species and trout. Twin Lakes has a fishing pier. Fish Creek, particularly its estuary area, is renowned for abundant salmon, including King, Pink, and Coho, making it a prime fishing spot, especially for King Salmon in June and July. Jordan Creek also provides crucial habitat for several fish species.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Juneau's lakes?
The lakes in Juneau City and Borough are rich in wildlife. Around Mendenhall Lake, you might spot bears and porcupines. Twin Lakes is excellent for birdwatching, attracting migrating and wintering waterfowl like Mallards and Ring-necked Ducks. Fish Creek and Jordan Creek are known for their abundant salmon populations, and you can often see various fish species and other aquatic wildlife.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Juneau's lakes?
Yes, there are trails for various abilities. The Nugget Falls Trail at Mendenhall Lake is an easy, less than 30-minute hike. Auke Lake has a one-mile interpretive trail. The Twin Lakes Park Walk is a medium-difficulty trail suitable for families. For more challenging options, you can explore trails like the Peterson Lake Trail or the Windfall Lake Trail. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Juneau City and Borough guide.
What is the best time to visit Juneau's lakes for specific activities?
The best time depends on your interest. For King Salmon fishing at Fish Creek, June and July are ideal. Birdwatching at Twin Lakes is best in fall, winter, and spring for migrating waterfowl. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing at both Mendenhall Lake and Auke Lake. Summer is generally excellent for hiking, boating, and enjoying the warmer weather activities.
Are there any unique accommodations or facilities near Juneau's lakes?
Yes, for a unique experience, you can reserve the Windfall Lake public use cabin, which overlooks Windfall Lake and includes the use of a canoe for an overnight stay. Twin Lakes city park offers picnic tables, a restroom, drinking fountains, and a rental picnic shelter.
Can I access Juneau's lakes by public transport?
Public transport options are available for some lakes. Mendenhall Lake is accessible via public transport routes that serve the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area. Auke Lake also has bus routes that provide access to its recreational areas. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most current information.
What cycling opportunities are available near Juneau's lakes?
Juneau City and Borough offers several cycling routes that pass by or near its lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Auke Lake – Chapel by the lake loop from Dredge Lake Trailhead' which is an easy ride. More cycling options are detailed in the Cycling in Juneau City and Borough guide.
Are there any historical or cultural sites associated with Juneau's lakes?
Yes, Twin Lakes holds historical significance for the local Tlingit people, who traditionally used the area for fishing and gathering. Additionally, the Chapel by the lake, with its distinctive spruce log architecture and views of Auke Lake and Mendenhall Glacier, offers a serene place for reflection amidst the natural landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about Juneau City and Borough's lakes?
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the glacier views at Mendenhall Lake. The diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to kayaking and wildlife spotting, is also highly valued. The family-friendly amenities and the peaceful, reflective atmosphere found at places like Auke Lake and Twin Lakes contribute to a memorable experience.
Most popular routes in Juneau City and Borough
Most popular attractions in Juneau City and Borough
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake in Juneau City and Borough? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
