10 Things to Do This Fall in Juneau

Crisp air, autumnal colors and fewer crowds make this the ideal time to explore Juneau’s fall activities at your own pace. Hike golden trails, watch whales in action and catch the city’s arts and events. Start planning your adventure with these 10 exciting things to do this time of year.

1. Capture the Magic of Termination Dust

Look up at the peaks above town and you may see a thin veil of snow creeping lower each day — what locals call “termination dust.” It’s the official signal that winter is coming, but it also frames the city in postcard perfection. Snap photos at sunset, when the white ridgelines glow pink.

2. Witness Wildlife in Fall 

Autumn is a season of motion. Bald eagles perch in treetops, bears fish the last of the salmon runs and humpback whales feed heavily before migrating south for winter. Take a floatplane to Admiralty Island for wildlife viewing. Visit Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area to see brown bears in their natural habitat or view black bears near the glacier when the salmon are spawning in Steep Creek. Leaving from Auke Bay, whale watching tours host visitors in local waters searching for the appearance of whale breath on the horizon and hoping for the breaching or diving whales as they take a break from their local seaside smorgasbord.. 

3. Take the Road Less Traveled

Follow Glacier Highway north, where the road hugs the coastline and traffic thins. Pull over at Eagle Beach State Recreation Area to watch birds, like eagles and seagulls, picking their way across the flats, or photograph the Chilkat Mountains catching early snow. At low tide, the beach stretches wide and is great for a leisurely walk. Just be cautious and don’t walk too far out. The tide can rise rapidly on the wide expanse of sand.

4. Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway to Sweeping Views

The Goldbelt Tram climbs 1,800 feet in six minutes, delivering breathtaking panoramas; Gastineau Channel shining silver on rare sunny days, mountaintops dusted with the first snow and Douglas Island patchworked in fall foliage. Make a day of your visit. Take a tram tour, enjoy a cultural film, shop for Indigenous art and gifts, have lunch at Timberline Bar and Grill, and grab a pint at the Tr’Ale House before starting your descent.

5. Discover History and Storytelling

Rainy afternoons are perfect for visiting Juneau's historic sites and local museums. At the Alaska State Museum, Indigenous carved masks and woven blankets tell stories of Alaska Native people, here since time immemorial. Gold Rush relics add layers of Alaskan history. Meanwhile, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum weaves local stories into historic walking tours, interactive mining exhibits and maritime displays. 

6. Experience Arts and Culture After Dark

When daylight fades, it's the perfect time to explore Juneau's arts and culture scene. On the First Friday Art Walk, shops and studios stay open late with music, performances, markets and exhibits. The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council often hosts traveling shows alongside work by local painters and sculptors. 

7. Sip and Shop

Sometimes the best way to enjoy fall is from inside a cozy shop, café or brewery. Pick up a carved ivory pendant or mail a postcard at Kindred Post, find your next read at Hearthside Books, and enjoy a pint (or a flight) at Devil’s Club Brewing Company. For an afternoon pick-me-up, order a latte at Heritage Coffee Roasting Co. Evening finds locals gathering for a tipple at the local distillery, Amalga. You may even catch some homegrown talent at Open Mic nights.

8. Taste the Flavors of the Season

In autumn, Juneau’s cuisine leans into comfort. Hangar on the Wharf is Juneau’s only waterfront restaurant. Enjoy S.E. Alaska’s largest selection of micro-brews and delicious food all while soaking up a fantastic atmosphere. And don’t miss 7-time James Beard Award-winner In Bocca al Lupo. They put an Italian twist on Alaskan cuisine with seasonal dishes that change based on the freshest ingredients available. Everything is served in a warm, family-style restaurant where you’ll see people walk in dressed up for a date or fresh off the fishing boat. (Local Tip: No matter which place you choose, reservations are highly recommended at both!)

9. Celebrate With Local Events

Fall festivals in Juneau are intimate and spirited. Enjoy symphony performances, theatre shows and events from the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council. Take the Goldbelt Tram and raise a glass at AKtoberfest. Dress up the kiddos in their finest costumes for Downtown or Valley Trick-or-Treating on Halloween. If you’re visiting for Thanksgiving, the Juneau Public Market showcases local artisans and festive flavors during the official kickoff to the holiday season. Check our events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

10. Hike Golden Forests and Alpine Meadows

Juneau’s hiking trails range from accessible to very challenging. The Trail of Time has views of the Mendenhall Glacier. The more rustic and unmaintained Dan Moller Trail climbs into muskeg meadows where wild blueberry bushes dot the path. Looking for a challenge? West Glacier Trail weaves through stands of spruce before opening to rocky ledges above Mendenhall Glacier. It’s recommended to do these hikes with an experienced guide and with appropriate attention to safety.