Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 179

Glacier landing tours are especially popular, as well as high-tech
trekking on the glaciers. For a memorable experience, get up
close and personal with this moving river of ice. Witness the deep
blue color, the overwhelming beauty, and breathtaking setting, just
minutes from downtown Juneau.
Tracy arm Fjord is home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, the most dy-
namic glaciers in Southeast alaska. Steep granite cliffs and mag-
nificent waterfalls line the passage en route on these protected
waters. Wildlife is very common in the ord; seals, mountain goats,
black bears, waterfowl, orca, and humpback whales inhabit the
area. This is an unforgettable adventure, whether on a kayak or
by motorized boat.
For the ultimate wildlife adventure, visit Pack Creek on admiralty
Island, for some of the most spectacular brown bear viewing in
Southeast alaska. admiralty Island has the highest concentration
of brown bears in north america. accessible by a 20-minute float
plane flight from Juneau, both guided and un-guided tours are of-
fered. Permits are required from the uSFS.
In Juneau, wildlife viewing “reigns supreme,” with some of the most
spectacular wildlife viewing in alaska. Whales, bears, eagles,
seals, sea lions, waterfowl, shorebirds, Dall’s porpoise, mountain
goats, and Sitka blacktail deer are all available within minutes of
departing on a wildlife tour.
©DennyCulbert
Over 600 humpback whales inhabit the waters near Juneau; fre-
quently orcas are spotted as well on the whale watching tours. For
those who pursue their “life list” of birds, over 280 species are
available in very accessible locations.
Looking to play hard and eat well? Juneau’s emerging dining
scene is full of local flare. With award-winning chefs at family
owned and operated restaurants, locally brewed beer, a distillery,
and a food tour that lets you taste a bit of it all, there are plenty of
choices to satisfy all taste buds.
In addition to the outdoor adventure, abundant wildlife, amazing
food, and spellbinding scenery, Juneau offers a wide range of cul-
tural experiences. Music festivals, local theatre, and exhibitions on
native alaskan dance and legends round out that total alaska ex-
perience.
©DennyCulbert
The FACTS:
Location: northern Inside Passage; 2 hour flight jet service from
Seattle or 1.5 hours by jet service from anchorage.
Access: Juneau has daily jet service from Seattle and anchorage,
scheduled air taxi service from all Southeast alaska communities,
state ferry service via the alaska Marine highway, and all classes
of cruise vessels. There is no road access.
Adventures to choose from: Juneau has unlimited
opportunities for adventure, with over 250 miles of
hiking trails, camping, zip lining, world-class fishing,
kayaking, wildlife viewing, and skiing in the winter
months.
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