Juneau Alaska

Juneau: America’s Most Remote Capital

How remote is Alaska’s state capital, Juneau? Hemmed in by water and soaring mountains, this town of 30,000 residents doesn’t even have a road linking it with the outside world—airplanes and boats are the only ways to get here and away. Still, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way here every summer, and for good reason; this gorgeous city is a centerpiece of an Inside Passage cruise and a great jumping-off point for traveling within Southeast Alaska. Of course, with state legislators and lobbyists—as well as all those tourists—fighting for space on the city sidewalks and the hiking trails outside of town, it can get pretty congested in the summer months.

But it’s worth fighting the crowds to do a little exploring. Like many Alaskan towns, Juneau was born because of gold. When Joe Juneau and Richard Harris found a treasure trove of gold here in 1880 (helped by the Tlingit chief Kowee, who told them where to look), it caused a predictable rush. The ensuing town became the state capital in 1900, though not everyone was—or is—happy with that decision; it seems there’s constant legislation to move the capital closer to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage.

Be sure to look up to see Juneau’s real appeal: gorgeous Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, which attest to the untamed wilderness that lies just beyond the souvenir shops. Climb the six-mile, 3,819-foot ascent of Mount Roberts on foot, or do it the easy way by taking the Mount Roberts Tramway, leaving right from town and ending with a fantastic view at 1,760 feet. Then check out one of Alaska’s most easily accessible glaciers, Mendenhall, which is so close—and so impressive—it would be a shame to miss. It’s part of the Juneau Icefield, a massive accumulation of ice and snow that stretches 85 miles north to south, and 45 miles east to west—an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. Take a hike with a Forest Service guide or explore the landscape on your own, but don’t miss the birds, red squirrels, porcupines, beavers and black bears that also call the area home.