Fall in Juneau

A winding river flows through a dense valley of autumn-colored trees in Alaska, surrounded by forested mountains. The trees display shades of yellow, orange, and green, with rugged terrain and distant mountain peaks visible under a cloudy sky.

As the summer months are coming to an end in Juneau, the fall colors are making their bold appearance. Although Southeast Alaska is known for its evergreen forests and constant rainfall, bursts of yellow and orange brighten the landscape during September and October. Some of the best places to experience the beauty of the changing seasons include: Perseverance Trail, Mount Roberts, and the Mendenhall Glacier area. The cooler temperatures and light rainfall add to the atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful hike or scenic drive. Be sure to take advantage of the quieter trails during this time of year to experience the breathtaking change to the scenery. If you are interested in wildlife watching, bears can still be spotted near creeks as they finish feeding on salmon, and bald eagles are especially active around rivers and shorelines. As the temperatures drop, it is also a great time to look for harbor seals, sea lions, and even the occasional humpback whale heading south. If you are looking for a more adventure based activity and don’t mind cooler weather, paddling in the fall can be incredibly peaceful as well. Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Lake areas are calm and scenic places to explore by kayak. Whether you’re hiking through golden forests, watching eagles fly by, or simply enjoying a scenic drive through the mountains, fall in Juneau is a time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. The air is crisp, the landscape glows with fall colors, and every view showcases the peaceful nature of this season in Southeast Alaska.