Trail Overview
The Nugget Falls Trail is a spectacular out-and-back hike located in the Tongass National Forest, near Juneau, Alaska. This trail is special because it offers breathtaking views of the 377-foot Nugget Falls, as well as the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Hikers love this trail for its relatively short distance and moderate difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The trail’s unique combination of lush forest, picturesque meadows, and awe-inspiring glacier views makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Juneau area.
One of the key highlights of the Nugget Falls Trail is its well-maintained path, which winds its way through a beautiful forest of spruce and hemlock trees. The trail’s gentle grade and smooth surface make it an ideal choice for families, novice hikers, and those looking for a relaxing day hike. As hikers make their way towards the falls, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the earthy smell of the forest floor.
Trail Stats at a Glance
- Distance: 2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but keep dogs on a leash
- Kid-Friendly?: Yes, suitable for children aged 5 and above
Getting There
To access the Nugget Falls Trail, drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, located at 51.4342° N, 134.5553° W. From Juneau, take the Mendenhall Loop Road (also known as Glacier Highway) and turn left onto Mendenhall Loop Road. Continue for approximately 13 miles, then turn right onto Mendenhall Glacier Road. The visitor center will be on your left, and the trailhead is located just behind the center.
Parking is available in the visitor center’s parking lot, which can accommodate a large number of vehicles. There is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, which is payable at the visitor center. The trailhead facilities include restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area.
Detailed Trail Description
The Nugget Falls Trail begins at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and winds its way through a dense forest of spruce and hemlock trees. The trail starts on a smooth, gravel path and begins to climb gently, with an average grade of 10%. As you hike, the forest grows denser, and the sound of the glacier’s meltwater stream grows louder. At approximately 0.5 miles, the trail opens up into a picturesque meadow, filled with wildflowers such as lupine, fireweed, and gentian.
As you continue on the trail, you’ll notice the terrain changing, with the forest giving way to rocky outcroppings and scrubby alder trees. The trail begins to climb more steeply, with a series of switchbacks that take you up to a ridge overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier. At approximately 1 mile, you’ll reach a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.
From the viewpoint, the trail drops down to the base of Nugget Falls, where you can enjoy the stunning sight of the 377-foot waterfall. The trail ends at a rocky outcropping, where you can take in the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. Be sure to stay on the trail and avoid attempting to climb down to the base of the falls, as the rock face is steep and slippery.
On the return journey, take your time to enjoy the views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including black bears, moose, and eagles. The trail returns to the visitor center via the same route, with a total distance of 2 miles round-trip.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Nugget Falls Trail depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown:
June: The wildflowers are in bloom, and the trail is relatively dry. However, the days are still quite long, and the sun can be intense.
July: This is peak tourist season, and the trail can be busy. However, the wildflowers are still in bloom, and the weather is usually warm and sunny.
August: The days are starting to get shorter, and the weather can be more unpredictable. However, the trail is still relatively dry, and the wildflowers are still in bloom.
September: The fall colors are starting to appear, and the trail is less crowded. However, the weather can be cooler and wetter, and the days are getting shorter.
October: The fall colors are in full swing, and the trail is relatively quiet. However, the weather can be cool and wet, and the days are getting shorter.
Winter: The trail is closed due to snow and ice, and the visitor center is only open on weekends.
In terms of snow conditions, the trail is usually snow-free from June to October. However, the higher elevations can still have snow and ice, even in the summer months. Be sure to check the trail conditions before you head out and bring appropriate gear, such as crampons and an ice axe, if necessary.
What to Bring
When hiking the Nugget Falls Trail, be sure to bring the following essentials:
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, as well as a water filter or treatment tablets
- Food: Bring a picnic lunch, as well as snacks and energy bars
- Map and compass: Bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
- First aid kit: Bring a basic first aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
- Extra layers: Bring extra layers, including a fleece jacket, hat, and gloves
- Rain gear: Bring a rain jacket and pants, as well as a waterproof backpack cover
- Bear spray: Bring bear spray, as well as a bear-resistant food container
- Trekking poles: Bring trekking poles, especially if you have mobility issues or plan to hike with a heavy backpack
- Camera: Bring a camera, as well as extra batteries and a memory card
Wildlife & Safety
The Nugget Falls Trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and eagles. Be sure to take necessary precautions, such as making noise while hiking, staying in groups, and carrying bear spray. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Remain calm and speak in a calm, assertive voice
- Give the bear plenty of space and avoid direct eye contact
- Do not run, as this can trigger the bear’s chase instinct
- Use bear spray if the bear approaches you and you are within spraying distance
In terms of weather hazards, be aware of the potential for rain, snow, and ice, especially at higher elevations. Bring appropriate gear, such as crampons and an ice axe, if necessary, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
River crossing safety is also a concern on the Nugget Falls Trail. Be sure to use caution when crossing streams and rivers, and avoid crossing during periods of high water or fast currents. Use trekking poles or a walking stick to help with balance, and consider bringing a personal flotation device (PFD) if you’re planning to cross a wide or deep river.
Photography Tips
The Nugget Falls Trail offers breathtaking views and stunning photography opportunities. Here are some tips for capturing the best shots:
- Golden hour: The best time to photograph the falls is during the golden hour, just before sunset. The soft, warm light brings out the colors of the surrounding rocks and vegetation.
- Lens: Bring a wide-angle lens (between 10-24mm) to capture the falls and the surrounding landscape.
- Viewpoints: The best viewpoints are from the trail’s viewpoint at approximately 1 mile, as well as from the base of the falls. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the views from each location.
- Iconic shots: Some iconic shots to consider include the falls themselves, as well as the surrounding glacier and mountains. Consider capturing a panorama or a time-lapse of the falls to showcase their beauty and power.
History & Background
The Nugget Falls Trail has a rich history and cultural significance. The trail was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, as part of a larger effort to develop the Mendenhall Glacier area for tourism and recreation. The CCC built the trail, as well as the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, to provide access to the glacier and the surrounding wilderness.
The trail’s name comes from the nugget-sized chunks of ice that break off from the glacier and flow down the stream. The falls themselves are a stunning example of glacial erosion, with the water carving out a deep gorge in the rock face over thousands of years.
The area has also been home to the Auke people, an indigenous tribe that has lived in the area for thousands of years. The Auke people have a deep connection to the land and the glacier, and consider the area to be sacred. Be sure to respect the area’s cultural significance and follow any rules or regulations that are in place to protect the environment and the Auke people’s way of life.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
The Nugget Falls Trail is just one of many trails and attractions in the Mendenhall Glacier area. Here are some nearby trails and campgrounds to consider:
- West Glacier Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 3.5 miles round-trip and has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
- East Glacier Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 3.5 miles round-trip and has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
- Mendenhall Campground: This campground is located near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. The campground has 69 sites, as well as restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area.
- Auke Bay Campground: This campground is located near the Auke Bay harbor and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the ocean. The campground has 11 sites, as well as restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area.
These trails and campgrounds offer a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Be sure to check the trail conditions and regulations before you head out, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier area.