Juneau Cruise Ship Hiking Excursions
Skip the bus tour. Step off the ship and onto the trail with a local guide.
A Better Way to See Juneau
Your ship gives you a few hours in one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. We make sure you actually experience it.
Built Around Your Port Window
We know exactly how much time you have and which trails fit your schedule. We’ll arrange a convenient meeting point and have you back with time to spare. No stress, no rushing, no watching the clock.
Small Group, Big Difference
While the big excursion companies load 40 people onto a bus, you’ll be on a quiet trail in a group of no more than 4. You’ll see more wildlife, hear more birds, and actually experience Alaska rather than looking at it through a window.
A Real Hike, Not a Tour
This isn’t a narrated walk along a paved path. We take you into the Tongass rainforest on real trails, at a comfortable pace, with a guide who knows the ecology, the wildlife, and the stories this landscape carries.
All Skill Levels Welcome
Whether you hike regularly or haven’t been on a trail in years, we have options that work. We’ll match the trail to your group’s ability and set a pace that lets everyone enjoy the experience.
Wildlife You’ll Actually See
Small groups moving at an unhurried pace spot wildlife that bus tours drive right past. Black bears fishing for salmon, bald eagles overhead, harbor seals in the channel — we know where and when to look.
A Certified Local Guide
Your guide is a NOLS Wilderness First Responder who knows the Tongass intimately — not a seasonal hire reading from a script. You’ll learn the ecology, the history, and the stories behind what you’re seeing.
How It Works
From the ship to the trail and back. Simple.
Book Ahead
Tell us your ship, your port dates, and your group size. We’ll recommend an itinerary that fits your schedule and ability level.
Meet Your Guide
We’ll send you a meeting location ahead of time at a convenient spot in Juneau. Easy to find, no confusion.
Hit the Trail
We drive to the trailhead and spend 3–6 hours hiking through Tongass rainforest, past glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Everything at a deliberate pace.
Back to the Ship
We get you back with plenty of time to spare. No scrambling, no anxiety about missing your departure.
Sample Southeast Alaska Itineraries
Sample itineraries will be available soon. In the meantime, check out the trails below to get a sense of what’s out there. Every trip is tailored to your group — get in touch and we’ll put together something that fits your schedule, pace, and interests.
Trails That Fit Your Schedule
The trails we’ll hike on will be determined soon. Until then, here are some to check out.
Nugget Falls Trail
A flat, paved trail to the base of a 377-foot waterfall with Mendenhall Glacier as the backdrop. Ideal for families and visitors of all abilities. Spectacular payoff for minimal effort.
Rainforest Trail
A boardwalk loop through old-growth temperate rainforest near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Our best trail for guests with limited time or mobility who want to experience the Tongass up close.
East Glacier Trail
Winding through rainforest along Mendenhall Lake with views of the glacier and Nugget Falls. Dense moss, ferns, and Sitka spruce. Black bears and bald eagles are common sightings. A quintessential Juneau hike.
Treadwell Mine Historic Trail
Walk through the ruins of what was once the largest gold mine in the world, now reclaimed by forest on Douglas Island. A fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial history with beach access and views across Gastineau Channel.
Herbert Glacier Trail
A riverside trail through old-growth rainforest that ends at the face of Herbert Glacier. Follow the Herbert River through towering Sitka spruce, crossing footbridges and meadows before reaching the glacial outwash plain. Quieter than the Mendenhall trails and one of the most rewarding day hikes near Juneau. Best for guests with a longer port window.
West Glacier Trail
Our most immersive option. Climb alongside Mendenhall Glacier with increasingly dramatic views, passing waterfalls and old-growth forest. Best for experienced hikers with a longer port window.
Want to see everything we offer in Southeast Alaska? Visit our Southeast Alaska page for the full list of trails, itineraries, and more.
What’s Included
Meetup Coordination
We’ll arrange a convenient meeting location and send you clear directions after booking. No confusion, no figuring out logistics in an unfamiliar city.
Expert Guide
A NOLS certified Wilderness First Responder who knows the trails, the wildlife, and the ecology of the Tongass. Not a script reader — a real guide.
Safety Gear
Bear spray, first aid kit, and a Garmin inReach satellite communicator on every hike. Your safety is always the top priority.
Small Groups
Maximum 4 guests per trip. Personal attention, quiet trails, and the kind of wildlife sightings that big groups walk right past.
What to Bring
Pack light, dress smart. You’re in a temperate rainforest — rain is not a possibility, it’s a likelihood.
Wear Off the Ship
- Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Waterproof rain jacket (not water-resistant)
- Long pants
- Moisture-wicking layers
Bring in Your Daypack
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
- Snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera with rain protection
- Ship card and photo ID
Leave on the Ship
- Luggage and valuables
- Formal shoes
- Cotton clothing (it stays wet)
- Anything you don’t want to carry for 4 hours
For the full gear list, see our packing list.
Common Questions
What if my ship’s schedule changes?
Port schedules shift. If your arrival or departure time changes, we’ll adjust the itinerary to fit. If Juneau is dropped from your itinerary entirely, you’ll receive a full refund.
Will I make it back to the ship in time?
Yes. We build a comfortable buffer into every cruise ship itinerary. We know the port schedule, the drive times, and the trails — we’ll have you back with time to spare.
Where do we meet?
After booking, we’ll send you a predetermined meeting location with clear directions. It’s easy to find and we’ll be there waiting for you.
Is this suitable for kids?
Absolutely. We have easy trails that work well for families with children. The Nugget Falls and Rainforest trails are our most popular family-friendly options. We’ll recommend a trail based on your kids’ ages and experience.
What if it rains?
It probably will — and that’s part of the experience. The Tongass rainforest is most beautiful in the rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and embrace it. We only cancel for severe weather that poses a safety risk.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as you know your cruise dates. We take a maximum of 4 guests per trip, and summer dates fill up. Booking a few months ahead ensures you get your preferred date and trail.
How is this different from the excursions my cruise line offers?
Cruise line excursions typically put 20–40 people on a bus for a narrated drive with short photo stops. With us, you’re on a real trail with a maximum of 4 people and a certified guide who knows the forest, the wildlife, and the history. You’ll see more, learn more, and actually be in Alaska rather than looking at it from a parking lot.
Ready to Trade the Bus Tour for a Real Hike?
Tell us your ship, your dates, and what you’re hoping to see. We’ll put together an itinerary that makes the most of your time in Juneau.