MENDENHALL GLACIER
No visit to Alaska would be complete without seeing its beautiful glaciers, and the most visible ambassador of the Juneau Icefield is Mendenhall Glacier. About 13.6 miles long and located in the Mendenhall Valley, Mendenhall Glacier is one sight you definitely do not want to miss, whether you view it from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, hike to it, fly by on a helicopter, or take a rafting trip there. If you don’t want to leave the comforts of the Visitor Center, you still get a great view of the magnificent glacier thanks to its enormous size, and if you want a closer look, they also have free telescopes. If you are up for a hiking trip, you can explore the icy blue caves of the glacier, walk along the beautiful bay, see the natural Alaskan wildlife, and admire the stunning Nugget Falls nearby. Helicopter rides can also take you along the length of the glacier, and rafting or kayaking trips will give you a unique experience floating among the icebergs. Mendenhall Glacier, End of Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, AK
PERSEVERANCE TRAIL
After Joe Juneau and Richard Harris found gold in the Silverbow Basin in the 1880s, the need for access to the major gold mining operations in the Gold Creek Valley led to the creation of Alaska’s first road, known today as the Perseverance Trail, after the famous Perseverance mine. Every summer, thousands of travelers love to head up the Perseverance Trail to experience the history and beauty of the Silverbow Basin. The trail has a wide, firm base that doesn’t get muddy and is accessible to less able users, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the many splendors it has to o«er. Hikers are treated to the breathtaking beauty of the Gold Creek valley, with its gorgeous streams cascading down the lush green 3,000-foot shoulders of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, and waterfalls of over one hundred feet that can be seen near the beginning and end of the trail. There is also a lovely picnic area near the end of the trail at the gorgeous Perseverance Lake, giving visitors a chance to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Perseverance Trail, Gold Creek Valley, Juneau, AK, USA
Catrina Pang is an aspiring editor and UCLA graduate with a passion for the written word that is only matched by her love of adventure and trying new things. One day, she hopes to travel to France to learn the language and indulge in the delicious cuisine. Culture Trip inspires people to explore the world’s culture and creativity through innovative technology and a network of local content creators. Their vision is to bring the world to everyone and in doing so bring everyone closer together. Visit www.culturetrip. com to learn more.
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