Easier Trails for Running in Juneau

There’s a good selection of fairly easy trails for running near central Juneau. Here are some recommendations:

Mendenhall Refuge Trail. A 1.7 mile gravel trail that runs between Juneau International Airport and the Mendenhall Refuge. ROUTE MAP

Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Trail. A pleasant trail along the Mendenhall River. It’s a bit inland, so there aren’t really water views. Mainly wooded. The trail starts at the Glacier Highway and runs north for 2.8 miles to Steelhead Park. Near the southern end of the trail, there’s a small pedestrian bridge that runners can cross over to Dimond Park, which has a running track.

Trails Around Mendenhall Glacier. Combine some of the trails around the Visitor Center for a gorgeous 3-4 mile run: the 1/3 mile to ‘Photo Point‘, then the 1 mile Trail of Time loop, and the 2 mile Nugget Falls loop. For those seeking a trail running challenge, there’s the 3.5 mile East Glacier loop.  MAP & INFORMATION

Dredge Lakes Area. There are several trails in the Tongass National Forest, accessed from the US Forest Ranger Station off Mendenhall Loop Rd. Most of the trails are wooded, though there are some open spots and lake views. The surface is a combination of narrow dirt and glacial gravel. Create your own route, combining the Dredge Lake Trail, Moose Lake Trail, & Moraine Ecology Trail. Note: trail conditions vary in season & weather.