Juneau - Rain Forest Discovery Walk

[jdecker2000]

Can someone tell me if this is something we can do "on our own" rather than through the ship, and if anyone is familiar with it, is it even worth doing? We are interested but don't know enough about it....THANKS

[Budget Queen]

There are trails on top of Mt. Roberts that are very worthwhile. And East Loop at Mendenhall Glacier 3 1/2 mile- the most common. The escorted walking tours usually are not too strenous and fully narrated and guided, they can be in a number of areas depending on conditions. Is there any further description?

[jdecker2000]

This is the description:

Step into the stillness of the rain forest and join acclaimed naturalists on a fascinating and easy hiking adventure into the Alaska wilderness. Learn the forest’s hidden stories, complex rhythms and cycles as you travel under a thick canopy of towering spruce and hemlock trees. Emerge from the forest shadows to brilliant views and a pristine beach. Eagles soar gracefully from their nests overhead and sea life thrives along the shoreline. Your guide is passionate about Alaska’s natural wonders and shares a wealth of knowledge and experience. A close look at this land reveals complex relationships between creatures large and small. Learn about the forest’s traditional uses and its importance to the people of this coastal region. With a curious mind and adventurous spirit, immerse yourself in a walk of discovery through this fascinating land.

 

SPECIAL NOTES - Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. Participants should be in good health and able to cover uneven terrain. Total walking distance is approximately 1.5 miles. This tour operates in all weather conditions.

 

I am 99% sure that it is done through Gastineau Guiding? Thoughts, please - the reason I am considering the "guided" hike is to have things decribed/pointed out rather than hiking on our own and not really knowing what we are seeing - but if this is not a good idea, I would appreciate knowing it. They do offer a "Tram & Trek" but I believe the tram is not too expensive and very easy to do on your own?

[jdecker2000]

b-b-b-bump? Anyone have comments on this excursion?

[Aggie95]

My parents went on this excursion (while my husband and I did the glacier helicpoter ride). They really enjoyed it. Said it was a small group, beautiful scenery, and the guide was terrific.

[jdecker2000]

Thanks Aggie! :) I think we will do it as DH is really into forest/plant type stuff. Plus we have never been in a rainforest.

 

How was the helicopter? What company? We are doing a glacier landing (pilot's choice - 2 landings actually) through Temsco in Skagway. Looking forward to that tremendously!

 

Any other must-do's?

[Aggie95]

The helicopter was AWESOME! You feel like you are in an IMAX movie as you fly over the glaciers and mountains. Walking around on them was pretty cool, too. We used Temsco in Juneau - they were very professional and organized - we liked them. We also really enjoyed the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari in Skagway, but you may not have time with the helicopter to do both. It was a lot of fun, though.

[jdecker2000]

Thanks again Aggie, I am getting really excited about this helicopter excursion! I would not mind the Wilderness Safari but DH voted against that - he wants to take the train in Skagway. Between doing the train and helicopter it sounds like a great day!

[Aggie95]

I have heard great things about the train, as well. We talked about doing it, but have done other narrow guage trains so decided against it. However, if we ever go back, it is something we will probably do. I really don't think you can go wrong on a majority of the excursions in Alaska. It is such a beautiful place. Hope y'all have a wonderful trip!!

[jdecker2000]

Yes, I hear the train is great - it was not on my list but DH chose that excursion - now I am looking forward to it as well... I hope your trip was great and that you can return again! Sounds like a place you could go back to many times and never see it all...

 

Thanks for your advice!!

[bayman]

We did the rain forest walk in the morning .It was very good .It is Gastineau Guiding .Our guides were very informative and helpful .Pointed out alot of stuff that we would have missed . The walk was over on Douglass Island.We had 2 guides for 16 people,broke into 2 groups so you had a very small group walking in the woods. In the afternoon we did a double w/ Capt Larry and Coastal Helicopters.They picked us up ,shuttled us to the heliport first ,we did the helicopter where we got out and walked around.It was terrific .It was just my wife and I and the guide.We flew up Herbert Glacier over the icefield and down Mendenhall. All spectacular. We then were picked up and taken to the dock for the whale watch w/ Orca -this was also excellent .Capt Larry and his naturalist ,Julie ,really try to make your trip interesting .They then shuttled us back to our ship in time for departure. I would recommend all of it .The only drawback was that we saw very little of Juneau because we were so busy.No regrets.

[cruise 'n shopper]

Can anyone tell me how this rainforest tour differs from the Glacier Gardens rainforest in Juneau, or are they in the same location?

 

Thanks.

[jdecker2000]

Thanks bayman! Glad to hear it, looking forward to our whole trip - Juneau will be this walk and whale watching. We ARE doing a helicopter glacier flight but in Skagway along with the train...Counting down!

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences!!

 

cruise 'n shopper - I have wondered that myself but feel the gardens (from what I have READ - NOTE I have not been to Alaska yet!) is more of a man-made thing? Hopefully some experienced posters will give you more info...