Hidden Gem Locations in Juneau Alaska
Morning light at Sandy Beach on Douglas (Juneau, AK).
Finding the perfect location for family photos in an epic vacation destination city like Juneau, Alaska can be actually be tricky. I mean, where do you choose when there is beauty around every corner. Mountains - fields - water - trees: we’ve got it all here in Juneau. So many people go for the Mendenhall Glacier for their family photos because, duh, it’s iconic. But with icon status comes cruise ship crowds so if you’re looking for some hidden gem locations to capture the essence of Juneau: the endless nature, the moody forests and the mountains popping out of the horizon, then here’s a handful of spots in Juneau for your family photos:
Cope Park: Offers a River/Water and Trail/Forest environment right in the heart of downtown. This small, quiet community park is less frequently visited which makes it a perfect location for photos in Juneau. Located on the banks of Gold Creek, Cope Park features the quintessential Alaska rainforest backdrop. The park has a LOT of opportunity for variety for activities/movement within your photos: trail, forest, rocks, architectural elements, creek/water; sometimes Mount Roberts even peeks out between the trees! The creek often turns turquoise in the summer too. The light is lovely in the morning and the afternoon making this location flexible.
Why is this a hidden gem location in Juneau for photos?! It’s walkable if you’re arriving on a cruise ship; it’s quite literally the road less traveled and it gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Fish Creek Park: Offers a Meadow/Field environment with mountain views and Gastineau Channel views too. Located on Douglas Island (across bridge), this location is accessible using a ride share or taxi. There are so many options within walking distance at this park. On one side, there’s a forested trail leading to a wide open field with a peek-a-boo mountain view with wildflowers abound and just over the wooden bridge over the creek gives access to a whole new world of channel views, lake and rocky creek. You’d need more than a 1 hour session to tackle EVERY part. The opportunities here for an active, playful session are endless.
Why is this a hidden gem location in Juneau for photos?! There isn’t much this place doesn’t offer. The tall grass, the small lake, the creek, the trail/forested areas, the channel and mountain views all create so many opportunities for activity, play, fun, movement and an authentic-to-you session in Alaska.
Sandy Beach: Offers a Beach/Water environment withMountain and Gastineau Channel Views. Sandy Beach is on Douglas Island - the land mass opposite the cruise ship ports accessible by the Douglas Bridge close to downtown. Not exactly walkable, but accessible by ride share or bus route. This beach is calm, not frequented, and full of driftwood and fun nature things - allowing for maximum play and movement in your images. The Treadwell Trail picks up at the end of the beach, making it easy for a quick family walk too. Bonus: there are bathrooms (yay!) and a playground if you wanted to reward kiddos or add some fun lifestyle photos in!
Why is this a hidden gem location in Juneau for photos?! The serenity is unmatched; the mountains feel so close you could touch them and the options for play are limitless. Also the light is the morning is just perfection.
Eagle Beach: Offers Beach/Water, Forest AND Wide Open Space! With views of the Lynn Canal and Chilkat Mountains, Eagle Beach has variety nowhere else has. There is both the campground and the rec area/beach. The seasonal wildflowers add pop to images and the space is great for iconic Alaskan beach. Aptly name, there are often eagles. The downside: a 40 minute drive out the road so best if you have a car!
Why is this a hidden gem location in Juneau for photos?! It is an idyllic coastal Alaskan beach scene with endless opportunities for activities.
If you want more information on family photos in Juneau, you can find info about that here.
When you’re ready to capture your family as they are with Alaska as the backdrop, you can reach out here to get started.
