Juneau’s Vertical Views



Approaching Juneau along Gastineau Channel

We left Hoonah at 7:50am for the nine-hour cruise to Juneau which Leonard said would cure my SDS (shopping deficiency syndrome).  While we were at Hoonah the cruise ship had not yet arrived so the shops at the Cannery were closed and Juneau beckoned to fulfill this deficiency.  

Juneau backed by Vertical Mountains

But Juneau has much more going for it than just shopping, including beautiful Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s Last Chance Mining site, and the extensive trails through the ruins of the Treadwell Mining site in Douglas located across Gastineau Channel, (see posts dated May 12, 14, and June 9 from our 2015 blog).  

Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, Juneau

This year we took the opportunity to ride the Tramway, a vertical rise up Mount Roberts, offering spectacular views of Juneau, Douglas, Gastineau Channel, and the Chilkat Mountains.  Built in 1996, the Tramway will be celebrating 20 years of operation this August 10, 2016.  

Riding the Tramway, Juneau below

The Tramway is owned and operated by Goldbelt Incorporated, a Native corporation founded as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).  Currently there are more than 3,600 tribal member shareholders, primarily of Tlingit descent.  Funds from admission tickets support the corporation and help shareholders with job opportunities, scholarships, and the like.  

Gastineau Channel seen from the Tramway

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather revealing incredible vistas both from the tram itself and along the trails above the Tramway.  Even the cruise ships looked like toys from the 1,800 foot vantage point.  

Trail behind the Tramway

For the young and more adventurous hikers, the trail continues another 2,000 vertical feet with several switchbacks up the mountain side.  

Continuation of Trail winding up the Mountain Side

As we were hiking the trails to the various platform viewpoints, we struck up a conversation with a young photographer.  I acknowledged that the area was a great place for some beautiful, artistic photos and I soon found myself a subject of his project along with Leonard.  

Gastineau Channel and Town of Douglas

It turned out that he was shooting photos of visitors enjoying this special place to be used for the 20th Anniversary Tramway Celebration!  

Waiting for the Ride Down

Who knows, perhaps we will be in one of the presentation clips.