Juneau, Alaska, is picturesque. You can capture scenes and backdrops you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Its unique natural playgrounds and outdoor vistas are a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to capture the perfect photo for your mantle, here’s what you need to know about the best photos of Juneau, Alaska.
Alaska is beautiful year-round. But some photographers prefer different lighting and backdrops than others. So the best season for Juneau photography will vary based on your unique style. Here’s an overview of what to expect in each season.
The best months for spring photography in Juneau are April and May. The temperature becomes more tolerable and nature starts to blossom. You’ll find buds on the trees and the slow return of wildlife from hibernation or migration.
The lighting is often overcast with occasional breaks of sun. But many photographers enjoy the lighting that overcast days provide.
You’ll still get the snow-crested mountaintops in the distance and Mendenhall Glacier will be snow-covered. Depending on when you visit, there still might be small patches of snow on the ground even in the foreground of your photos.
If you hope to capture wildlife, the whales, eagles, bears and other wildlife begin to emerge and become active during this period.
Juneau summers offer warmer air temperatures, with averages between the mid-50s to mid-70s. A major perk during this time of year is the longer days. You’ll have daylight well into the evening to provide ample time to capture the perfect photo.
The summer months offer lush green landscapes where snow once covered the terrain. And if wildlife photography is your passion, this is a great time to capture animals in their natural habitats.
Wildflowers are plentiful and enjoying the outdoors is easier with warmer temperatures and more breaks of sun, though Juneau is still a fairly rainy place.
From September through November, fall brings unique colors to Juneau. Instead of lush green backdrops, you’ll enjoy the pops of yellow, orange and red. Temperatures begin to cool, with ranges of 40-60 degrees.
The mornings offer a unique setting because the day often begins with a light fog. During the fall, salmon begin to spawn.
If you hope to capture stunning outdoors photos in flannel shirts and jeans, this is the perfect place. Don’t miss fall hiking at Mendenhall and Douglas Island. On Dan Moller Trail, you can experience the wild blueberries in all their grandeur.
Get outside to experience all Juneau’s beauty in person while capturing the perfect photo to take home and frame.
A can’t-miss photo opportunity year-round is Nugget Falls. Sit and stay a while to watch the majestic falls as you etch it into your memory. Then take a photo to showcase the beauty to your friends.
Capture hawks, eagles and swans at Glacier Bay National Park. Or visit the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary to watch as bears eat and get plump for the winter.
As crowds begin to thin out due to fewer cruise ships in the port and less tourist traffic, you can also capture downtown Juneau in a way you cannot dream of capturing it during the tourist season. Snap photos of the unique ships in the harbor or relax at a local restaurant while capturing the most Instagram-worthy shots of the diverse food selection.
You probably think of Alaska as a winter wonderland. December through March, you can capture that snowy backdrop you’ve always dreamed of in Juneau. The daylight hours are short during these months with sunset as early as 3 p.m. during the shortest days of the year.
It isn’t unbearably cold most of the time, making it an ideal location for capturing your dream Alaskan photo. You’ll find temperatures hovering around the mid-20s to mid-30s. But watch out because there are some days that dip into negative temperatures. Be sure to bring apparel that’s ideal for such temps.
Capture the Northern Lights during your winter trip. Juneau is not a prime viewing location, but when the conditions are right, you can see Aurora Borealis. Just wait for clear skies and cold temperatures.
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION IN JUNEAU?
Juneau offers a diverse landscape. Whether you want a snowy mountain backdrop or are seeking thick foliage, you’ll find it in Juneau. Here’s a look at some options and where to capture them.
Juneau is a coastal town. As such, you’ll find ample beach backdrops, but don’t plan to take a dip, even in the summer months. The water is chilly, but the landscape and relaxation are perfect. The beaches are stunning areas for photos year round.
Don’t miss all that Auke Bay has to offer with its wildlife, harbor and picnic areas. Plan to spend a few hours while visiting to do more than just take photos. Enjoy a stroll, sit and bask in the beauty and pack a lunch or visit the nearby restaurant.
Eagle Beach is another beautiful area for photography. Capturing images of wildflowers is easy here in the spring and summer months. Some wildflowers you’ll find at Eagle Beach include lupines and irises. If you wait long enough, you might see whales, sea lions or seals on the beach or in the nearby waters.
Don’t miss Nugget Falls. It’s beautiful to behold and provides stunning photos to remember your trip. Plus, you’ll have to visit the greater Mendenhall area, which is something you won’t want to miss. The hike to Nugget Falls is worth it and attainable for hikers of all abilities.
During the summer, the path to Nugget Falls is crowded and busy as tourists flood the area. But during the spring and fall, you can more easily access the path.
North Douglas Waterfall is a less touristy area and is easily accessible by car. It offers a different backdrop than Nugget Falls because it is a rocky cliffside. It is a little bit of a drive from downtown, so plan accordingly.
The mountainous backdrops are incredible in Juneau. Head to Mount Roberts for one of the best mountain photos available in the area. Mount Roberts is nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. The view from the top is worth the journey as it allows you to look out over the Gastineau Channel. From here, you can see other mountainsides and fjords.
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway up for an easy way to get to your picture-perfect viewing spot.
Eaglecrest Ski Area offers another beautiful mountain backdrop. While the ski area is not active during the summer months, it does transform into a hiking hot spot in the spring and summer months.
Juneau is unique in that it has every backdrop you can imagine from snow crested mountains to a rainforest. Rainforest Trail is a great place to capture dense foliage during the summer months. Take in the incredible Sitka spruce trees and enjoy mossy rocks and dense vegetation.
Juneau also has some neat cityscapes and harbor views downtown. Capture landmarks and take in a unique downtown view.
If you hope to capture downtown and be in the center of it all, consider staying at Juneau Hotel. The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to navigate Juneau and snap the perfect photos in the locations you’ve been dreaming of.
Book your stay now to get the best dates for capturing Juneau’s beauty in your photography.
Further reading:
Considering running through Juneau to see its wild beauty? Here’s a listing of the Juneau marathons, half marathons and fun runs for the year.
Learn about the Halloween Half and 5k race in Juneau, AK. The event takes place around the holiday and is a fun way to see the area on foot.
Enjoy exploring Alaska while supporting its untouched wilderness. These eco-friendly stays in Alaska allow you to preserve the area.
