Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 178

Juneau, ALASKA Juneau, alaska’s capital city, is a vibrant coastal community tucked between the scenic mountains and waterways of the famous Inside Passage. Located in the Tongass national For- est, the largest temperate rainforest in north america, Juneau is one of the most pictur- esque capitals in the u.S. Visitors have a wide range of attractions and activities to choose from. easily accessed via plane, the alaska Marine Highway, or by cruise ship, Juneau offers hiking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular scenery. The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular visitor attraction in Southeast alaska and is a short distance from downtown. The Menden- hall is just one of over 38 glaciers that originate from the Juneau Icefield, 1,500 square miles of ice which sits just behind the mountains near Juneau. Visitors can access the Icefield by fixed wing aircraft and helicopter flightseeing tours.