Outdoors and Recreation

Ice on Mendenhall Lake is never completely safe to walk on, said a Capital City Fire/Rescue officer. That’s because of widely varying and hard-to-discern conditions under the surface., but common sense can mitigate some risk. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Easy on the ice: CCFR recommends caution around icy lakes

The safest way to not fall through thin ice is to not go out onto it in the first place.

 

High winds in the early morning of Nov. 26, 2021 damaged two sections of float in Don D. Statter Harbor. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Statter Harbor float damaged by high winds

Variable geometry is a viable design decision for jets; less so for piers.

 

This photo shows a wall of permafrost ice in a bank of the Itkillik River in northern Alaska.(Courtesy Photo / Eva Stephani)

Alaska Science Forum: Far-north permafrost cliff is one of a kind

An amphitheater of frozen ground thaws where a northern river cuts into it, exposing walls of ice.

 

Two black bears walk along Skilak Lake Road on Monday, June 14, 2021 near Skilak Lake, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Bears and dogs don’t mix

The best way to enjoy bear country with pups is by keeping them close.

Two black bears walk along Skilak Lake Road on Monday, June 14, 2021 near Skilak Lake, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
The parking lots at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center were packed on Feb. 13, 2021, and plans to improve the facilities include expanding the parking lot. Those plans were criticized by residents for the impacts to the environment and a draft environmental impact statement is expected later this summer. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Federal funds go toward more analysis for visitor center area plan

Still in development.

The parking lots at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center were packed on Feb. 13, 2021, and plans to improve the facilities include expanding the parking lot. Those plans were criticized by residents for the impacts to the environment and a draft environmental impact statement is expected later this summer. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Basin Road and Gold Creek as seen from Perseverance Trail on Sept. 22, 2019. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

In time for the long weekend, a look at some of Juneau’s favorite trails

What’s No, 1?

Basin Road and Gold Creek as seen from Perseverance Trail on Sept. 22, 2019. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Steve and Jenn’s 2020 boat crew in Bristol Bay. (Courtesy Photo / Steve Kurian)

Pride of Bristol Bay: A Conversation with Sockeye Salmon Guru Steve Kurian

It was love at first sight — or maybe taste — for Steve and Jenn and sockeye salmon.

Steve and Jenn’s 2020 boat crew in Bristol Bay. (Courtesy Photo / Steve Kurian)
Meghan Tabacek, a Trail Mix Inc. crewmember, powers a wire hoist during safe rigging practices training. (Trail Mix photo / Meg Roussos)

Trail Mix and city plan ahead as building season wraps up

A good 2020 construction season will set the nonprofit up for a busy 2021.

Meghan Tabacek, a Trail Mix Inc. crewmember, powers a wire hoist during safe rigging practices training. (Trail Mix photo / Meg Roussos)
Courtesy photo / Owen Hatcher Owen Hatcher summited five of Juneau’s major peaks in one 15-hour effort, relying entirely on his own power, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

High 5: Juneau man summits 5 peaks in one Herculean run

His 15-hour trek covered nearly 60 miles of running and biking.

Courtesy photo / Owen Hatcher Owen Hatcher summited five of Juneau’s major peaks in one 15-hour effort, relying entirely on his own power, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
Courtesy photo | Kaitlyn Tolin Kaitlyn Tolin paddled with partner Amanda Painter from Juneau to Haines over three days in early July. They said they were inspired by friends who had made similar paddleboard trips.

Row, row, row your board: Haines residents paddleboard home from Juneau

Three days of paddling and camping to home.

Courtesy photo | Kaitlyn Tolin Kaitlyn Tolin paddled with partner Amanda Painter from Juneau to Haines over three days in early July. They said they were inspired by friends who had made similar paddleboard trips.
Discovery Southeast education coordinator Kelly Sorensen talks to a student from Harborview Elementary School about what feeds on the trees during a nature hike near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Feb. 20, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

Discovery Southeast turns 30 with a flourish

Auctions, banquets, and competitions: Discovery Southeast celebrates in style.

Discovery Southeast education coordinator Kelly Sorensen talks to a student from Harborview Elementary School about what feeds on the trees during a nature hike near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Feb. 20, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
Cope Park may be the new home of Juneau’s first bike skills park if a plan between the City and Borough of Juneau Parks and Recreation Department and the Juneau Mountain Bike Alliance comes to fruition, Jan. 30, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

Juneau may be getting its first official bike park

The idea is still in its infancy, but it has support.

Cope Park may be the new home of Juneau’s first bike skills park if a plan between the City and Borough of Juneau Parks and Recreation Department and the Juneau Mountain Bike Alliance comes to fruition, Jan. 30, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
Despite subfreezing temperatures, frozen lakes around Juneau still dangerous

Despite subfreezing temperatures, frozen lakes around Juneau still dangerous

Here’s what you should know to stay safe.

Despite subfreezing temperatures, frozen lakes around Juneau still dangerous