Water and mountain views abound in this area of Juneau between the Mendenhall Valley and “Out The Road.” Homes wrap around Auke Lake, tucked in among the spruce and hemlock forest with lake-front views. On the other side of the lake is the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau campus. In addition to student-centered events, the campus also hosts public lectures and a spring arts and culture series. Across Glacier Highway from Auke Lake, large single-family homes also stretch out along Fritz Cove Road. This residential point juts into Gastineau Channel and offers views of the bay, beaches, islands, and wildlife. Some homes in this area also have private beachfront access.
A little farther out, condominiums and single-family homes spread out around Auke Bay itself. The 324-vessel Statter Harbor is a popular access point for fishing and charter boats, with kayak rentals and a restaurant in the parking area. Local businesses, restaurants, and a gas station also line Glacier Highway along the bay. In addition to views of the harbor, bay, and the Alaska ferries coming in and out of Juneau, some of the best views of the Mendenhall Glacier can also be found in the Auke Bay area. It is just far enough away from the glacier to have it as a stunning backdrop.
Recreation & Hiking
Auke Lake is popular for swimming, boating, canoeing, paddle-boarding, hiking, running, and biking. It is also an important watershed in the area, supporting salmon, trout and Dolly Varden. The Auke Lake Trail is a wooded walk that winds around the lake, past the University of Alaska Southeast, and back to the Glacier Highway trailhead. Beaver, otter, and birds can be seen from the trail.
Out The Road
Just past the ferry terminal is where “Out the Road” begins. It doesn’t end until the road does. The Chilkat Mountain Range and Favorite Channel fill the views with breathtaking scenery. Single-family homes and cabins are spread out along the road, both on the waterside and up the hillside. Much of the area Out The Road does not have city utilities, such as public water and sewer. Some homes are also off the electric grid.
Recreation & Hiking
In addition to plentiful fishing, boating, and wilderness access, there are also a number of public recreation areas Out The Road. Auke Rec is the first large area, with covered picnic areas including fireplaces and grills, beach trails, and a campground. Whales can often be seen in the cove, and a trail out Point Louisa connects the picnic area to the Auk Village Campground.
Just past Auke Rec, across from Lena Loop Road, disc golfers can enjoy a challenging 18-holes surrounded by a beautiful natural setting at the Aant’iyeik course. Different from most disc golf courses in the Lower 48, this one dives right through the thick of the forest.
Further Out The Road, Eagle Beach Rec Area has the only road-accessible public use cabins available in Juneau. With three cabins plus camping sites to choose from, campers can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Eagle River or tuck back in the forest near a luscious strawberry field. Wildlife abounds in this area, but it’s out of range for most mobile phones.
