Stroller Friendly Trails Part 3; Auke Lake Hiking Trail
Start of Auke Lake Trail from the Glacier Highway entrance
Auke Lake is one of my favorite stroller-friendly trails. It’s easy to get to, has ample parking, and tends to be quiet on weekday mornings. The views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and forest are breathtaking. It’s also one of Juneau’s newest trails, which opened in June 2011.
On one of Juneau’s sunny October mornings, we made it out to the lake with our strollers in tow for the first time.. Jessica and I were able to push both BOB strollers with ease and enjoyed the quick outing. I highly recommend a jogging stroller or stroller with larger wheels as the trail is mostly gravel that may get stuck in tires.
One of the many filtered lake views you get to enjoy while on Auke Lake Trail.
The trail is frequently used and tends to be accessible year-round due to the trail's regular foot and bike traffic. Expect to spend about an hour to complete the 2.3-miles out and back (1.15 one way). It’s a well-groomed gravel trail with a segment on a floating boardwalk as you cross the southeast corner of the lake. You can start at either end of the trail, off Mendenhall Loop Road or Glacier Highway.
The footpath is regularly maintained, and the gravel is high enough to keep your feet out of the mud. The path hugs the east side of the lake as you travel through the second-growth forest. The canopy covers the trail well, which keeps the rain and winds at bay. The path also has some gentle elevation gain/losses throughout, especially on the Mendenhall Loop Road side, which adds a nice exercise as you push your stroller along. As you follow the trail, there are many interpretive and educational signs. Many signs are geared toward families and younger children to encourage conversations about flora and fauna within the forest.
Just after sunrise on the first dock
On the Glacier Highway side of the trail is a large parking lot with access to the boat launch and a pavilion you can rent from CBJ. The lot fills quickly on sunny summer days since Auke Lake is a popular swimming hole for the locals. The water temperature averages about 50-55℉ during these months. Most access the water by jumping off the docks along the trail. There is no gradual beach access or lifeguard on duty, and the lake has many steep drop-offs. The lake is also well-loved by kayakers and paddleboarders. You can rent either, along with life jackets, at Auke Bay Boat and Kayak Rental Shop, located just a mile down the road in the parking lot of Auke Bay Harbor. Occasionally, you may be able to get a glimpse at some of the float planes that call the lake home.
