Hoonah, Alaska, is a remote outdoor hub on Icy Strait's coast offering hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing framed by temperate rainforests and rich Tlingit culture. Summer brings the best weather for exploring Tongass National Forest and spotting whales.
Hoonah, Alaska, is a remote outdoor hub on Icy Strait's coast offering hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing framed by temperate rainforests and rich Tlingit culture. Summer brings the best weather for exploring Tongass National Forest and spotting whales.
Outdoor Adventure in Hoonah, Alaska
Hoonah is a remote coastal town in Southeast Alaska, perfect for travelers seeking rugged wilderness and authentic cultural experiences. Surrounded by the vast Tongass National Forest and bordered by the rich marine environment of Icy Strait, Hoonah offers a range of outdoor activities suited for nature lovers.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Hoonah, Alaska special.
★ 8.9⌖ 39.72 milesEasyExplore the Nugget Falls trail near Juneau, Alaska. This easy 2-mile hike offers stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier and cascading waterfalls. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, it's a busy spot, especially in summer months.
★ 9.2⌖ 40.02 milesVisit the iconic Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, AK, known for its stunning ice formations and year-round hiking opportunities. Enjoy canoeing on Mendenhall Lake and a family-friendly hike to Nugget Falls. Experience the vibrant Tongass National Forest during the busy summer season.
★ 9.2⌖ 40.04 milesEasyLocated near Juneau, Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier offers an easy hike with scenic views of blue ice, Nugget Falls, and wildlife. Accessible year-round but best in late spring to early fall, visitors can also enjoy kayaking and helicopter tours for unique glacier perspectives.
Discover the top 15 adventure activities and curated experiences in Hoonah, Alaska, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Hoonah, Alaska.
⌖ 39.6 miDrive a two‑person Side by Side through the Alaska Range, climb to Black Diamond Peak for Healy Valley views, spot wildlife and finish with a full‑service backcountry meal — ideal for couples and families and requiring no prior experience.
⌖ 39.6 miAn exclusive, approximately three-hour private experience led by local drivers who share Juneau’s forestry, mining and seafood history; luxury vehicles carry up to four guests and include Alaska‑themed snacks, binoculars and water.
⌖ 39.6 miA narrated 3.5‑hour tour of historic downtown Juneau and Douglas Island viewpoints, with roughly one hour exploring Mendenhall Glacier’s waterfalls, trails and wildlife.
⌖ 19.8 miA 4-hour, small-group (maximum 10) photography tour departing Haines where a professional photographer-guide helps all skill levels capture wildlife and landscapes, including bald eagles and seasonal brown bears.
⌖ 35.8 miA brief night helicopter outing—departing from the Alaska Seaplanes Terminal—to view the Mendenhall Valley Christmas lights while supporting Cade's Corner and the Mendenhall Flying Lions Club and contributing to an on-site food drive.
⌖ 39.9 miA quick, secure process to submit the required traveler details so flights and vendors in Juneau proceed without delay.
⌖ 1.6 miA focused 3.5-hour, land-based birding and nature tour around Hoonah that helps travelers spot local birdlife and experience Alaskan wilderness in a small-group setting.
⌖ 35.6 miA 2-hour, 15-minute helicopter flightseeing tour from Juneau that soars over the Tongass National Rainforest and Juneau Icefield, lands on a glacier for a guided 30-minute exploration, and returns passengers to the heliport.
⌖ 39.6 miA concise, two-hour public shuttle from Juneau that puts you at the toe of Mendenhall Glacier—useful for travelers who want a straightforward access option and a short, scenic encounter with Alaska’s 13-mile ice mass.
⌖ 35.7 miA six-hour guided floatplane outing from Juneau to Waterfall Creek that delivers up to four hours of shoreline brown-bear viewing during the peak salmon run.
⌖ 34.6 miA hands-on salmon-fishing outing from Fisherman’s Bend with 4- and 8-hour options — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and where to meet.
⌖ 40.0 miCast into Juneau’s lakes, streams, and ponds on half- or full-day trips that include transport between multiple fishing spots and either provided gear or the option to bring your own fly setup.
⌖ 0.2 miA private boat outing in Hoonah operated by Wooshkeetaan Tours billed at $350 per hour — this guide explains how the operator measures time and what to expect on the water.
⌖ 39.6 miA focused 7‑night, 8‑day small‑ship voyage through Alaska’s Inside Passage that pairs active days of hiking and sea‑kayaking with extended time in Glacier Bay and remote wilderness lodges.
⌖ 39.6 miA 7-night/8-day small-ship expedition that blends rainforest hikes, glacial-fjord kayaking, and lodge-side wilderness immersion—this guide explains what to expect and how to pack.
Make the most of your visit to Hoonah, Alaska with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Hoonah, Alaska hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Hoonah, Alaska during the iconic Hoonah Native Forest Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Hoonah, Alaska during the iconic Raven’s Brew Winterfest. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Hoonah, Alaska during the iconic Icy Strait Point Cultural Events. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Hoonah, Alaska is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Travel by ferry or small plane; Hoonah is not accessible by road.
Bring rain gear—coastal weather is often wet and variable.
Reserve accommodations early during summer peak season.
Respect local Tlingit culture and heritage sites.
Plan wildlife viewing tours with local guides for safety and insight.
Cell service can be limited; plan offline maps for navigation.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Hoonah, Alaska. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.
