Sheep Creek is located 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Juneau, Alaska. The Juneau community of Thane was originally called Sheep Creek. Draining an area of about 5 square miles, it empties into Gastineau Channel. The valley formed by the river has a flat, gravel, trekking trail of 3.5 miles, south of Mount Roberts. The Snettisham hydroelectric dam substation is situated on a trail spur. Sheep Creek Hatchery is located at the outflow.
Nugget Falls
One of the most interesting natural features near Juneau, this spectacular waterfall plunges about 377 feet down the rugged mountainside into Mendenhall Lake about three-quarter miles south of the active face of Mendenhall Glacier. Powered by meltwater runoff from hanging Nugget Glacier, the cataract makes its descent in two tiers—99 feet and 278 feet—before gushing into the chilly, aquamarine water. Before the glacier receded over recent decades, the falls was said to actually splattered onto the ice itself. Some accounts say accumulating water would spread out across the glacier surface. The falls are just one aspect of the Mendenhall recreation area, with stunning views of retreating Mendenhall Glacier and a lake that can jostle with royal blue icebergs. The visitor center features a multitude of museum quality exhibits, while the outdoors offers beach access and many hiking trails, including the mossy rain forest stroll to the base of Nugget Falls.
BEST PLACE TO VIEW
Hike to a sand-and-gravel flat that fans out along the lakeshore near the base of the falls, and let the immense foaming dazzle and roar fill your senses. A new, low-grade trail leads about one mile from the visitor center to the falls, a relatively easy walk suitable for families with children. You’ll hear the falls before you see them!
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