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Rainforest Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Juneau, Alaska · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rainforest Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed hike, good for kids, offering forest, muskeg and rocky beach views.
What runners say about Rainforest Trail
“Beautiful, easily accessible, well maintained looping trails with great views and the possibility of connecting to Outer Point Trail, Shaman Island, etc.”
“Beautiful, easily accessible, well maintained looping trails with great views and the possibility of connecting to Outer Point Trail, Shaman Island, etc.”
“It's a great trail for easy walks because it's very well kept and there is a beautiful beach at the end!”
Beautiful scenery. More of a nature walk than a hike, but it's definitely worthwhile to go. Can get a little congested with folks and their dogs, but if you can avoid going at a time when the foot traffic is high, it's a great spot to enjoy some nature.
7-11-24 On Douglas Island. There is a parking lot with a marquis and details about the trail. We saw plenty of e-bikes and bikes as well as a few vehicles parked in the lot. There is plenty of room. The signage puts the trail at 1 mile, but Strava put this trail at 1.38 miles with 120 feet elevation gain.
These great trails are very well built and established, using boards or crushed rock, and takes you through the rainforest. Take a good look at the map: there are two loops with some links between.
Beautiful, easily accessible, well maintained looping trails with great views and the possibility of connecting to Outer Point Trail, Shaman Island, etc. This trail traverses forest, muskeg, and beach. Great for birdwatching, foraging, and enjoying wildflowers. Good for children and families.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful, easily accessible, well maintained looping trails with great views and the possibility of connecting to Outer Point Trail, Shaman Island, etc.”
“All the trails in Juneau are great but this trail is a favorite with a beautiful payoff of a rocky beach.”
“Beautiful, easily accessible, well maintained looping trails with great views and the possibility of connecting to Outer Point Trail, Shaman Island, etc.”
“Mostly gravel/dirt with occasional roots.”
“This is a mile long, gently graded path looping to the beach and returning to the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Rainforest Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitejuneau.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Juneau
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Outer Point Loop Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Forest, bog, tidepool, beach and island hiking area offering wildlife spotting and berry picking.
Mendenhall Refuge Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Scenic area featuring a flat trail for hiking and biking with glacier views plus wetlands and bird-watching opportunities.
Auke Lake Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Hiking area featuring kid-friendly trails, a lake, and other natural features.
