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Head upstream from Juneau to Gold Creek and try your hand at classic gold panning where the Alaska Gold Rush began. This 90-minute shore excursion pairs a short history lesson with hands-on panning—keep any gold you find.
Head upstream from Juneau to Gold Creek and try your hand at classic gold panning where the Alaska Gold Rush began. This 90-minute shore excursion pairs a short history lesson with hands-on panning—keep any gold you find.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc. · Juneau, Alaska
A cold creek wind cuts across your face as the bus pulls off the highway and the sound of a small waterfall grows louder. You move from Juneau’s paved streets into a quiet wash of evergreens and moss—Gold Creek daring you to try your luck where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris first struck paying ore in 1880. The guide, in period clothing, gestures to rusting timbers and the foundations of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company while the creek pushes forward, impatient and bright.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and standing in/near shallow water; minimal mobility required.
Yes—participants keep all gold recovered during their panning session; guides also provide a souvenir claim certificate.
Yes—children 12 and under must be with an adult, and the site accommodates varying mobility levels with an option to pan from a waist-high trough.
Meet downtown on the sidewalk beneath the Mt. Roberts Tram cables; arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure with your voucher.
Tours can be cancelled for severe weather; dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear, but expect the activity to run in light rain given proper safety precautions.
Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin are where prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris made the discovery in 1880 that launched Juneau’s mining boom and led to the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company’s large-scale operations.
Access to the demonstration site is permit-restricted to limit erosion and habitat damage; visitors should stay on designated paths, avoid stirring fine sediments, and pack out waste.
Alaska Travel Adventures Inc. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.
Book directly with Alaska Travel Adventures Inc. for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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