Gold Panning Tours in Juneau, Alaska

Seductive veins of gold wind through the mountains and valleys of southeastern Alaska. Over 100 years ago, hopeful hordes flocked north for the chance to strike it rich. The glaciers around Juneau melt and carve their way into mountain streams, still carrying with them sparkling reminders of what led to the founding of Alaska’s capital city.

Alaska’s gold rush put the region on the map in the late 19th century. While many risked everything for a chance to hit paydirt, you can feel the thrill of finding gold, minus the risk, on a gold panning tour in Juneau.

Here's all you need to know about gold panning, one of the most captivating outdoor activities in Juneau.

What are the best gold panning tours in Juneau?

Panning and mining adventure

If you only have a short period of time but want to feel the excitement of finding gold, a panning and mining adventure fits a lot into only about 90 minutes. Enjoy a quick tour of Juneau city and an hour of panning. After a bit of instruction, set to work with your new panning skills. You’re guaranteed to find gold!

Underground mine tour and panning

Enter the earth for one of Alaska’s only mining tunnel tours. Ex-miner guides will share their years of experience and knowledge as you tread the well-lit boardwalks and inspect the cave sides. After the tour, try your hand at panning and keep every flake you find.

Panning and salmon bake

Searching for gold and filling up on fresh salmon make for a delightful cruise ship shore excursion or day trip to Gold Creek Salmon Bake. With a panning lesson, buffet of local delicacies and the promise of walking home with a vial of gold, a panning and salmon bake outing is sure to be a highlight of your Alaskan vacation.

What will you see and do?

Colorful, misty Juneau welcomes you with its curving streets lined with brick buildings, set against a backdrop of peaks and tumbling waterfall. Get ready to discover this eclectic city as your guide takes you on a brief tour of Juneau before heading to your mining destination.

Relive history in the area where Joseph Juneau and Richard Harris struck it rich in the late 1800s. The 20-minute drive to either Gold Creek or the Peterson Gold Mine will take you , through the charming downtown, past the capitol building and up into the Tongass Rainforest.

On gold panning adventures, a knowledgeable guide will give you a quick lesson with panning gear while entertaining you with a wealth of facts about Alaska’s gold rush. Grab a pan yourself, scoop up some of the creek bed and sift away until you find your first flakes of gold.

For tours of the underground Peterson Gold Mine, meet a former miner-guide who will outfit you with a hardhat and lead you into the mountainside. Learn tricks of the trade as well as hazards of digging deep into the earth. Scan the cave walls for veins of gold and other minerals as you wander the tunnels.

Back out in the fresh air, it’s your turn to pan for your own gold to take home. Like other panning experiences, keep all that you find in a handy glass vial.

After striking gold, hungry travelers who’ve opted for panning and the salmon bake will settle in at a camp kitchen equipped with tables under awnings and heat lamps. Dig into the buffet-style meal, sampling more than just alder-baked salmon. Try grilled chicken and sides that perfectly complement your meal.

During the meal, relax to music by live performers. Spy the handicrafts of Tlingit artisans as they work on totem poles and silver jewelry. In the right season, you may see salmon jumping in the creek and eager bears awaiting a catch. You can even take more time to pan in the creek next to the camp.

How much do gold panning tours in Juneau cost?

Underground mine tours with panning cost around US$70 per adult and US$50 per child aged 3 to 12. Children up to age 2 can attend for free. Tour fees provide transportation, a guided tour, hardhat and a chance to pan for gold.

Gold panning adventures cost around US$95 per adult and US$70 per child up to age 12. The price includes round-trip transportation, gear and instruction for panning and a vial to store all the gold you find.

Panning and salmon bake outings cost US$125 per adult and around US$95 per child up to age 12. This tour provides everything included in the gold panning adventure plus an all-you-can-eat salmon dinner.

What is included?

All tours provide you with round-trip transportation between Juneau and the mining areas with commentary from your driver-guide as you pass by area landmarks. Your guide will regale you with history, facts and tips about gold mining, whether at creekside or in mine tunnels.

Then, you’ll be turned loose to sift through creek sands for gold with the certainty of finding at least a little. Every tour allows you to keep all the gold flakes that you find, plus a small glass vial for you to admire your glittering findings.

Panning tours with salmon bake offers all the benefits of the panning adventure plus a generous lunch or dinner with live entertainment. Fill up a plate with Alaskan specialties like red sockeye salmon, seafood chowder and other sides followed by a wild blueberry cake. Hot and cold soft drinks are included, and beer and wine are available for purchase.

For cruise passengers, tour providers firmly guarantee that you’ll be back to the port with ample time to reboard your ship.

Where does it start?

All gold panning excursions begin at the Mount Roberts Tramway next to the cruise port. Be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your departure time.

How long does it last?

Gold panning and mining adventures last about 1.5 hours. Transportation between Juneau and the panning creek takes about 20 minutes each way. For all outings, your driver will give you a brief tour of the city including its distinctive capitol building on your way to the creek.

Panning and salmon bake excursions last 3 to 4 hours. You’ll spend about 1 hour panning before the meal.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Only the underground mine and panning tour is wheelchair friendly.

Is it safe?

Yes, gold panning tours in Juneau are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment. These excursions are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns. If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children of all ages are allowed to participate in gold panning tours in Juneau.

When is the best time for a gold panning tour in Juneau?

June is one of the best times for a gold panning tour in Juneau due to the favorable weather, abundant daylight, and availability of tours due to being the peak tourism season. However, because it's a popular time, it's wise to book your tour in advance to secure your spot.

What other outdoor activities can be done Juneau?

• Whale watching  in Juneau
• Icefield walks in Juneau
• Hiking trails in Juneau
• Canoeing trips in Juneau
• Helicopter flights in Juneau

Travel tips

• Juneau's weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, it’s advised to wear layers, bring waterproof clothing, and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Listen closely to the guide's instructions to maximize your chances of finding gold.
• Respect the natural environment, don't disturb local wildlife and always clean up after yourself.
• If panning outside a tour, ensure you're not trespassing or violating any local laws related to gold prospecting.
• Be cautious near water sources, riverbanks can be slippery, and currents might be stronger than they appear.
• It is possible not to find any gold flakes, so value it's the experience itself and the history of gold panning in Juneau.