Juneau, Alaska's Capital since 1906,  was originally fishing grounds for local Tlingit Indians, the Gastineau Channel area became a focus of attention in the late 1800's when a Tlingit named Kowee of the Auk Tlingit Tribe provided gold ore samples in response to a reward offered by George Pilz, a Sitka engineer. Pilz grubstaked prospectors Richard Harris and Joseph Juneau in August 1880. They found plenty of color in Gold Creek, but did not follow the gold to its source. At Kowee's urging, Pilz sent the pair back again. Harris and Juneau climbed Snow Slide Gulch at the head of Gold Creek and looked down into the mother lode of Quartz Gulch and Silver Bow Basin.

I've managed to visit Juneau a couple of times, and have enjoyed it each time.  Its one of those places that you just don't grow tired of.  Rich with history, and close to the 'great outdoors', Juneau would be a GREAT place to live!

The Gold mines that were dug into the mountains above Juneau were closed in 1944, as the war efforts pulled workers away, and into higher paying jobs for the government -- or the military.

The huge structures supporting the mining operations are now eroding into ruins, but they make for a great scene, if you ask me.

The green of the mountains that grow right from the edge of town reflect on the water as you close in on the city.

Juneau is isolated from the rest of the state.  In order to get there, you either have to come by ferry, or fly... there are no roads to anywhere else.

The blue buildings on the docks are where Alaska Airlines got its start, and for many years were its headquarters.

 
Several state office buildings are dispersed around the city... it seems to be to be one of the more reserved state capitals I've visited.

 
On one visit, we stopped at a salmon hatchery which was right on the waterfront.  They sold the salmon for food... it made it easy, because more than 40,000 salmon a year simply swam to the hatchery, removing the need to fish for them.

The waters around the hatchery teemed with fish waiting for the gates to open so they could enter the ladder area... other locals were interested in what was going on, also...

 
Also on the docks, a gondola takes you up the slopes above the city, quickly whisking you up to access trails and views that allow you to take in the other part of Juneau...

 
Nearby, the Gardens of Mist provide a unique experience with the Pacific North West... for us, its pretty typical.

Juneau is also where you can visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a very impressive place to visit!

I'm sure I'll return to Juneau... and learn more about the interesting city nestled in an incredibly beautiful place!

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