Juneau Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake Tour

4.7

22 reviews

Excursion Overview

Gold panning experience with a wild Alaskan feast!

Experience the history of Alaska with this informational and engaging excursion!

Meet your guide just a few steps from the pier, at the main cruise ship terminal. After everyone is comfortably settled in the motorcoach, you will embark on your journey. Your local guide will provide narration as you make your way through downtown Juneau. Have your cameras ready as you pass by the capitol building before heading up to Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin.

Once you arrive at the creek, your gold-panning adventure begins. Your guide will detail the rich history of gold panning that first began in 1880 when Joe Juneau and Rich Harris successfully found gold. Next, you will be given a proper introduction to gold panning, before trying your hand at getting lucky yourself. Take home any gold that you find. The area is so plentiful, that we guarantee you will strike gold!

After 45 minutes of panning for gold, make your way to the salmon bake for an all-you-can-eat Alaskan-style buffet! At the salmon bake, you'll enjoy the signature Alderwood-grilled wild salmon, BBQ ribs, Chilkoot baked beans, Tongass wild-rice pilaf, hot chowder, a selection of sides, salads and homemade blueberry cake for dessert. As you enjoy your meal, take in the views of the majestic Alaskan rainforest and listen to the tunes of a local musician.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship dock
Use of rain ponchos if needed
Gold panning lessons
Gold Claim Certificate for the gold you find
All-you-can-eat buffet: Signature Alderwood-grilled wild salmon, BBQ ribs, Chilkoot baked beans, Tongass wild rice pilaf, fresh clam chowder, and a selection of side dishes and salads. Don't forget to save room for the homemade blueberry cake!

Requirements:

Guests should wear warm layered clothing and plan to bring additional raingear to ensure maximum comfort
All children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Guests age 13-17 must present a signed parental consent form in the absence of parent or guardian

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

45 minutes - roundtrip scenic driving tour with narration
45 minutes - gold panning instruction & exploration
20 minutes - transfer from gold mining to Salmon Bake
60~70 minutes - at the Salmon Bake

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is not limited mobility or wheelchair accessible, as there is rocky and uneven terrain.

Refund Policy:

You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

-Full Menu-
Clam Chowder (served upon arrival)
Coleslaw
Salmon Caesar Salad
Beet Salad
Pickles and Olives
Baked Beans with Reindeer Sausage
Au Gratin Potatoes
Pasta Salad
Corn Bread
Blueberry Cake
Alder Smoked Sockeye Salmon
BBQ Ribs
Roasted Marshmallows
Water, Lemonade, Coffee, Tea, Apple Cider
Beer, Wine, & Soda (for purchase)

Gluten Free Items:
Clam Chowder
Cole Slaw
Salmon Caesar Salad
Beet Salad
Pickles and Olives
Baked Beans with Reindeer Sausage
Steamed White Rice*
Au Gratin Potatoes
Alder Smoked Salmon
Roasted Marshmallows

Vegetarian Items:
Cole Slaw
Caesar Salad*
Beet Salad
Pickles and Olives
Baked Beans*
Steamed White Rice*
Corn Bread
Blueberry Cake

Please note that anything with an asterisk needs to be requested at least 72 hours in advance in order to ensure it's available. If you would like to request any of these items, please leave us a comment at checkout.

This tour will operate as scheduled in rain or sunshine.

We welcome all ages on this tour, with a couple of requirements in regard to minors. Any children age 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Those minors age 13-17 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian to be permitted on the tour without them.

Yes, you will be able to keep any gold you find during the panning session. Guests are given a small container as a keepsake.

Guest Reviews

4.7

22 total

Joseph M

On May 2025

Good fun and great food.

Jeanine D

On Sep 2024

My family thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The guide was great and full of information as he took us around. Gold panning was a blast even though it was raining we didn't care. lol Then I loved the area for the salmon bake. Very well laid out and lots to do. My mother doesn't like Salmon but loved the salmon here! So fresh and so much incredible food along with the salmon. We enjoyed sitting by the campfire and roasting marshmallows and drying out and enjoyed the easy walk to the beautiful waterfalls! We just loved everything about this tour!

Danielle B

On Aug 2024

Such a great experience, and we were so lucky because the Sun came out to join us!! Fun and informative tour guide, passionate about his job, and the Salmon bake was delicious :)

Lorraine W

On Aug 2024

It was fun to pan for gold and bring a little bit of Alaska home. The Salmon Bake was excellent!

Jane L

On Aug 2024

We had a wonderful time. Katherine was patient and kind, and the salmon bake was very delicious. We enjoyed the corn bread, salmon, and beans with reindeer sausage! Highly recommended.

$145.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$145.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Passengers *

Adult (13+): $145.00

Child (4-12): $108.00

Infant (3 and under): $79.00

Juneau Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake Tour

Excursion Overview

Gold panning experience with a wild Alaskan feast!