kambam

Wow, thank you so much for the info and the pictures, it's more information than I've been able to find online. We tend to like to do things on our own, but I've been looking into tours also. We plan to be prepared, thanks for the info on bringing something to start a fire (just in case), great tip. We usually have our Camelbaks for hiking, so we'll have full use of our hands.

We're planning on renting a car so I figure what we'll do is head in that direction and if the weather is nice, not too wet, we'll head to the glacier. I don't think I would like going up and down that rocky area if it was pouring rain. The caves would be a plus, but I would be happy to make it to the base of the glacier. If it's raining, we'll just stay on the West Glacier Trail just to be safe. From what I've seen, it looks like the West Glacier trail has some beautiful views...

Anyone have experience with this trail? Specifically taking the smaller trail to the ice caves? ANY information would be great. We are pretty fit in general and do some hiking, but not a lot of advanced hiking and no 'backpacking". Just wondering how advanced it is... I've read that the Falls trail is good, but I am looking for something a little more advanced and longer. I love the idea of being able to get close to Mendenhall without the whole helicopter thing... :)

I know that the items that say Alaska on it aren't made in Alaska. I just like a variety of souvenirs and gifts. I like items that say Alaska on it, especially for gifts. Plus, I tend to always get a sweatshirt or jacket from wherever I travel. But, I'm also looking for items that are made in Alaska too. Thank you for the tips on what to look for though.

Thanks for all the ideas!

I'm sorry that I like to buy trinkets and Alaska sweatshirts and things like that when I travel and not spend a fortune. So your saying there are no shops that sell products that are made in Alaska in the area? Even the Salmon from Chinook & Co is from China?

We'll probably do a short excursion. But it's our last stop in Alaska, we only have a few hours, I figured it would be best to do a little souvenir shopping there.

I'm surprised by all the negativity, as I've been looking through the forum it seems as though people are usually pretty polite and helpful...

I'm new here and have my first Alaskan cruise booked on Golden Princess at the end of May. I've been going through these pages and they have been so helpful! I have a couple questions though...

1:We're thinking about renting a car in Juneau, and not sure which spots to hit. So far on my list I have Tracy's Crab Shack and Mendenhall Glacier to hike for a while (So far it seems like the waterfall trail is the one to take...). Where else should we plan on heading? We'll be there till 10 p.m.

2: We're planning on above for Juneau, and we think we'll be doing ziplining and train in Skagway, so I was thinking it might nice to check out the town of Ketchikan and do a little shopping. We're gunna be in port between 7 a.m. and 12:30, is there enough in walking distance to keep us busy? I've read that's a good place to shop, how should we get around and are there certain places that are musts? I've read good things about Tongass Trading Company and Chinook & Co...