Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure – Juneau, Alaska

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Colorful flowers overflowing from elevated planters made from tall tree trunks in the rainforest gardens of Juneau, Alaska. — Glacier Gardens’ signature upside‑down trees rise tall in Juneau, Alaska, bursting with vibrant summer blooms.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is one of the most unique and visually stunning attractions in Juneau, offering a blend of botanical gardens, rainforest scenery, and panoramic mountain views. A visit to Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure gives travelers a peaceful, colorful escape into the Tongass National Forest, complete with guided tours, dramatic “upside‑down trees,” and breathtaking overlooks of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

Fun Facts

The gardens were created by Steve Bowhay, who invented the famous “upside‑down flower towers.”
Glacier Gardens sits within the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
The upside‑down trees are made from recycled Sitka spruce, turned root‑side up and filled with flowers.
The property covers 50 acres of rainforest, streams, and botanical displays.
Guided tours take visitors up to a 700‑foot overlook with sweeping views of Juneau.
The gardens feature hanging baskets, ponds, waterfalls, and vibrant floral displays.
The site was originally restored after a major landslide in the 1980s.
Glacier Gardens is one of the most photographed garden attractions in Alaska.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your visit begins with a guided tour aboard an open‑air vehicle that winds through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, moss‑covered trees, and the famous upside‑down flower towers. Guides share stories about the garden’s creation, local ecology, and the restoration of the land.

At the top, you’ll step out at a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Juneau, the airport, and the Gastineau Channel — a highlight for many visitors. After the tour, you can explore the lower gardens, ponds, and floral displays at your own pace.

Most travelers spend 60–90 minutes here.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful, colorful, and unexpected experience in Juneau. It’s ideal for photography, relaxing strolls, and anyone who appreciates gardens, rainforest scenery, or unique attractions.

Where It’s Located

The gardens are located about 7 miles from downtown Juneau, near the Juneau International Airport.

How to Get There From the Cruise Port

Shuttle: Many tours include round‑trip transportation.
Taxi or rideshare: Quick and convenient.
Car rental: Ideal if you’re exploring multiple attractions.
Bike: Possible, but the route includes hills.

Best Time to Visit

June–August offers peak blooms and lush greenery.
Morning provides soft light for photography.
Midday is great for bright floral colors.
Rainy days enhance the rainforest atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting

Bring a camera — the flower towers and overlooks are stunning.
Wear layers — the rainforest can be cool and damp.
Take your time exploring the lower gardens after the tour.
Look for eagles soaring above the overlook.
Combine with Mendenhall Glacier for a nature‑themed day.

Common Complaints

Tours can feel short for some visitors.
The overlook may be foggy on cloudy days.
Shuttle schedules vary by operator.
Some guests expect a larger botanical garden layout.

Final Thoughts

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is one of the most beautiful and unexpected attractions in Juneau. With vibrant floral displays, lush rainforest scenery, and sweeping mountain views, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a must‑visit for cruise travelers who want a peaceful, colorful escape into nature.

For more ideas to plan your day, explore my full guide to the top things to do in Juneau.