Glacier Gardens

Another fun outing was the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure—part rainforest tour, part fabulous views down Gastineau Channel, part whimsical upside-down trees, and part beautiful botanical garden in a natural setting. Something for everyone!

Glacier Gardens

We got an early start, hoping to snag a tour between tour busses, and succeeded (we practically had the place to ourselves). Glacier Gardens got its start after a landslide ravaged the Thunder Mountain hillside in 1984, leaving a big scar across the rainforest. Some folks would have been dismayed, but Steve and Cindy Bowhay saw opportunity. They obtained the proper permits, purchased six-and-a-half acres of land in 1994, and started to work on their vision restore the land and create a landscape. Over time, they obtained additional land and expanded their operation.

Glacier Gardens landscaping

Tranquil pond

 

The gardens are lovely with rhododendron, azalea, and maple; stunning streams, ponds, and rock work; and the beautiful and whimsical planters made out of upside-down trees (called Upside-Down Flower Towers). I have visited the gardens multiple times over the past 10 years or so, and the trees, shrubs, and planters have matured beautifully.

Rhododendrons and whimsical planters 

Upside-Down Flower Tower

 

The quick tour by golf carts up the hill and through the rainforest is a treat. We got to see the beauty of the rainforest flash past – the spruce and hemlock; the mist hanging in the air; the heavy moss dripping with dew; the Devil’s Club with its spiny stem and leaves; the old growth stumps, logged last century and now decomposing with dignity. The rainforest was the playground of my childhood. We ran through a similar forest behind our home, making forts, spying on each other, and exploring the green paradise.

Dense temperate rainforest

From the summit of the road, the view is beautiful – down Gastineau channel toward Juneau in one direction, and toward the Chilkat Mountains in the other. Without the trail and observation deck, this would be a difficult view to see – it would require a rigorous hike through the trees and understory.

Beautiful views

Back at the Glacier Gardens Visitor Center, we enjoyed the beautiful hanging umbrellas and baskets of cascading petunias. The newlyweds posed near the heart of flowers.

Glacier Gardens Event Center

After a few more photos in the garden, we regrouped at Vintage Fare Café in the Nugget Mall for delicious quiche and egg salad sandwiches.