A group of us took the Goldbelt Tram from dock-side in
downtown Juneau to the tram stop at the tree line, practically straight up the mountain. In our youth we hiked up the mountain, starting at the
trail head close to Basin Road, through thick conifers, to the tree line at around 1,760 feet.
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The tram car, named Raven, arrives at the tram terminal
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| Raven arrives at the Mount Roberts tram terminal. Here is a view of the powerful cable works, and Nature Center. |
Now it is enjoyable to zip up the mountain in just a few minutes,
watching the cruise ships and downtown Juneau fall away below, and the vistas down channel open up. The Visitor Center provides information about indigenous history and culture, and offers a restaurant and gift shop.
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| The miniature conifers of the elfin forest are pruned and sculpted by the elements. |
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| A blind bald eagle on display at the nature center. |
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| A native American raven is carved into a tree. |
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A short hike takes you out of the elfin forest and into the alpine meadow. June is a great time to see wildflowers. The plants take advantage of the brief season to grow and propagate. We enjoyed the fabulous vistas in all directions.
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| Beautiful view down channel at Father Brown's cross. |
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| The alpine meadow is being restored. Meadows are easily trampled, and restore slowly in the short growing season. |
I learned from signage at the top that the rise in elevation
from water’s edge to mountain top comprises multiple plant communities,
including conifer groves, elfinwood, rock gardens, lush meadows, deciduous
thickets, snow beds, and heath. This provides a great opportunity for botanical
observation.
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| Blue berries are just starting to ripen. |
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| Salmon berry blossoms with snow in the background. |
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| Violets |
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| Wild geraniums |
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We finished the day at El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant for a delicious
dinner with our extended family, and lively conversation.
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