Fall Outing

When it is raining in Juneau, Alaska, Eagle Beach is the place to be. The Eagle Beach State Recreation area is 27 miles north of Juneau, and often has milder weather than elsewhere in the Juneau area. The Rec area provides firepits, trails, and restrooms, and expansive views of the sound and distant Chilkat Mountains. I've posted about Eagle Beach and Eagle River in the past (see Eagle Beach Adventure, Eagle River and the Crab Feed, and Beautiful Juneau).

Eagle Beach area, with a view across Favorite Channel

For this fall outing, Mom and I ate our lunch in the car, while soaking in the view, and then hiked across the sandy beach for a closer look. We saw lots of birds congregating close to the water's edge. Salmon spawn in the area, and are frequently snapped up for a quick meal by eagles, or trapped in pools of water when the tide goes out and eaten by birds or bears. Nothing goes to waste. We met several family groups out walking with their dogs. It was great to see dogs off leash and running, jumping, and diving into the cold salt water with abandon!

Birds congregate on Eagle Beach

Later we drove to the nearby Eagle River picnic and camping area. The Eagle River changes its course frequently, and we found a section of the bank cordoned off with a former bench precariously close to the edge. The view toward the Chilkat Mountains is spectacular.

Salt water from Favorite Channel meets fresh water from Eagle River

We walked along the Beach Access Trail that parallels Eagle River, catching glimpses of the river along the way. We saw many eagles, ravens, sea gulls and shore birds feasting and communing on the sandbars in the river. Mom and I had a great time together enjoying the views and being in nature!

Mom strides along the Beach Access Trail by Eagle River