Juneau Word Search

ALASKA – The 49th U.S. state and largest by area, known for wilderness, wildlife, and extreme weather. Juneau serves as its capital city despite being inaccessible by road.

CAPITAL – Juneau has been Alaska’s capital since 1906, making it the only U.S. state capital inaccessible by road and the second largest capital by area in America.

CRUISE – Juneau is a major cruise ship destination, welcoming over one million passengers annually during summer months, making tourism vital to the local economy and culture.

DOUGLAS – Douglas Island sits across Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau. The community of Douglas is connected by bridge and considered part of greater Juneau’s municipality.

EAGLE – Bald eagles are abundant in Juneau year-round, often seen fishing along shorelines and perched in trees. They’re a symbol of Alaska’s pristine wilderness and natural beauty.

FERRY – The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system provides essential transportation connecting Juneau to other Southeast Alaska communities, serving as the region’s waterborne highway for passengers and vehicles.

GLACIER – Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau’s most famous attraction, a massive river of ice flowing from the Juneau Icefield. It’s easily accessible and visited by thousands annually.

GOLD RUSH – The 1880 gold rush established Juneau after Joe Juneau and Richard Harris discovered gold. Mining operations continued for decades, shaping the city’s early development and economy.

HALIBUT – Pacific halibut is a prized flatfish abundant in Juneau’s waters. Sport fishing and commercial halibut fishing are popular activities, with the fish being a local culinary staple.

HARBOR – Juneau’s harbors accommodate commercial fishing vessels, cruise ships, seaplanes, and recreational boats. The waterfront serves as the city’s lifeline for transportation, commerce, and tourism.

ICEFIELD – The Juneau Icefield spans 1,500 square miles across the Coast Mountains, feeding numerous glaciers including Mendenhall. It’s one of North America’s largest icefields outside polar regions.

JOE JUNEAU – Joe Juneau was the gold prospector who, with Richard Harris, discovered gold in 1880. The city was named in his honor, establishing what became Alaska’s capital.

KAYAK – Kayaking is extremely popular in Juneau’s protected waters, offering access to glaciers, wildlife, and scenic coastlines. Both guided tours and independent paddling attract residents and tourists.

MINING – Gold mining established Juneau in 1880 and dominated the economy for decades. The Alaska-Juneau Mine was once the world’s largest low-grade ore mine before closing in 1944.

MOUNTAINS – The Coast Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to Juneau, with peaks rising thousands of feet directly from the ocean. They create Juneau’s stunning fjord-like setting and unique geography.

ORCA – Orca whales, also called killer whales, frequent Juneau’s waters, especially during summer salmon runs. Whale watching tours offer opportunities to observe these magnificent marine mammals.

PANHANDLE – Southeast Alaska’s panhandle is a narrow strip of coastal land and islands stretching south from Alaska’s main landmass. Juneau sits near the region’s center.

RAVEN – Ravens are intelligent, common birds throughout Juneau and hold deep significance in Tlingit culture and mythology. They’re seen daily throughout the city in all seasons.

SALMON – Five salmon species spawn in Juneau’s streams and rivers. Salmon fishing supports commercial, subsistence, and sport fisheries while being crucial to local ecosystems and culture.

SEAPLANE – Float planes are essential transportation in Juneau, connecting the roadless capital to other communities. The distinctive sound of seaplanes is part of daily life in the city.

SOUTHEAST – Southeast Alaska, or the Alaska Panhandle, encompasses Juneau and surrounding communities. This temperate rainforest region features fjords, islands, glaciers, and dense forests throughout.

SPRUCE – Sitka spruce and other spruce species dominate Juneau’s temperate rainforest. These towering evergreens create the lush, green landscape characteristic of Southeast Alaska’s coastal environment.

TLINGIT – The Tlingit are the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska who inhabited the Juneau area for thousands of years. Their culture, art, and traditions remain vibrant today.

TOTEM – Totem poles are carved wooden monuments created by Tlingit and other Northwest Coast indigenous peoples. These important cultural symbols tell stories, honor ancestors, and display clan crests throughout Juneau.