Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake

Head out with your prospector/guide for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol. Then, turn up the road to Gold Creek and “Last Chance Basin,” where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880.

In a beautiful, secluded setting near a waterfall alongside Gold Creek — only accessible for groups under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is really done. Then, it’s your turn, as you expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. People of all ages and mobility limitations can learn how to pan and capture the full gold-rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold, and all that glitters is yours to keep!

See the remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company all around you. At the height of production, it was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques used, and the quest for gold that is such a major part of Alaska’s history.

Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what it was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago.

In a beautiful, secluded setting near a waterfall alongside Gold Creek — only accessible for groups under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is really done. Then, it’s your turn, as you expertly work the pan in the waters of Gold Creek, with helpful tips and advice from your prospector guide. People of all ages and mobility limitations can learn how to pan and capture the full gold-rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold, and all that glitters and souvenir Gold Claim Certificate is yours to keep!

Gold-panning is hungry work, so you’re sure to have an appetite for what’s up next on your Juneau adventure. Featured on Bravo Television’s Top Chef, Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for over 40 years. After a 20-minute scenic transfer, find yourself in a truly unique, lush rainforest environment under heated, translucent domes. Savor the aroma of wild Alaska salmon, grilling over a fragrant alder wood fire—the signature entrée of an all-you-can-eat adventure. The sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from our signature grilled Alaskan salmon or Cheechako Chicken and enjoy a variety of Alaskan sides, and blueberry cake for dessert.

Relax listening to live music or take a short stroll along a natural salmon-spawning creek to the entrance of the Wagner Mine at beautiful Salmon Creek Falls where you can pan for gold, see mining relics, and look for salmon. Have fun roasting marshmallows over a campfire and take photos at our interactive, gold rush mural. The food, entertainment, activities, and ambiance make Gold Creek Salmon Bake an Alaskan experience that is much more than a meal. Shuttle buses run regularly, so no need for you to rush, take your time and enjoy. You can stay until your tastes have been satisfied and you're filled with great memories!!