← Back to United States Experiences
Juneau · Alaska · United States
Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake
Starting From
From $145.95 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Catch "gold fever" and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold and discover Juneau's colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with your costumed 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 1880and where local Juneau residents still find gold today. 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!
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Experience gold panning on the banks of Gold Creek at Juneau
- Learn to pan for gold and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself
- Savor the aroma of wild Alaska salmon grilling over a fragrant Alderwood fire signature entrée
- Relax listening to live music in a truly unique, lush rainforest environment under heated
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
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!
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Juneau
Gold Panning at Gold Creek (Juneau, Alaska).
Continued
Juneau
Food Tasting.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Escorted tour by prospector/guide from the dock Use of rain ponchos if needed during gold panning A souvenir gold claim deed Return transfer to the dock
Not Included
Taxes
What to Bring
We recommend guests to wear warm comfortable layers and bring gloves and an extra pair of socks
Restrictions
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian.
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick up and drop off from the dock.
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-06-13
4.00 / 5
Our tour guide made a stop to pick up more participants and no one was there. This took away from our time panning for gold which seemed quite short and rushed. The instructions were rushed and the help panning was just fair. The salmon bake was a 5 star experience for the setting the efficiency and the friendliness. The salmon was great and we just missed a bear sighting at the campfire while we were at the falls!
2025-07-10
5.00 / 5
This tour was a lot of fun. Pickup from the port in Juneau was really simple. We checked in and were even able to add a person to the tour on the spot, which was handled beautifully. We were picked up and boarded a van for a short ride through town and up into the woods, where our driver brought us near the river, where panning was ready for us. Each participant could pan one of the prepared panning discs after a quick explanation on how to be most successful. After sealing our gold in a small container, we boarded the bus for a 15 minute drive to the Salmon bake, which was delicious. Plenty of food offerings, options for beer, a gift shop, additional panning opportunities and s'mores.
2023-10-22
5.00 / 5
Jason and the whole crew were amazing. We met them at the meeting point and we took off. Jason offered up his Juneau knowledge. There were 3 guys helping with the gold panning. It was done in a creek or a box if you didn't want to bend over. The highlight for me was the salmon bake. Ribs were offered as well. I don't eat fish but I did eat the salmon. It was an amazing spread of food. So yummy! Highly recommend!
Featured Travel