Juneau, Alaska

Costs (I spent):

Accommodation: Camping $10/night

Bus within Juneau: I think it was $1.50/trip

Food: probably $15-20/day

Juneau is only accessible by boat and plane. I arrived at the ferry terminal, inside I spoke to a guy at the information desk who told me how to get the bus to the Mendenhall Lake Campground. Getting from the ferry terminal to the campground requires about a 3Km hike along the highway to a bus stop at De Harts store (all locals pronounce it "dee Harts"). You want the bus going up the hill. And after you get off the bus you have about another 2Km hike to the campground.

The Campground itself is amazing, fire wood is included in the price, there are great views of the glacier, and great access to the West Glacier hiking trail. I highly recommend doing at least half of the West Glacier trail. The town of Juneau is fairly far from the campground getting there will require a bus. The town has some cool bars and coffee shops but is somewhat touristy due to the cruise ship crowd. There is a hostel in the town of Juneau but the owner kicks everyone out at 9am and lets everyone back in at 5pm because he has to go to work. I recommend the Mendenhall Campground instead.

For backpackers going from the ferry terminal to the campground food choices are limited so plan ahead and pack an extra dehydrated meal or buy food at De Harts because that will be the only option other than taking the bus into town.