Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience
About this activity
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- This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!
Experience Highlights
Travel to the heart of the Alaskan gold rush with a guided tour of the Juneau underground mine, the only one open to the public in the region. Equipped with a hard hat and torch, you'll descend through historic galleries to see how miners extracted the precious metal in extreme conditions.
The tour starts next to the Mount Roberts Tramway, just a short walk from the cruise ship pier. There you will be met by your guide, who will organise the short transfer to the entrance of the mine. The experience lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and includes a hands-on gold panning session in warm water. Commentary in English and small groups (max. 24) guarantee personalised attention.
- Book in advance and secure your helmet: limited departures.
- Descend into the past and experience a real mining machinery demonstration.
- Take your own nugget with you: whatever you find during the panning is yours!
What’s included
- Transfer to and from the dock and the mine
- Full safety equipment: helmet, torch and listening devices
- Live mining guide (English) throughout the tour
- Underground demonstration of historic machinery
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Step by Step
Upon arrival at the mining complex, your guide - an expert with years of underground work - hands out safety equipment and briefly explains the history of the major gold deposit that gave birth to Juneau.
Under the light of your torch, you will advance through tunnels dug at the end of the 19th century where rails, pneumatic drills and veins of glowing quartz are still preserved. In one of the main chambers, the guide activates an original drill so you can feel the vibration and rumble that marked the miners' day.
Back on the surface, the creek-side panning area awaits. Using the traditional pan and warm water method, you'll learn how to separate the golden flakes from the sediment and, with any luck, find small nuggets to keep as souvenirs.
The last stop is the camp tent, where photographs, maps and mineral samples are on display. Here you will have a few minutes free to ask questions, buy some hot chocolate or admire the tools that marked Southeast Alaska's biggest gold rush.
The shuttle takes you back to the starting point, leaving plenty of time to continue your day in Juneau or leisurely return to the cruise ship.
