The heart of Juneau, in southeast Alaska, is more than stunning landscapes and bustling wildlife. It's a culinary adventure waiting to be explored, and nothing captures this spirit quite like the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Whether you're an eager foodie, a travel enthusiast, planning a family vacation, or setting sail on an Alaskan cruise, this culinary gem is a must-visit on your itinerary. In this post, we’ll explore the charm and allure of the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, offering you a taste of what’s to come on your Alaskan adventure.
My adventure to Juneau Alaska started on a cruise, on the Norwegian Jewel to be exact. If you would like to read my blog review of my time on the NCL Jewel, click here. Cruises are one of the best ways to visit the port city of Juneau, just be aware, the city government is trying to prevent cruise ships from coming into port on Saturdays. Cruise ships will be watching this carefully for the future, so you will not miss a chance to visit Juneau. If you would like to read my blog about Juneau cruise port, click here.
A Taste of History and Tradition in Juneau
Nestled in the lush Tongass National Forest, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake isn't just a meal—it's an experience steeped in tradition and natural beauty. For over 30 years, this culinary haven has been serving freshly caught salmon to visitors from around the world, embodying the rich cultural and natural heritage of Alaska.
From the moment you arrive, the warm aroma of wood-smoke grilling fills the air, welcoming you into an authentic Alaskan dining experience. The setting—a picturesque clearing by Salmon Creek—offers a serene backdrop as you enjoy your meal. Whether you're visiting as part of a cruise excursion or wandering on your own, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake promises an unforgettable feast.
Dining Delight at the Salmon Bake
Prepare your taste buds for an all-you-can-eat banquet where salmon takes center stage, a true Alaskan Feast. The star of the show is the freshly grilled salmon, perfectly cooked over an open alder wood fire. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste doesn't disappoint—each bite is tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor.
If salmon isn't your only craving, worry not. The menu boasts a variety of other delectable items, including baked beans, wild rice pilaf, Cheechako chicken, and a range of fresh salads. Be sure to save some room for their signature blueberry cake—a sweet treat that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the main course and the variety of salads. The kids will not be disappointed either as they can roast marshmallows over a fire.
There are several drinks to choose from: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, water, and lemonade are the ones I can remember that were available, included with the meal.
This is not fancy food. Although anytime I buy salmon at a restaurant it is quite expensive. But this is more of good cooking, family food. No special sauces or fancy names of the dishes. Just good food with great company.
The Art of Sustainability and Authenticity
At Gold Creek Salmon Bake, the cooking process is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. The chefs pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that are both sustainable and authentic. This commitment to quality ensures that every meal is not only delicious but also environmentally conscious.
The sustainability efforts extend beyond sourcing ingredients. The entire operation is mindful of its impact on the local ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can enjoy Alaska's natural bounty. This dedication to authenticity and sustainability shines through in every aspect of the dining experience, from the ingredients used to the methods of preparation.
Entertainment and Activities for All
Dining is just one part of the adventure at Gold Creek Salmon Bake. The venue offers a range of activities and entertainment to enhance your visit. Try your hand at gold panning and see if you can strike it rich like the prospectors of old. Or, take a leisurely hike along the nearby trails, exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Tongass National Forest. The Creek is a natural salmon-spawning creek.
For those seeking a moment of tranquility, the stunning waterfall at Salmon Creek is a must-see, and a short walk away. The cascading waters provide a beautiful and serene setting, perfect for reflection or a photo opportunity. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The entrance of the Wagner mine is nearby which was used during the gold rush. You are not allowed to enter the mine.
Enjoy the live Alaskan Folk Music being played in the background while you eat. Walk around the grounds, look at the nature, visit the falls, look a the gold mining relics, and also visit their gift shop, where you can buy a memento from your time at the salmon bake.
Voices of the People
Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the testimonials of those who have experienced the magic of Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Visitors rave about the quality of the food, the friendliness of the staff, and the enchanting setting.
"An unforgettable experience! The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the surroundings were absolutely beautiful," said one satisfied customer. Another guest noted, "This was the highlight of our trip to Alaska. The food was great, and the activities made it a truly memorable day."
“The salmon was great, but the cheesy au gratin potatoes were amazing. It took me back home to my mom's cooking.” This was another quote found online.
My Personal Shore Excursion Adventure
Arriving in Juneau aboard the cruise ship called the Norwegian Jewel, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Gold Creek Salmon Bake as a shore excursion. This was my first time in Juneau Alaska, so it was my first time going to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Purchasing through the cruise line was convenient, though I discovered it's often cheaper to buy tickets separately and arrange your own transportation. This shore excursion ticket included a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and DIPAC which is the Juneau Salmon Hatchery. Be sure to double check with your shore excursions to see what is combined with the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, in case you are not interested in doing the other items, it will be beneficial to buy separately. One thing I noticed with my excursion is that there were several buses on the premises to take you back to the cruise ship. So, stay for an hour or 2, it's up to you, just make sure you don't miss the last bus. It is a short drive back to cruise port from the Salmon Bake.
Below are videos of Mendenhall Glacier if you would like to see them.
The experience did not disappoint. From the succulent salmon to the flavorful side dishes, every bite was a delight. I really enjoyed the Tongass Wild-rice pilaf and the hot chowder. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it easy to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. With the variety of food available, if you are a vegetarian or on a gluten free diet, you will find that you are able to eat plenty. One thing that made me happy was the salad. I love pickled beets and usually you don't see them with a salad. They had the beets!
There was plenty of seating at picnic tables in the dining area, and if it was raining, they are covered, so they are open rain or shine. There was live music, great food, and even books in the gift shop about the gold rush days. One other thing I noticed with my sense of smell was the fragrant Alderwood fire cooking the salmon.
I did the short stroll, about a quarter mile on a short trail, which was an easy hike up to the beautiful Salmon Creek Falls. The waterfall was not major as there had not been any rain recently, but it was still flowing. On the way I spotted the gold panning station along the way. I attempted 1 time to pan for gold, without any luck though. There was not someone there to teach and train you how to pan for gold, just a station set up with the panning tools. It was cute to say I have panned for gold in Alaska, but did not expect to get anything, but I can see kids loving this.
Overall, I thought this was a great experience, and unless I do a whale watching tour the next time I am in the area, I would do this tour again as a shore excursion, but would not buy from the cruise line, since it is so much cheaper to buy on your own from the website. This was one of the best salmon filets I have ever had. This was a beautiful setting, surrounded by nature, with enough activities to keep you entertained in the area for a good bit of time.
Planning Your Visit to Gold Creek Salmon Bake
For those planning a visit, timing is key. Juneau may soon restrict cruise travel on Saturdays due to overcrowding, so consider booking with a line that avoids a Saturday stop. This ensures you'll be able to fully enjoy your visit without the crowds.
If purchasing from the cruise ship it will cost around $109 per person, but if you buy the tour from the Gold Creek Website it will cost $79 for an adult and $49 for child. So you can see that the cost of a large cruise line tour is much more expensive than purchasing on your own. Your visit can only be planned during the cruise season. April till early October.
Getting there is simple, with options for guided tours or self-directed travel. Once there, you can expect a seamless experience filled with delicious food, engaging activities, and stunning natural beauty. Just be sure to bring your camera and an appetite!
Bringing It All Together
In conclusion, the Juneau Gold Creek Salmon Bake is more than a meal—it's a great place, and it's an experience that captures the essence of Alaska. From the delicious food to the breathtaking scenery and engaging activities, it offers something for everyone.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first Alaskan adventure, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake deserves a spot on your itinerary. Share your experiences with fellow travelers and spread the word about this unique dining destination. Your adventure awaits in the heart of Juneau—go and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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I've been dying to go to Alaska, so this will definitely come in handy!
This sounds so great! I love the idea of delicious food and beauty nature
I love the sound of the whole experience, not just the food, although that blueberry cake sounds good to me. And all in such a lovely location, very pretty
If I ever get to Alaska, I now know where to head for. Thank you.
As a huge fan of salmon, I'm saving this for a trip to Alaska. Thanks!