Juneau: eBike Rainforest Ride & Secluded Beach Walk

Summary

Alaska’s wild coast by eBike, forest paths & secret beaches

You’ll ride an eBike along Douglas Island’s shoreline with views of Mendenhall Glacier, then walk through ancient rainforest to reach a secluded Alaskan beach. Expect salty air, local stories from your guide, snacks and bottled water included—and moments of real quiet that might surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air—sharp and cold, almost like it was waking me up. Our guide, Sarah, handed out helmets with a grin and started cracking jokes about Alaskan weather (“If you don’t like it, just wait five minutes”). She showed us how to use the eBikes—honestly, I was a little nervous about the electric part but it felt easy after a few tries. We set off from Douglas Island’s north end, wheels humming quietly on the paved lane. There were these low clouds hanging over the trees, and every so often you’d catch a glimpse of blue water through them. I kept looking back at Mendenhall Glacier in the distance—not sure why it felt so close even though we were miles away.

We passed maybe two cars in an hour. Just birds and that weirdly comforting sound of tires on wet pavement (it had rained earlier; everything smelled green and fresh). Sarah pointed out some wildflowers I’d never seen before—fireweed?—and told us stories about old logging days here. At one point she stopped to show us where locals come for salmon runs. The pedal assist on these bikes is honestly magic—I’m not exactly Tour de France material but I kept up fine, even when we hit a hill or two. My hands got cold gripping the bars but then we’d stop for water or a snack and I’d forget all about it.

The best part for me was when we left our bikes and followed this narrow path into what looked like another world—old growth rainforest, moss everywhere, everything soft underfoot. It got really quiet except for someone’s laugh echoing down from behind (I think one of the other riders had slipped on a root—no harm done). The beach at the end wasn’t huge or anything but there was this weird sense of being far away from everything else. I picked up a stone that still sits on my desk now. We just stood there for a while listening to the waves slap against rocks. Hard to explain but it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — eBike Rainforest Adventure

• Van ride to Douglas Island
• Short e-bike training session
• e-bike along shoreline bike lane
• Walk old growth forest path
• Visit secluded beach for photos

Top questions

How long is the Juneau eBike Rainforest Experience?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is pickup included for this eBike tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the starting point on Douglas Island.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the ride?

Yes, bottled water and snacks are included with your tour.

What kind of bikes are used on this tour?

You’ll ride electric mountain bikes equipped with pedal assist features.

Is there any hiking involved in this day trip?

There’s a short walk through old growth forest to reach a secluded beach after biking.

What ages can join this Juneau rainforest bike tour?

The experience is open to travelers aged 12 to 78 years old.

Do I need to be very fit for this eBike rainforest ride?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended; eBikes make hills easier for most people.

Are helmets provided on this Douglas Island bike tour?

Yes, helmets are provided as part of your gear for safety.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric mountain bike with pedal assist (so hills aren’t daunting), helmet for safety, bottled water to keep you hydrated along Douglas Island’s coast, plus snacks for quick breaks before heading into Alaska’s old growth forest and down to that quiet beach spot.