Juneau: Musher's Camp Sled Dog Ride & Puppy Time Experience

Summary

Sled dog rides through Tongass forest with real Iditarod huskies and puppy cuddles

You’ll ride through the Tongass forest behind a team of real Iditarod huskies, hear stories from local mushers, then hold squirmy Alaskan Husky puppies yourself. Includes pickup at Mt. Roberts Tram in Juneau for an easy start — expect laughter, muddy boots, and maybe a little puppy breath lingering on your jacket after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a pair of rubber boots before I’ve even figured out where to stand — apparently, that’s just how things go at Musher’s Camp near Juneau. The air is thick with the smell of wet earth and pine needles (and, honestly, a bit of dog). Our guide, Jamie, waves us over with a grin and starts introducing the dogs by name — half of them veterans from the Iditarod. I try to remember who’s who but mostly just notice their eyes: bright, alert, like they already know we’re here for something fun.

The drive out from downtown Juneau doesn’t take long — maybe 25 minutes? — but it feels like we’ve left everything behind once we’re bouncing down that gravel road on Douglas Island. The Tongass National Rainforest is so green it almost hurts your eyes. When the sled dogs finally take off (well, it’s a wheeled cart in summer), there’s this wild chorus of barking that suddenly snaps into silence as soon as they start running. It’s smoother than I expected, kind of thrilling and weirdly peaceful at the same time. Jamie shouts over her shoulder about training routines and how these runs keep the team sharp for winter races.

Afterward, there’s puppy time — which is exactly what it sounds like. Warm little bodies wriggling in my arms while one chews on my sleeve. Someone next to me tries to teach a pup to sit; it just flops over instead and everyone laughs. I didn’t expect to feel so much joy from something so simple. The whole place smells like wet fur and cedar shavings, which sticks with you longer than you’d think.

I still think about those huskies’ focus when they ran — all muscle and purpose — and how Jamie talked about each dog like family. If you’re looking for a day trip from Juneau that feels both wild and oddly personal, this sled dog discovery is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Musher's Camp and Rainforest Drive

• Meet at Mt. Roberts Tram base
• Drive into Tongass National Rainforest

Top questions

How do I get picked up for the Musher's Camp tour?

You’ll meet at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tram where the cables come out of the building.

How long does it take to reach Musher's Camp from Juneau?

The scenic drive to Douglas Island takes about 25 minutes from downtown Juneau.

Are children or infants allowed on this sled dog tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Will we actually ride with sled dogs during summer?

Yes, you’ll ride in a wheeled cart pulled by real sled dogs as part of their summer training routine.

Do we get to interact with Alaskan Husky puppies?

Yes, after the ride you’ll spend time cuddling future sled dog puppies at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Mt. Roberts Tram in Juneau before heading deep into Tongass National Rainforest on Douglas Island; you’ll ride with seasoned Iditarod huskies and spend time cuddling Alaskan Husky puppies before returning back to town later in the day.