Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake offers a unique culinary adventure. The venue combines delicious food with rich history and natural beauty.
We enjoyed the tasty outdoor event, which allowed us to indulge in an all-you-can-eat feast of fresh salmon surrounded by breathtaking rainforest scenery. It was the ideal combo booked through the cruise line as a Mendenhall Glacier – Salmon Bake excursion.
Located just a short drive from the Juneau cruise ship port, the Salmon Bake offered a delicious feast featuring grilled salmon cooked over an open alder wood fire. The dining experience includes BBQ ribs, wild rice, baked beans, and more.
While Tracy’s King Crab Shack draws the crowds for those wanting to eat king crab, the Salmon Bake provides a seafood alternative that’s more relaxing.
Accessible to all guests, not just those on cruises, the salmon barbecue offers a unique dining experience. The tantalizing aromas from the open-air grill, set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, create a sensory journey that is truly unforgettable.
This experience promises a meal and a memory that we will cherish for years to come.
History Of Gold Creek Salmon Bake
The Gold Creek Salmon Bake has been a cherished part of Juneau, Alaska since it began in 1978. Initially, the event showcased the local practice of grilling salmon over an alder wood fire.
The experience is not just about eating; it reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy Salmon Creek’s stunning surroundings while learning about the area’s rich gold mining history.
The remnants of mining from the late 1800s are still visible nearby, adding a historical dimension to the experience.
The salmon bake has gained recognition over the years, even featured on Bravo’s Top Chef.
Culinary Experience
At the Juneau outdoor venue, the operator combines traditional cooking methods with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The heart of this experience lies in preparing their signature dishes, bringing the flavors of Alaska to life.
As we arrived at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling on an alder wood fire filled the air. The grill, located at the center of the venue, was tended to by a diligent chef who cooked the salmon to perfection.
Roasting salmon over an alder wood fire is not just a cooking method; it’s a tradition. This age-old technique, unique to the Alaskan culinary scene, infuses the fish with a distinct smoky flavor, enhancing its natural richness.
The Menu Highlights
The all-you-can-eat menu showcases an array of mouthwatering options. We were delighted to find that almost everything on the menu was gluten-free, which surprised Karen, who is Celiac.
Additionally, the venue offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a satisfying meal.
The star of our feast is locally caught wild Coho salmon, often referred to as silver salmon. The fresh fish has a firm texture and delicious taste.
Guests could choose between plain grilled, or honey butter glazed pieces. We sampled the plain grilled salmon and thought it was delicious.
It’s complemented by succulent Bonanza barbecue ribs or Cheechako Chicken, a flavorful alternative for non-seafood lovers.
Chilkoot baked beans, aromatic Tongass wild rice pilaf, hearty clam chowder, and an array of salads complemented the protein.
The homemade blueberry cake, baked from local berries, was a perfect ending to the meal, although it wasn’t gluten-free.
We could purchase Alaskan beer and wine from the Gold Strike Saloon. However, since it was a cold, wet day, we preferred the hot tea, which was complimentary.
Although we were not chowder fans, the hot clam chowder was a tasty addition to the meal and especially welcoming on a cold day.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake Location
The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is at 1061 Salmon Creek Lane in Juneau, Alaska. The Salmon Bake’s name suggests it might be by Gold Creek, a popular area for Juneau hikes. However, it’s further north, next to Salmon Creek.
Visitors can’t miss the giant buoy painted in gold at the site’s entrance, which pays homage to the creek where prospectors found gold almost 150 years ago.
The convenient location, just a 10-minute drive from downtown, makes it accessible for all travelers, regardless of whether they fly in or cruise.
How To Get There
A shuttle service runs frequently throughout the day from downtown to get there. Alaska Coach Tours operates the service and picks up visitors for the morning Mendenhall Glacier—Salmon Bake tour as well as other combination excursions.
We first made our way to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, located in Mendenhall Valley, and then proceeded to the outdoor barbecue.
The drive to and from Mendenhall Glacier takes around 30 minutes each way. At the park, we had about 75 minutes to explore independently. Most visitors quickly hike to Nugget Falls for a better view of Mendenhall Glacier.
After we visited the park, we boarded a bus to reach the salmon bake. Arriving at the venue, the proprietor of Gold Creek steps onto the bus and provides instructions on what to expect.
At the barbecue, there’s no set departure time, allowing us to stay as long as we liked. With buses arriving frequently, we were in control of our time and could leave whenever we were ready. The Salmon Bake has its own buses, painted in bright yellow, which took us back to town.
The establishment is close to the cruise terminal and a few minutes from the DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. This makes it perfect for exploring more of Juneau’s highlights before or after our visit.
Visitors to Juneau with a longer itinerary can do the Gold Creek Salmon Bake alone. It is a unique and reasonably priced experience that should not be missed.
For those looking for additional activities, the locale offered the option to see a scenic waterfall or try gold panning for an extra fee.
Live Entertainment
During warm and dry weather, guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of live performances. Local musicians often perform traditional Alaskan songs and folk music, providing a unique cultural experience that enriches their meals.
The performances typically occur during peak dining hours. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy the moment, and appreciate local talent.
Booking Tips
The Gold Creek Salmon Bake can be booked alone or in combination with other popular excursions in Juneau. The combination tours provide more value and explore more of Juneau’s highlights for those arriving by cruise ship.
We prefer to book a combination tour because it maximizes our port day. Those staying in the city can show up if they have transportation.
Combination Tours
Visitors are spoiled for choice, with tours to suit every budget. The half-day shore excursion lasts at least three and a half hours, though the duration may vary based on your choice.
From the thrill of whale watching to the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier and the delightful salmon meal tour, there’s something for everyone. Combining these three great tours promises a day filled with fun and adventure.
The five-hour Whale Watching and Salmon Bake tour takes place on a large catamaran that heads to Auke Bay. The boat’s extra-large windows provide outstanding sightings of humpback whales and various marine creatures, including sea lions and harbor seals.
Juneau’s whale-watching tours usually guarantee sightings, and Karen has seen many on her several excursions. She also enjoyed distant views of Mendenhall Glacier from the water.
Alternatively, the Mendenhall Lake Kayak with the salmon feast tour gets visitors closer to Mendenhall in a kayak followed by authentic Alaskan dining. So, when planning a day in Juneau, you’ll have many options.
The barbecue venue is open seven days a week during the Alaska cruise season from late April to early October. It is a local-run business, and the team is known for being friendly and accommodating.
Ready to book your tickets?
- Gold Creek Salmon Bake by itself.
- Whale watching and Salmon Bake combines two popular tours into one.
- Best of Juneau this tour includes three excursions: whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier and the salmon bake.
Leave time to have ample opportunity to wander through the downtown district and savor a ‘duck fart,’ a signature beverage at the Red Dog Saloon.
The ‘duck fart’ is a unique concoction of Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and whiskey, and it’s a must-try for those looking to experience local flavors. It’s a sweet and creamy drink with a strong whiskey kick, and it’s a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Travel Tips And Recommendations
The ideal time to visit the Salmon Bake is summer, particularly from June to August. During this period, guests can enjoy the longest daylight hours and the most comfortable weather.
Typically, Alaskan temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, perfect for outdoor dining. However, Alaska weather is unpredictable, so guests could experience rain during any month. We dined in mid-May during a downpour, but it didn’t dampen our appetite.
The translucent domes (large awnings) covering all the tables meant we could eat in a dry environment, regardless of the weather. The dozen propane heaters scattered throughout the area helped lessen the Alaskan chill, making it a comfortable environment to enjoy our meal.
It was clear that the venue had taken the necessary precautions to ensure guest comfort, even in inclement weather. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake provided a unique and enjoyable Alaskan dining experience that we highly recommend.
Each table had stations of paper towels, cutlery, and all the condiments needed for our dinner, making it a hassle-free experience.
What To Bring
Here’s a quick list of recommendations:
- Layered Clothing: Wear layers for temperature changes, as it can be chilly in the evening.
- Cash or credit card: To purchase beer or alcohol. Also, the gift shop offered a variety of Alaskan-made souvenirs, from handcrafted jewelry to local artwork, for those who wanted to take something back as a memento.
- Appetite: This might be the most important factor. If you love salmon, as I do, you’ll want to arrive hungry to enjoy a piece or two!
