Gold Creek Salmon Bake — Restaurant in Juneau

I'm going to start with the one thing that almost cost this place a star: not everyone likes well done fish!!! Please don't keep murdering the salmon, it is already dead. When we went back up and asked for less cooked pieces, it was SO much better!

That said, I could not give this place less than five stars overall. It is barely outside of town, but it feels like you're deep in the middle of the woods. There is a great camp vibe and no road noise to ruin it. Soda and alcohol cost extra, but you don't need it. The lemonade is free and it is awesome!! As soon as you walk in, there are umbrellas for you to borrow if it is sprinkling and delicious (well seasoned!) Chowder to warm you up.

We arrived at lunch early, our excursion departing the boat at 10:30. They were still setting up the bake and we had the place to ourselves, so we went on down the path beyond the gift shop to the nature trail. Unfortunately the only salmon we saw weren't running, they were.... "sleeping". It was a gorgeous run of river though, and after a free gold panning station you come to a beautiful waterfall that you could practically touch. There is also a nice little photo OP of a mine entrance. I have my suspicions about the authenticity but I doubt kids would worry too much about that.

We spent 45 minutes playing (fully grown adults mind you) in the river with the gold pans and taking pictures of the waterfall while we had the trailhead to ourselves, then headed back to the bake. In the time we were gone, it had completely blown up. There were dozens of people enjoying the food and live music. The salmon ceasar salad was my favorite, the coleslaw was good, the wild rice was better. There was also cornbread (did not have enough texture for a southern girl like me, but still tasty) and a beet salad. Finally there was the salmon, with an optional brown sugar glaze. Free drinks were coffee, cider packets, lemonade and water that I noticed. Dessert was blueberry cake that seemed to be halfway between angelfood and cake mix. Very yummy, but if that is not your type of dessert you can buy a s'mores kit to roast on the campfires for less than a dollar each. Marshmallows I think were free. Sticks were at a premium.

We would absolutely do this excursion again. Sure we wish we had more time in Juneau to go explore the glaciers and whales and do this excursion too, but for our limited time in port we are very happy...

This facility caters to cruise ship guests/busses...not the random group who wants to enjoy an outing with their family. We arrived during a "cruise ship" break so the staff was in break mode...meaning our small group was not their bread and butter.

Basically, you walk through a line to serve yourself and someone adds salmon to your plate off a grill. You sit a picnic tables. There is a short path to stroll down with a big vat of dirty water to "pan for gold". There is no attendant there to give any type of direction. My son was actually helping a young girl and her family pan for gold because he had attended a gold panning tour earlier in the day that was quite educational.

There is a fire pit for smores and I saw on a review that this was a fun experience. When I went to the fire pit there was only a glass jar of marshmallows, and the same girl from the gold panning area was with her father looking for the smores equipment. I walked to the front area to tell an employee that the supplies were not available and she said "We only do S'mores on Friday". I let her know that an employee might want to go tell the family waiting, she just shrugged her shoulders and walked away. I had interrupted her gossiping with the salmon bake attendant so I guess she did not feel the need to help.

A few minute later in the gift shop I mentioned this to my son and the gift shop attendant said "Do you want to attract bears?". I was not sure what she was implying, then she said again "Do you want to attract bears?". I said no, but then said I was told S'mores were only on Friday. She replied Yes, and I answered "So bears don't come out on Fridays...just every other day???". She then proceeded to say that S'mores are only for the Disney Cruise guests on Friday because they pay extra. I proceeded to say, oh so Disney guests on Fridays don't attract bears? Also, there was a whole jar of marshmallows just sitting by the firepit with no equipment so I am not sure why she decided to interrupt my conversation with my son to make up an excuse.

I will say for my family of 5 this terrible experience set me back $400. We stayed there for about an hour. In retrospect I would have spent this money at a nice sit down restaurant with polite employees.

I would not recommend this AT ALL unless you are a Disney Cruise member on a Friday...wouldn't want anyone...

Gold Creek Salmon Bake, Juneau: A Taste of Alaska's Finest

The Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau is an Alaskan dining experience that promises much more than just a meal. Nestled in a picturesque forest setting, this outdoor eatery offers a unique blend of natural beauty and culinary delight, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Juneau.

The star of the show is, of course, the wild Alaskan salmon, freshly caught and grilled to perfection over an open alderwood fire. The smoky, rich flavor of the salmon is simply outstanding, with each bite melting in your mouth. The chefs here have mastered the art of grilling, ensuring that the salmon retains its natural juiciness while absorbing the subtle flavors of the wood. The buffet-style setup also offers a variety of sides, including a delightful herb rice pilaf, baked beans, and a selection of salads that complement the salmon wonderfully.

One of the highlights of the experience is the setting. The dining area is nestled by a stream, with the sound of rushing water adding to the ambiance. After your meal, you can take a short walk to a nearby waterfall, which is the perfect way to cap off the evening. The rustic charm of the location, combined with the natural surroundings, creates a peaceful and memorable atmosphere.

The Gold Creek Salmon Bake also offers a taste of Alaska’s cultural heritage. Live folk music plays in the background, and the friendly staff are eager to share stories about the local area and its history.

While the experience is on the pricier side, it’s well worth it for the quality of the food and the unique setting. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to experience authentic Alaskan culture, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a culinary experience you...