Over the years, I have found a few places to Drone around Juneau, Alaska (while maintaining the proper clearance with any of the airports and special air zones) . If you’re flying a Mavic (& perhaps other brands), your app will tell you where you can fly. But if you have limited time in Juneau, here are 3 locations that I have flown and find enjoyable because of their pristine beauty, unique characteristics and interesting subjects (such as waterfalls).

1. Eagle Beach Near Juneau, Alaska

Heading North (from Auke Bay), it will take you about :15 - :20 minutes to get to this location but it’s worth the drive (along the way there will be overlooks to stop at to see ocean vistas). There’s a nearby overlook where you can park or you can pull into the area with picnic tables. Head here at low tide so that you can fly low and see the tide pools as well as head towards the mountains that sit across the body of water.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Area Near Juneau, Alaska

During the Spring when there are limited visitors and residents around (e.g., in the early morning hours), take your drone over to the Mendenhall Glacier area. Explore Nugget Falls or head over by Skater’s Cabin for an easy access point. If the lake is frozen over, it can be fun to head out to the middle of the lake to check out the footprint path from folks heading to the glacier caves. One word of caution - depending on the temperature, your drone may not let you take off / fly (mine does not do well in temps below freezing).

3. Point Louisa

You will hear locals say “out the road” which means: drive as far north as you possibly can. Essentially there’s 1 road that ends at Berner’s Bay (about 36 mines from Auke Bay or Statter Harbor). If you drive along this road, you will pass a location called ‘Point Louisa’. There is parking, picnic areas and the views of the mountains across the ocean are stunning. Couple of tips:

1. Tides: check the tides before you go - low tide is the best time to fly as there is a lot of texture on the ground that is otherwise hidden by water.

2. Wind: check the wind speed - I know some drones can withstand strong winds (mine can’t!) but it can be a tough flight if the winds are ripping across the water.

4. Bonus Location - St. James Bay Near Juneau, Alaska

To get here, you will need to hop a boat ride or a floatplane. It’s not far, maybe about a 45-60 minute boat ride but I promise it is worth it! The views are pristine and the water is calm. Often times, you will see a larger boat anchored in one of the smaller coves or a floatplane landing in the nearby landing strip. The mountains alongside the water are breathtaking and the reflections are gorgeous. You will most likely see seals, sea lions and even starfish when you look into the clear water.

There you have it - 3 places for drone photography in Juneau, Alaska. Make sure to triple check the regulations before you take off. If you have flown a drone near or around Juneau, we’d love to hear from you!