When the snow melts in summer, roughly a hundred huskies head to dog camp at Sheep Creek Valley in Juneau where they get their practice and exercise on dirt instead of snow and pulling a wheeled cart instead of a sled.
If you love dogs, puppies, are interested in dog mushing, the Iditarod, or are just looking for a fun family-friendly activity in Juneau, this is your adventure! It’s educational (if you want it to be), the scenery is breathtaking and the excitement of the dogs is contagious.
As dog lovers, our family loves this adventure because it’s super laid back, it’s great rain or shine and it’s a nice retreat from the crowds.
Visitors arrive by van from nearby downtown Juneau. Though not far from civilization, it’s like being transported to another world. You will immediately notice the beauty of the valley and surrounding mountains and the sounds of greetings from dozens of excited huskies.
Your guides/mushers will show you around the camp and give you an opportunity to visit various displays where you can learn all about dog mushing (and step out of the rain if it’s a drizzly day). There are plenty of adult huskies available for a photo op or to pet and snuggle.
Next, you will be taken to your wheeled cart and a team of (even more excited) huskies will be selected by your mushers to take you on a trail ride around the valley. The carts are comfy, and covered to protect you from sun or rain. If you thought the dogs were excited when your van arrived, it is nothing compared to being one of those selected to run your cart.
The dogs wait, mostly patiently, for the command, “hike” or “let’s go” before setting forth on the trail. They proceed at a brisk pace for (about) a mile loop on a dirt trail. As you take your ride, your musher will help guide the dogs using various commands. They may explain some of the dynamics of a dog team as occasionally there is a bit of dog drama and the dogs need to switch places.
After you complete your ride, there are puppies who need to be snuggled! Visitors to the camp have the important job of helping to socialize the puppies with snuggles and play. There is plenty of opportunity to take all the pictures of this cuteness.
You can book your adventure here and be sure to check out their glacier dog mushing tours as well. After your dog sledding adventure, head back to downtown Juneau for a meal at Twisted Fish, The Hangar or Salt. If you are looking for a more active adventure, check out the Mount Roberts Tram/hike where you can ride part way up the mountain and hike as far as your schedule allows.
Be safe, have fun and keep adventuring!
xxoo,
Jennie B.