Hike 11: Salmon Creek Dam, Juneau (August 26)

In a effort to do some last minute training before Peru, my coworker-friend and I opted for a quick Sunday hike, before an evening flight. Given the time constraint, I picked out two hikes for us: Herbert Glacier and Salmon Creek. I was personally learning towards going on Herbert Glacier Trail, but my roommate convinced me otherwise based on the significance of the dam. I have wandered up the trail several times to Salmon Creek Dam, but always turned around. So, I'm counting this one in the 30 new hikes.

Salmon Creek Dam was built in 1914, and at the time was a "marvel of engineering of the time" it was the first constant angle arch variable radius dam in the world. The history, theory, and design can be easily read on the Wikipedia page instead of me bumbling through a reexplanation. It was built the the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company to provide electricity for the mining needs. It still produces electricity and is a source of drinking water. Because of the engineering marvel that is sitting in our back yard that I haven't taken the time to visit in 8 years of Juneau-residency, it was decided that we would do the Salmon Creek Dam Trail.

Salmon Creek Trail is ranked as moderate, and is reasonable flat with the exception of the first quarter mile(ish) and the last bit that goes up several sets of stairs to the Dam. And honestly, when we got to the top and found the platform above the alpine, it felt like we had left Juneau and had been transported somewhere else.

Lunch at the end, with a view. 

Dam on the right. 

And because it's my favorite joke... 

What did the fish say when he ran in to the wall? 

A: Dam!