Mt. Bradley Jumbo Trail

The trail begins in a residential area with a clearly signed start, "Mt. Bradley Jumbo." The first portion follows the Treadwell ditch up a short climb. As the Ditch Trail heads north, a boardwalk cuts to the left into open muskeg. At the end up the boardwalk, the most difficult portion of the trail begins--about 1000 vertical feet of climbing up rocks and tree roots, often times necessitating the use of your hands. As you reach treeline, the trail gets a bit easier, the roots disappear and the views of Juneau come out of the trees. The alpine portion is steep, muddy (if wet) and has a few rock scrambles, although there's no exposure. As you reach the top, there are two rocky bumps and a large open alpine area that beckons further exploration. There are stunning views down to the Taku River, and on clear days the Icefield is visible, including Devils Paw and the Mendenhall Towers, as well as Admiralty Island. When you are finished exploring the summit, head back down the way you came, but keep in mind that this is possibly the type of trail that's harder going down than up. Those rocks and tree roots you scrambled up must be descended. Often on all fours.