Auke Lake Boat Ramp Now Open, CBJ Shares Safety Reminders

Auke Lake navigational buoys are out and the launch ramp is open. The City and Borough of Juneau reminds residents to stay safe when visiting the lake with the following messages:

Do not park on Glacier Highway

If the Auke Lake parking lot is full, do not park on Glacier Highway. Limited parking is available at the north end of Auke Lake Trail.

Be wary of lake debris

Landslides on the east side of the lake last year ripped out many mature spruce and hemlock trees that are now partially or fully submerged adding to the tangle of logs and branches already in the lake. Use caution when swimming or operating a motorized watercraft.

Exercise caution when swimming

As there are no lifeguards on duty at the lake, swimming is at your own risk. The water is dark, tannic and turbid due to the landslide's added soil, organics and woody debris to the lake. Jumping off the floating walkways into the water is a risk due to the submerged trees, logs and branches.

Wear personal flotation devices

Personal flotation devices are recommended for swimming and boating. Persons under 13 years old must wear a life jacket when in an open boat, on the deck of a boat, or when being towed (i.e., tubing, waterskiing) per Alaska State Law. See guidance on personal flotation devices at the Department of Natural Resources requirement summary card.

Review regulations and lake levels before motorized use

Review lake regulations for motorized use and the lake map at the Auke Lake Wayside website.

The level of the lake can change by several feet up or down in the summer depending on snowmelt and rainfall. As the water level changes, water saturated logs and branches can be either hidden or revealed. There are no markers on these hazards to navigation. Find information on the latest lake level at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.

For more information about Auke Lake, visit the Auke Lake Wayside website or contact the Parks & Recreation department at 907-586-5226.