Juneau [1] is home to two high-adventure (literally) zip-lines. Locally owned Alaska Zipline Adventures (907/321-0947, www.alaskazip.com [2]) operates at Eaglecrest Ski Area on north Douglas Island, with a high suspension sky-bridge and seven zip-lines that drop through the rain forest and across a creek. The cost is $139 adults, $99 ages 10–12 for a fun 3.5-hour adventure, including a shuttle van from town.
Owners Matt and Rachel DeSpain also offer a variety of combination trips that include zip-line and various other adventures, from whale-watching to bike rides. Alaska Zipline’s focus includes an ecofriendly attitude, from the recycled materials used in the tree houses to the hydroelectric-powered lodge.
A second company, Alaska Canopy Adventures (907/523-2920, www.alaskacanopy.com [3], May–Sept.), operates on the site of the old Treadwell Gold Mine on Douglas Island. Participants take a short jet-boat ride over from Juneau and then hop on an off-road vehicle to climb to the starting point in a platform high up a tree.
A series of nine zip-lines (one 800 feet long) takes you through the forest and eventually over the “glory hole” 200 feet below before ending in a rappel to the ground from the last tree platform. Two suspension sky-bridges link other sections, providing treetop views of the rain forest. The cost is $179 per person for a 3.5-hour tour.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alaska/southeast-alaska/juneau
[2] http://www.alaskazip.com
[3] http://www.alaskacanopy.com