Capturing the Beauty of Juneau's Rain: Fine Art Photography in Alaska’s Capital
“It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.” - Dave Barry
If it weren’t for Dave Barry’s infamous fondness for Florida, I’d think he was describing camping in Juneau, Alaska. According to Travel Juneau, Alaska’s capital city averages 222 rainy days per year and in 2022, set a record with 88.31 inches of rain and melted snow (KINY). While many might lament this uniquely soggy climate, locals embrace it with a simple philosophy: “There’s no bad weather, only bad gear.” In southeast Alaska, it’s not uncommon to see residents and visitors donning waterproof apparel, eager to explore the area's unrivaled natural beauty, rain or shine.
Tongass National Forest partially obscured by morning mist
The Impact of Rain on Juneau’s Majestic Landscape
Although it can mean muddy trails, moldy cars, and delayed flights, the persistent precipitation in Southeast Alaska nurtures a landscape like no other. Juneau is nestled within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, spanning over 17 million acres. The temperate rainforest here is a vibrant ecosystem, teeming with western hemlock, Sitka spruce, alder, cedar, and cottonwoods, creating a rich tapestry of green that thrives under the constant moisture.
Lupine holding collected rain
This rain-soaked environment supports over 400 species of wildlife, from majestic bald eagles and black bears to the five types of salmon that swim through Juneau’s rivers. This abundant biodiversity is just one of the reasons fine art photographers are drawn to the area, as every raindrop seems to nourish the vitality of the Alaskan wilderness.
Rain as an Inspiration for Fine Art Photography
The rain in Juneau is more than just a backdrop; it’s a muse for many photographers. Some may see the ever-present cloud cover as a hindrance, a force threatening to fog lenses or obscure majestic mountain views. As a photographer, I’ve come to appreciate the dynamic weather conditions that rain creates. Instead of focusing on the gloom, I embrace the opportunities it provides.
For instance, the image I captured on the Boy Scout Camp Trail, located northwest of Juneau, was a product of patience and weather-watching. The day was overcast, and much of our hike was spent under a low ceiling of clouds that seemed determined to obscure the landscape. By the time we reached the delta where the Eagle River meets the Favorite Channel, I had yet to take a single shot. The day seemed like a wash for photography.
Fine art photo print of the sun glinting through the snowy rain of Juneau
But in Southeast Alaska, the weather is as unpredictable as it is inspiring. On our way back to the trailhead, the clouds lifted, and the sun began to glow through a misty veil of snain (an unofficial term describing a mix of snow and rain). It was the precipitation itself that created the beauty of the moment—a fleeting combination of light and mist that only lasted a few minutes. Yet, it was enough to capture something truly magical.
Finding Beauty in Juneau’s Rainy Moments
A sentiment I feel Christy NaMee Eriksen captures in “All the Rain in Juneau,” you can either lament the rain or find joy in it—I choose the latter. Juneau’s weather is full of surprises, offering anything from a light, misty drizzle to a steady downpour. Some days, it feels like you're walking through a cloud; on others, the rain comes down in earnest. There's only one way to find out: slip on your Xtratuf boots and head outside to explore.
