Back Loop is in the northern reaches of the Mendenhall Valley, Juneau’s most populated neighborhood. “As you drive into Back Loop, you go into winding subdivisions,” says PeggyAnn McConochie, a resident since 1980 and a real estate consultant with ACH Consulting. “It’s a transition zone from close-together lawns and narrow streets. You have more room there. The valley has 8,000 or 10,000-foot lots, a typical size for Juneau, but Back Loop can go above that.” This spacious neighborhood is largely forested, and wildlife is a common sight. With Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall Glacier just east, opportunities to hike, fish and kayak are close to the house. This neighborhood is on the back side of Mendenhall Loop Road — hence Back Loop — and this route goes all the way around the valley. While this northern side of the loop is secluded, more rural areas are west of the ferry terminal in Auke Bay, colloquially known as “out the road."
Walking to Mendenhall Glacier, Lake and River
Back Loop is within walking distance of the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the biggest attractions in Juneau. It’s the only glacier in Alaska accessible by road, and about 500,000 tourists arrive every year to see its blue-white ice. This giant carved out the valley over 3,000 years ago, and it’s still trickling into Mendenhall Lake and River today. Along the neighborhood’s east side, the lake has trails that lead up to the glacier, and its Mendenhall Campground has 70 campsites with mountain views. The Alaskan Boundary Ranges rise over the neighborhood and the rest of the valley, and some peaks have connected trails. One of these, Mount McGinnis, has a 10-mile out-and-back with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. On the neighborhood’s west side, Juneau Community Garden is the largest and oldest community garden in the city, and its annual harvest fair is open to the public. These areas intersect with Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. It covers around 17 million acres around Juneau and southeast Alaska.
Kayaking is among the many activities popular to do at the Mendenhall Glacier.
The Back Loop neighborhood sits along the Mendenhall River and offers many scenic views.
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Two-stories tucked into the woods
Some of the biggest draws here are forested lots and lake access; waterside trails are walkable from the easternmost homes, and paths through the national forest are just north. Most of the neighborhood is made up of the Montana Creek subdivision, where homes typically have two stories and about 2,000 square feet. They were built after 1990, and new construction is ongoing as of July 2024. “It’s difficult to nail down a price range since the market is always changing,” says McConochie. “Large single-family homes are rarely lakefront, and townhomes have zero lot lines, where two single-family homes share a wall. They all range from $400,000 to $1 million. Some new condos are being built later in 2024, and they’re slated to be above $750,000.” While new construction may change the market’s availability, properties aren’t up for sale often. Some homeowners might hear construction noise from heavy machinery, as a gravel distribution center is along the neighborhood’s northern side. Trash should also be secured since bears can wander in from the Tongass National Forest. However, utilities aren’t as much of a hassle as the more rural parts of Juneau. “The advantage of living here is that you still have city water and sewer,” says McConochie. “If you’re going out the road, putting in a well or septic system is expensive and requires maintenance. You don’t have to deal with that in Back Loop.”
There are a variety of homes in Back Loop, including ones that sit along the Mendenhall River.
The Mendenhall River makes for a stunning back patio views for many Back Loop homes in Juneau.
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Shops and restaurants in Mendenhall Valley, Downtown Juneau
About 3 miles from the valley’s commercial hub, Back Loop has access to some of Juneau’s only malls. The Mendenhall Mall is home to Nugget Alaskan Outfitter and Super Bear IGA Supermarket. McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill is also here for a local hangout, and Sandbar is just west on the Glacier Highway. Nugget Mall is about a mile south of this area, and its department stores include Sportsman’s Warehouse, Petco and JOANN Fabric and Crafts. Juneau’s biggest location of Breeze-In is nearby; this convenience store is also a restaurant, serving sandwiches and baked goods. For more options, Downtown Juneau is about 13 miles south of Back Loop. Downtown Juneau gets more than a million visitors to its shops and restaurants every year, and can get crowded during the summer tourist season.
Back Loop residents can conveniently get their groceries at the Super Bear Supermarket nearby.
Serving up the best fish and chips in Juneau, Sandbar is a fun restaurant for the whole family.
Back Loop is a short drive away from downtown Juneau, offering many shopping and dining options.
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Events in Auke Bay are popular with locals
About 3 miles west on Mendenhall Loop Road, Auke Bay hosts several events throughout the year. The Juneau Polar Bear Dip is an unofficial tradition of over 30 years, and it’s held on the shoreline of Auke Recreation Area. Hundreds of locals jump into the bay’s frigid waters to ring in the New Year, despite snow and ice. The Golden North Salmon Derby is a three-day contest in August that attracts fishermen from across the States. It’s been going since 1947, and the biggest fish ever caught were 59 pounds. Berry season runs from August to September, and locals often pull to the side of the road to pluck them. Downtown Juneau has additional events with more tourists, such as the July Fourth Parade and Capital Brewfest.
Juneau-Borough Schools in the bay, valley and downtown
Auke Bay Elementary is about 3 miles west of Back Loop, and bus service is available. It serves kindergarten through sixth grade and gets an A-minus from Niche. Buses also run to Thunder Mountain Middle, toward the center of the valley. This former high school got an A from Niche and ranked as their third-best public high school in the state. Juneau-Douglas High is A-minus-rated in Downtown Juneau, and it’s roughly a 13-mile bus ride from Back Loop. Juneau-Douglas High is within walking distance of the Gastineau Channel, a water route known for its whale sightings. An alternative for kindergarten through eighth grade, Juneau Community Charter receives an A-minus from Niche. School funding has changed for the 2024-2025 school year, and it’s uncertain which of Juneau’s schools will remain open. Parents should check with Juneau-Borough School District for current updates.
Riverbend Elementary School serves the younger students in the Juneau area.
Students attend Thunder Mountain Middle School after graduating elementary school.
Juneau-Douglas High School is the only high school for students residing in Juneau, AK.
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Walking around Back Loop, driving around Juneau
Unlike most residential areas of the valley, Back Loop’s streets are wide and have sidewalks. This small neighborhood can be explored on foot, and bikers won’t have much through traffic. Juneau is pretty spread out, though, and most people drive. Mendenhall Loop Road connects this neighborhood to the rest of the valley and the Glacier Highway, a north-south route that follows the coast of Juneau. Driving west on this route, the Auke Bay ferry terminal provides access to the Alaskan Marine Highway, a water route that links over 30 communities in Alaska. The Juneau International Airport is on the south side of the valley, about 5 miles from Back Loop. Downtown Juneau is about 13 miles south of the neighborhood via the Glacier Highway.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Gina Pelaia,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Mendenhall Glacier
Transit
Airport
Juneau International
25 min drive
Bus
Mendenhall Loop Road And River Road
Bus
Mendenhall Loop Road And Wren Drive
Bus
Mendenhall Loop Road And Montana Creek Road
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Back Loop
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Back Loop, Juneau sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Back Loop, Juneau over the last 12 months is $485,000.
Living the Dream! Nestled in the forest on a quiet cul-de-sac close to the Skater’s Cabin, the Mendenhall Glacier, and all of the wilderness activities the upper Back Loop offers, this home offers the ideal Alaska lifestyle. When it’s time for entertaining – you’ll appreciate the spacious living room, gorgeous chef’s kitchen with ample storage and prep spaces, and the huge covered rear deck with
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Gina Pelaia,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,336
Median Age
42
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$140,937
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,356
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.6%
% Population in Labor Force
71.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
64°F
Annual Snowfall
84''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
22/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
