Nestled at the end of a dramatic fjord, Skagway is a hiker’s paradise. The mountains rise sharply from the sea, and the valley is laced with trails leading through lush temperate rainforest, past roaring waterfalls, and up to stunning alpine vistas. For cruise ship passengers, Skagway offers some of the most accessible and rewarding hiking in all of Alaska, with several trailheads located just a short walk from the docks.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly walk to a beautiful lake or a strenuous all-day climb to a mountain summit, you can find it here. The trails carry the weight of Gold Rush history, with some routes following the very paths trodden by thousands of stampeders in 1898.
What to Expect
The beauty of hiking in Skagway is its simplicity. You can walk off your ship, stroll through the historic town, and be on a wilderness trail within 15-20 minutes. Your first stop should be the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, located in the historic 1898 railroad depot at 2nd Avenue and Broadway. Here, National Park Service (NPS) Rangers provide free trail maps, up-to-the-minute trail condition reports, and expert advice.
For a classic Skagway hike, head to the Lower Dewey Lakes Trail. The trailhead is just past the railroad tracks at the end of Second Avenue. The trail climbs steeply for the first half-mile through a coastal forest before reaching the first of several picturesque lakes. A relatively flat loop trail circles the lakes, offering peaceful views, picnic spots, and a true sense of Alaskan wilderness just minutes from town. The entire loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a perfect excursion for a port day.
For a more historical trek, you can day-hike the first few miles of the legendary Chilkoot Trail. The trailhead is in the nearby ghost town of Dyea, about a 20-minute drive from Skagway. This world-famous trail was the primary route to the Yukon goldfields. Hiking even a short section gives you a profound sense of the journey the stampeders undertook.
Who This Is For
Skagway’s trail system offers options for nearly everyone.
- Families and Casual Walkers: The short hike to Yakutania Point or the flat, 4-mile round trip walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls are excellent choices. The Lower Dewey Lake loop is a great “first real hike” for active kids and adults who can handle a short, steep climb.
- Active Cruisers with Limited Time: The Lower Dewey Lake trail is the perfect fit, delivering a fantastic wilderness experience in under two hours.
- Fit and Experienced Hikers: For those seeking a serious challenge and breathtaking rewards, the trails to Upper Dewey Lake or A.B. Mountain (Skyline Trail) are bucket-list hikes. These are steep, strenuous, all-day efforts that climb into the alpine for panoramic views of the entire fjord and surrounding peaks.
Ship vs. Independent Booking
For hiking in Skagway, booking independently is almost always the superior choice. The accessibility of the trailheads from the cruise docks makes paying for a guided tour largely unnecessary for the most popular routes. You can save over 50% and enjoy the freedom to hike at your own pace.
A ship-sponsored or private guided hike can cost between $89 and $150 per person for an experience you can easily replicate for free. For example, the “Skagway Adventure Hike” offered by local operators includes a guide and transportation for a 2-hour hike.
The primary reasons to book a guided tour would be for transportation to a more remote trailhead, like Dyea for the Chilkoot Trail, or for hikes that require special equipment and expertise, such as the Laughton Glacier hike which is accessed via the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. However, even for the Chilkoot Trail, you can hire a local taxi or shuttle for point-to-point transportation to Dyea.
What to Bring
Proper preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable hike in Skagway’s changeable weather.
- Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear: Trails are often rocky, rooted, and muddy. Good traction and dry feet are essential.
- Layers: Dress in non-cotton layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or synthetic jacket for warmth, and top it all with a waterproof and windproof rain jacket.
- Backpack: A small daypack is necessary to carry your essentials.
- Water and Snacks: Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
- Bear Spray: Skagway is bear country. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise on the trail.
- Camera: The views are spectacular, from the lush forest floor to the mountain vistas.
- Trail Map: Grab a free map from the NPS Visitor Center before you go.
How to Book
For independent hiking, no booking is required. Simply follow these steps:
- Walk from your ship to the NPS Visitor Center at 2nd Ave & Broadway.
- Speak with a ranger to get a trail map and the latest condition reports.
- Walk to your chosen trailhead and enjoy your hike.
If you prefer a guided experience, several reputable local companies operate in Skagway. It is highly recommended to book directly with them online well in advance of your cruise.
- Packer Expeditions: A long-standing Skagway operator known for their glacier and railway-accessed hikes. They have a history of guiding on the Chilkoot Trail.
- Alaska Mountain Guides: A premier guide service offering hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical independent hiking experience like in Skagway?
You can walk directly from your cruise ship through Skagway's historic downtown to a trailhead in about 15 minutes. A popular choice is the Lower Dewey Lake Trail, which starts with a steep climb and then levels out for a beautiful loop around a serene mountain lake. The whole hike takes 1.5-2 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore town afterward.
Is it better to book a guided hike or just go on my own?
For most cruise passengers, hiking independently in Skagway is the best option. The most popular trails are well-marked and start right from town, costing nothing. A guided hike, like the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float, can cost over $140. You'd only need a guide for remote trails or if you want in-depth naturalist interpretation.
What should I wear and bring for a hike in Skagway?
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes, as trails can be rocky and muddy. Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or mid-layer, and a waterproof rain jacket are essential. Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, a camera, and bear spray for safety.
What fitness level is required for Skagway hiking?
There's a trail for every fitness level. The Lower Dewey Lake Trail is a moderate hike perfect for active families, involving an initial 500-foot elevation gain. For very fit, experienced hikers, the Upper Dewey Lake or A.B. Mountain trails offer strenuous, all-day climbs with incredible rewards. Easy, mostly flat walks include Yakutania Point and the Gold Rush Cemetery.
What happens if the weather is bad? Can I still hike?
Tours and independent hikes operate rain or shine, as rain is very common in Southeast Alaska. A good rain jacket is key. The only reason a trail might close is due to extreme weather or problem bear activity. Always check current trail conditions by stopping at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 2nd and Broadway before you head out.
How far in advance should I plan my hike?
For independent hiking, no advance booking is needed. You can simply walk off the ship, grab a map, and go. If you decide on a guided tour with a company like Packer Expeditions or Alaska Mountain Guides, it's best to book at least a few weeks in advance, especially for peak season dates, as small group tours fill up quickly.
What's included in a guided hiking tour vs. hiking independently?
Independent hiking is free, offering total flexibility. You'll need to provide your own gear, water, and bear spray. A guided tour typically includes a naturalist guide, transportation to the trailhead, and sometimes gear like trekking poles and a light snack. For example, some guided Chilkoot Trail hikes include a raft float back down the Taiya River.