Hiking in Skagway
Hiking in Skagway ranges from easy town-edge loops to the Chilkoot Trail, a historic route into the Coast Mountains. The town sits on level ground, so you can walk to several trailheads on your own. The trail network reaches waterfalls, lakes and fjord views within a few miles of downtown.
Places to go
Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail is a historic route through the Coast Mountains, from the Dyea trailhead out toward Bennett in British Columbia. Most people here walk a short section or a day hike.
Lower Dewey Lake
Lower Dewey Lake is a moderate loop trail just outside Skagway's town center, leading through spruce and hemlock forest to a mountain lake. Most people walk it as a half day in the hills above town.
Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls
A short forest walk behind Skagway's old cemetery, ending at a view of Lower Reid Falls. It is an easy round trip that most people finish in about two hours.
Dyea townsite
The Dyea townsite is the remains of a gold rush boomtown at the head of the Taiya River Valley. Today it is a lush natural area where you walk among old ruins and wild plants.
Yakutania Point
A short walk from town to a point on Taiya Inlet, with a view down Lynn Canal toward the Chilkat Mountains. Trails, a footbridge and a picnic shelter make it an easy stop.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most hikers choose one of two routes. The first is a town-edge walk. Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls is an easy loop of about 4 miles round trip, taking about 2 hours, with a forest waterfall and little climbing. Lower Dewey Lake is a moderate hike of 1 to 2 hours, 0.9 mile to the lake and 3.6 miles around it.
The second route is the Chilkoot Trail. It is a historic 33-mile route from Dyea to Bennett, British Columbia, once used by stampeders hauling supplies to the gold fields. Most people cannot cross it in one day, so a day hike usually means a short stretch from the Dyea trailhead, or a train-based hike. The trail is very challenging in weather and exposure once it climbs into the alpine.
Where to go
- Chilkoot Trail (Dyea trailhead). A historic route from Dyea toward Bennett. A short section or a day hike covers part of this famous trail. About 16 km (10 miles) from Skagway center along Dyea Road, by tour bus. A trip that goes here: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake, 2 Hours, $159 a person
- Lower Dewey Lake. A moderate loop of 1 to 2 hours, 0.9 mile to the lake and 3.6 miles around it, with about 500 feet of climbing. By walk.
- Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls. An easy hike of about 4 miles round trip, about 2 hours, with a forest waterfall and the old cemetery of Soapy Smith. By walk. A trip that goes here: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake, 2 Hours, $159 a person
- Yakutania Point and Smuggler's Cove. Trails, an exercise course and picnic spots reached by a footbridge south of the airport terminal off First Ave. By walk. A trip that goes here: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake, 2 Hours, $159 a person
Getting there
The town is only a few blocks wide, so most town trailheads are a short walk from downtown. The Dyea trailhead lies about 10 miles out along Dyea Road, which is a drive or tour from town. The Gold Rush Cemetery takes about 20 minutes to walk from downtown.
When to go
The main season runs from May to September. In spring much of the Chilkoot Trail may still be deep in snow, and avalanche conditions can exist.
Good to know
- Bears are the primary safety concern on the Chilkoot Trail, and food must be stored in bear-safe locations.
- Free area guides and hiking maps are available at the Skagway Visitor Center on Broadway.
- Carry water and a layer, since the trails climb and weather on the high sections can change quickly.
Questions
Can you hike the Chilkoot Trail in one day?
The full Chilkoot Trail is a multi-day route of 33 miles from Dyea to Bennett. A day hike usually means a short section from the Dyea trailhead, about 10 miles out, or a train-based hike.
What is the easiest hike in Skagway?
The Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls hike is easy, about 4 miles round trip, taking about 2 hours. It is a walk from town with a forest waterfall.
Do I need a guide for hiking in Skagway?
Town trails need no guide. The Dyea trailhead is about 10 miles out, so you need a drive or a tour to reach it.
