Sightseeing and scenic rides in Skagway
Skagway's scenic rides climb out of a narrow valley that was once the route to the Klondike gold fields. The best known is the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, a narrow-gauge line that starts on the dock and climbs steep mountainside above the river. Flightseeing from the airport and a short drive to the Dyea Road overlook round out the options.
Places to go
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
The White Pass and Yukon Route is a narrow-gauge railway that climbs out of Skagway toward the White Pass. Riders get long views of the train winding along the mountainside above the river.
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.
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.
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.
Skagway glaciers by helicopter
A helicopter flight over the glaciers that ring Skagway, seen from the air across ice fields and peaks. It is booked as a tour rather than arranged on your own.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Alaska Husky Puppy Encounter and Scenic Mountain Views
Suspension Bridge, Yukon Sled Dogs, and Summit Views
What to expect
The most famous ride is the White Pass and Yukon Route train, a narrow-gauge line that climbs one of North America's steepest grades. The train leaves from the Railroad Dock in Skagway. The round trip to the summit runs about 2.5 to 2.75 hours and covers 40 miles. Seats face forward both ways, and the views of the train snaking along the mountainside above the river far below are the main draw.
If you want a steam engine, the Steam Summit Loop climbs the same grade behind a 1947 steam locomotive and lasts about 3 hours. For a shorter outing, the Dyea Road drive takes you to the Skagway Overlook at Mile 2, a platform with a view over the town and peaks. Flightseeing from Mountain Flying Service, at the airport, uses a plane with very large windows. The Klondike Highway drive over the pass offers waterfalls, glaciers and glimpses of the railway.
Where to go
- White Pass and Yukon Route railway. Narrow-gauge train climbing one of North America's steepest grades, with views of the train on the mountainside above the river. About 75 minutes one way to the summit, by train, boarding at the Railroad Dock. A trip that goes here: Alaska Husky Puppy Encounter and Scenic Mountain Views, 4 Hours 30 Minutes, $169 a person
- Skagway Overlook. Platform at Mile 2 on Dyea Road with a view over the town and the surrounding peaks. About 2 miles out on Dyea Road, by tour bus or car. A trip that goes here: Helicopter Glacier Discovery, 1 Hour 30 Minutes, $639 a person
- Mountain Flying Service. Flightseeing from the airport in a plane with very large windows, flying out of Skagway and Haines. At the airport, by tour bus. A trip that goes here: Alaska Husky Puppy Encounter and Scenic Mountain Views, 4 Hours 30 Minutes, $169 a person
Getting there
The White Pass train boards at the Railroad Dock in Skagway. The trip to the summit takes about 75 minutes one way. The town is flat and only a few blocks wide.
When to go
The train runs from May to early October, so the rides are only available in that window. Book ahead for a set departure, since the train is the main reason many people come.
Good to know
- Dress in layers. The summit and the open cars can be cooler than the dock, even in summer.
- Pick the forward-facing seat on the train for the best views of the mountainside.
- Bring a camera or phone with a full battery. The train views and the overlook are the main photo spots.
Questions
How long is the White Pass train ride from Skagway?
The round trip to the summit takes about 2.5 to 2.75 hours and covers 40 miles. The summit is about 75 minutes away one way. The train runs from May to early October.
Can I see Skagway's scenery without taking the train?
Yes. The Dyea Road drive leads to the Skagway Overlook at Mile 2, a platform with a view over the town and peaks. Flightseeing from Mountain Flying Service at the airport is another option.
Is the train ride easy for people with limited mobility?
The ride is seated and the effort is easy. It boards at the Railroad Dock, so there is little walking involved in getting on.
