Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float, and Summit Drive Tour
Offered by Alaska Mountain Guides In Haines, Alaska
: $
About us
At Alaska Mountian Guides, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with unforgettable experiences in Alaska. Our company offers a variety of tours that appeal to the adventurous spirit of travelers who want to explore the beauty of Alaska. Whether you want to take a scenic drive along the coast or fly over the glaciers, we have something for everyone. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides are passionate about sharing Alaska's history and culture with our customers. Book your Skagway excursion with us today and let us show you the wonders of Alaska.
Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush Tongass National Forest. This geography puts Skagway in a unique position to be a grand gateway to outdoor adventure! We specialize in guided trips that immerse you in the vast natural beauty of the area. Hiking, rafting, climbing, ziplining, and canoeing are some of the exciting activities that we offer based in Skagway. Many of our tours also utilize the fast ferry and travel to Haines, just 15 miles away. Haines offers visitors to Skagway a chance to get off the beaten path and explore remote, wildlife-rich areas.
Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush Tongass National Forest. This geography puts Skagway in a unique position to be a grand gateway to outdoor adventure! We specialize in guided trips that immerse you in the vast natural beauty of the area. Hiking, rafting, climbing, ziplining, and canoeing are some of the exciting activities that we offer based in Skagway. Many of our tours also utilize the fast ferry and travel to Haines, just 15 miles away. Haines offers visitors to Skagway a chance to get off the beaten path and explore remote, wildlife-rich areas.
What we'll do
This excursion retraces the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeeders over the historic Chilkoot Trail and float back down on the beautiful Taiya River. Tour the spectacular views of alpine lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and pristine forest on a drive to the summit of the picturesque White Pass.
Your excursion begins at the dock. After a safety orientation, board a van and drive through Skagway to the backcountry and the historic town of Dyea. Hike the first two miles of the scenic Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of gold rush history in Skagway. This world-famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals, and wildflowers. Enjoy the exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, pristine forests, and history of a bygone era as the trail takes you up and over the 350' tall Saintly Hill. Along the way, your tour guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders who forged this route over 100 years ago.
Arrive at the banks of the Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft awaits for the scenic float (no whitewater) back to Dyea. The forest gives way to fields of beach greens and wild iris, and the granite walls of the fjords rise steeply to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack of homemade cookies and a hot beverage with countless picture-perfect moments before loading up in the van and continuing the tour up to the White Pass summit.
We’ll drive for about 45 minutes from the take-out to the top of the scenic White Pass. There are many photo opportunities of beautiful alpine lakes, glaciers, towering snowcapped peaks and pristine forests. After enjoying the spectacular scenery, we’ll return through the U.S. Border station and return to the town of Skagway.
*Timings:
(~10 minutes) - Your friendly guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~35 minutes) - From the small boat harbor we’ll board a van and head toward Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a driving town tour of Skagway and the scenic coastal gravel road to Dyea.
(~120 minutes) - Once we arrive in Dyea, your guide will get you outfitted with trekking poles and you’ll have the opportunity to use the restroom before we begin tracing the Gold Rush stampeders’ steps along the first two miles of the Historic Chilkoot Trail.
(~10 minutes) - At the end of the hike your guide will get you outfitted with a PFD and rubber boots and provide a safety briefing as we prepare for the scenic float down the Taiya River.
(~35 minutes) - Sit back and enjoy as your experienced river guide rows you down the scenic Taiya River. The stable 18’ raft provides a great platform for photography and taking in the sweeping mountain, ocean, and rainforest views.
(~15 minutes) - Once we reach the riverside raft take-out, you’ll be treated to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa, hot tea, and some free time to take in the dramatic landscape with the supplied spotting scope.
(~85 minutes) - From the river take-out we’ll begin our drive north up the Klondike Highway to the dramatic summit of the White Pass. There will be many photo opportunities and we’ll stop at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign so that you can get pictures with the sign.
(~60 minutes) - When we depart the summit the leisurely drive back to your ship will take about 45-60 minutes as we make a photo stop at Bridal Veil Falls and stop through US Customs.
Your excursion begins at the dock. After a safety orientation, board a van and drive through Skagway to the backcountry and the historic town of Dyea. Hike the first two miles of the scenic Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of gold rush history in Skagway. This world-famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals, and wildflowers. Enjoy the exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, pristine forests, and history of a bygone era as the trail takes you up and over the 350' tall Saintly Hill. Along the way, your tour guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders who forged this route over 100 years ago.
Arrive at the banks of the Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft awaits for the scenic float (no whitewater) back to Dyea. The forest gives way to fields of beach greens and wild iris, and the granite walls of the fjords rise steeply to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack of homemade cookies and a hot beverage with countless picture-perfect moments before loading up in the van and continuing the tour up to the White Pass summit.
We’ll drive for about 45 minutes from the take-out to the top of the scenic White Pass. There are many photo opportunities of beautiful alpine lakes, glaciers, towering snowcapped peaks and pristine forests. After enjoying the spectacular scenery, we’ll return through the U.S. Border station and return to the town of Skagway.
*Timings:
(~10 minutes) - Your friendly guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~35 minutes) - From the small boat harbor we’ll board a van and head toward Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a driving town tour of Skagway and the scenic coastal gravel road to Dyea.
(~120 minutes) - Once we arrive in Dyea, your guide will get you outfitted with trekking poles and you’ll have the opportunity to use the restroom before we begin tracing the Gold Rush stampeders’ steps along the first two miles of the Historic Chilkoot Trail.
(~10 minutes) - At the end of the hike your guide will get you outfitted with a PFD and rubber boots and provide a safety briefing as we prepare for the scenic float down the Taiya River.
(~35 minutes) - Sit back and enjoy as your experienced river guide rows you down the scenic Taiya River. The stable 18’ raft provides a great platform for photography and taking in the sweeping mountain, ocean, and rainforest views.
(~15 minutes) - Once we reach the riverside raft take-out, you’ll be treated to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa, hot tea, and some free time to take in the dramatic landscape with the supplied spotting scope.
(~85 minutes) - From the river take-out we’ll begin our drive north up the Klondike Highway to the dramatic summit of the White Pass. There will be many photo opportunities and we’ll stop at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign so that you can get pictures with the sign.
(~60 minutes) - When we depart the summit the leisurely drive back to your ship will take about 45-60 minutes as we make a photo stop at Bridal Veil Falls and stop through US Customs.
What to expect / what's provided
* Duration: 6 Hours
* Activity Level: Strenuous [Several miles walking on uneven terrain, 350' of elevation gain over 1/2 mile]
* Min. Age: 7 years
* Min. Weight: None Max. Weight: 350 lbs.
* Food: Water was provided on the hike, and cookies, tea, and hot chocolate were offered after rafting.
* Provided Equipment: Trekking poles [for hiking]. Life jackets, ponchos, and rubber boots [for rafting].
* Recommended clothing: Hiking boots, rain gear, and warm layers.
* Wheelchair access: No
* Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest’s responsibility to determine if they are
physically and mentally able to participate in the activity. Pertinent medical conditions must be
disclosed to the guide.
* Liability Waiver Required
*FAQs:
- Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the Skagway pier where your ship docks. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
- Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonders of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff undergo extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
- Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour and a non-flushing “outhouse” style restroom is at the start of the hike.
- Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance, the weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
- How long is the trail?
The tour hikes along the first 1.6-2 miles of the historic Chilkoot Trail.
- What is the trail like?
We’ll be hiking over uneven, natural terrain. There are exposed roots, rocks, and sometimes slippery or muddy sections. The trail gains and descends 350’ over the course of the two-mile hike.
- What wildlife will I see?
Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, Bald Eagles, ravens, squirrels, and harbor seals are frequently seen on this tour in Skagway. Skagway’s unique landscape somewhat isolates it from many of the larger mammals apart from the occasional black bear or coastal brown bear.
- Is there any whitewater on the float?
No – there will be no whitewater or rapids on the float.
* Pricing is inclusive of the 5% Skagway Sales Tax
* Activity Level: Strenuous [Several miles walking on uneven terrain, 350' of elevation gain over 1/2 mile]
* Min. Age: 7 years
* Min. Weight: None Max. Weight: 350 lbs.
* Food: Water was provided on the hike, and cookies, tea, and hot chocolate were offered after rafting.
* Provided Equipment: Trekking poles [for hiking]. Life jackets, ponchos, and rubber boots [for rafting].
* Recommended clothing: Hiking boots, rain gear, and warm layers.
* Wheelchair access: No
* Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest’s responsibility to determine if they are
physically and mentally able to participate in the activity. Pertinent medical conditions must be
disclosed to the guide.
* Liability Waiver Required
*FAQs:
- Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the Skagway pier where your ship docks. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
- Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonders of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff undergo extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
- Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour and a non-flushing “outhouse” style restroom is at the start of the hike.
- Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance, the weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
- How long is the trail?
The tour hikes along the first 1.6-2 miles of the historic Chilkoot Trail.
- What is the trail like?
We’ll be hiking over uneven, natural terrain. There are exposed roots, rocks, and sometimes slippery or muddy sections. The trail gains and descends 350’ over the course of the two-mile hike.
- What wildlife will I see?
Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, Bald Eagles, ravens, squirrels, and harbor seals are frequently seen on this tour in Skagway. Skagway’s unique landscape somewhat isolates it from many of the larger mammals apart from the occasional black bear or coastal brown bear.
- Is there any whitewater on the float?
No – there will be no whitewater or rapids on the float.
* Pricing is inclusive of the 5% Skagway Sales Tax
Cancellation Policy
All sales final, but please contact us if you have any problems with your order.
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