Skagway is a prime spot for outdoor lovers who want to combine Alaska’s rugged beauty with a touch of history. Its location along the historic Klondike Gold Rush route means you’re never far from stories of prospectors and pioneering spirit, but the real draw is the stunning landscape. From lush rainforests and mighty rivers to towering glaciers and mountain passes, Skagway offers a variety of hiking and trekking tours tailored to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re after a gentle walk with wildlife viewing or a thrilling glacier trek, you’ll find options that deliver authentic Alaskan experiences without the crowds.
What makes Skagway stand out is its accessibility and the quality of tours available. Many include expert guides, scenic transportation, and opportunities to spot wildlife like eagles, bears, and seals. Plus, several tours blend different activities—like hiking, rafting, and scenic drives—giving you a complete taste of the area. If you’re planning a trip, this list highlights the top four hiking and trekking adventures in Skagway, from budget-friendly outings to full-day glacier explorations.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a diverse range of hiking and trekking tours in Skagway. The first, a shore excursion combining a hike along the Chilkoot Trail with a river float, offers family-friendly fun at an affordable price. Next, a full-day adventure that includes a hike, float, and scenic drive to White Pass Summit provides a comprehensive experience with spectacular mountain views. For those seeking a more active, private outing, the Skagway Adventure Hike allows off-road ATV exploration through Tongass National Forest. Finally, the Laughton Glacier Hike combined with a historic train ride offers a rare chance to walk on a glacier and see the stunning Laughton Glacier scenery.
1. Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
For around $135, this popular shore excursion combines a moderate 2-mile hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail with a peaceful float down the Taiya River. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Alaska’s wilderness with manageable activity levels and plenty of wildlife viewing chances—think eagles, bears, and seals. The trip starts with a scenic van ride from Skagway, then you’ll get to walk through lush rainforests, learning about local flora and fauna from your guide, who’s well-versed in the area’s ecology and history.
What sets this tour apart is its accessibility and family-friendly vibe. It’s perfect for those wanting to experience Alaska’s natural beauty without a full-day commitment. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and the relaxed float that follows the hike. The price includes all transportation and equipment, making it excellent value for a half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: A balanced combo of history, wildlife, and scenery, this tour is perfect if you want a memorable, active outing that suits most fitness levels and budgets.
2. Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float, and Summit Drive
At about 6 hours and priced at $215, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at Skagway’s natural wonders. It includes a hike along the famous Chilkoot Trail, a float on the Taiya River, and a scenic drive to White Pass Summit. The journey begins with a leisurely walk along the historic trail, where you can imagine the gold prospectors’ hardships while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
After your hike, you’ll float downstream on the Taiya River, soaking in the wilderness with chances to spot eagles and seals. The trip concludes with a drive to White Pass, where panoramic vistas of glaciers, rugged peaks, and alpine lakes make for spectacular photo opportunities. The driver shares local history and insights, making it more than just a sightseeing drive.
What makes this tour stand out is its full-day scope and varied activities. It’s especially suited for those who want a deep dive into the landscape, history, and wildlife of the area. Some guests mention that the drive to White Pass is a highlight, offering some of the best mountain views in Alaska.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a well-rounded, multi-activity experience that provides a rich sense of the region’s scenery and history.
3. Skagway Adventure Hike
For those who prefer a private, off-road experience, the Skagway Adventure Hike delivers a tailored outing for around $108. It’s a 3-hour adventure focusing on exploring the Klehini River area and Flower Mountain via ATV. This tour is designed for active travelers who want to access less-visited parts of Alaska’s wilderness while riding a four-wheeler.
The tour includes a walk through the Tongass National Forest, where your guide shares stories about local flora, fauna, and the area’s geology. The fact that it’s a private tour means you can customize stops and pace, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a personalized experience. The tour also includes a hearty lunch, adding value to the package.
Guests who’ve taken this tour rave about the off-the-beaten-path feeling and the chance to see more remote sections of Alaska. The ATV ride allows you to cover more ground than a typical hike and provides a thrill for adventure-seekers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active groups wanting a private, off-road tour that combines scenery with adrenaline.
4. Laughton Glacier Hike and White Pass Rail Adventure
At nearly 10 hours and $400 per person, this full-day combo is the most intensive on our list. It features a scenic ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, followed by a hike on the Laughton Glacier—where you can actually walk on ice with provided crampons.
This tour is ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts or those eager to experience Alaska’s glaciers firsthand. The train ride alone offers breathtaking mountain vistas and a glimpse into the region’s mining past. Once at the glacier, you’ll don ice creepers and trek a trail through the ice, with the guide providing safety tips and insights about glacier formation. The hike length varies but usually covers 6-8 miles.
Guests have praised the combination of the scenic train ride and glacier hike, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The inclusion of all necessary gear makes it accessible, but the physical demand is higher than other tours.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventure lovers with good fitness who want to combine a historic train journey with a glacier trek on one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring glaciers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Skagway Hiking Adventure
When deciding which tour fits you best, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you crave a shorter, family-friendly outing, the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float offers great value. For a full-day immersion into the mountains, history, and wildlife, the full-day Chilkoot, float, and White Pass scenery is hard to beat. Adventure travelers with a sense of independence and love of off-road rides will find the private ATV tour perfect. Finally, if glaciers and historic railways are your thing, the Laughton Glacier Hike offers a memorable, all-day experience.
Booking early is wise, especially in summer months when tours fill up quickly. Think about your physical fitness and interests—are you after wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, or a glacier walk? Matching your choice to your preferences will ensure your Skagway outdoor adventure is truly memorable.
From gentle rainforest walks and river floats to glacier hikes and scenic railroads, Skagway’s hiking tours deliver unforgettable views and stories. Whether you’re eager to learn about gold rush history, see wildlife, or walk on ice, this list should help you find your ideal outdoor activity. So pack your boots, bring your camera, and prepare to explore Alaska’s wild side — early bookings are recommended to secure your spot in these popular tours.