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Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float

4.88
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4 Hours Duration
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Includes about 40-minutes on the river
Wildlife Sighting Opportunities
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Eagles and seals
2-Mile Hike
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On historic Chilkoot Trail
Float Along Taiya River
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No rapids on this calm section

Description

Ready to get those cruise legs some exercise? A guided hike through the Alaskan rainforest on the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float provides a great opportunity to get some energy out, learn about the area, and experience the infamous Chilkoot Trail first-hand. The 2-mile, one-way hike culminates at the Taiya River where your raft awaits. From here, begin a peaceful river float down the Taiya as your guide recounts tales of the Gold Rush history and enjoy the surrounding scenery which resonates with Alaskan beauty. One of our more active Skagway shore excursions, this tour combines hiking with a gentle float trip and contains all the same history and highlights you find on the various city and bus tours. Get outside, breathe some fresh air, and discover why Alaska lured you North to begin with on one of the best combination Skagway shore excursions.

Starting with a scenic 10-mile drive out to the historic town of Dyea, the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float begins as your guide narrates the short bus ride which cruises along the northern tip of the Taiya Inlet. It’s not uncommon to see eagles and even seals along the journey to the start of the Chilkoot Trail, which was the notoriously arduous path taken by thousands of prospectors a century ago in hopes of striking it rich in Yukon’s interior. The hike begins, meandering through the Alaskan rainforest and up the infamous Chilkoot Trail. This hike is geared towards the active traveler and contains moderate elevation gain (about 300 ft. over the first half a mile and then down 300 ft. in the second half-mile (steep) and then the last mile is mostly flat) and natural terrain. Here, the naturalist guide supplements the history with tidbits about this lush, wet ecological zone. The hike culminates right at the raft. Climb aboard the sturdy river raft for a peaceful float down the Taiya River, which is fed by high-mountain glacial streams. Depending on the time of year, bald eagles can be prominent, and the surrounding views resonate with Alaska’s natural outdoor beauty. Enjoy a riverside snack after the float before heading back to Skagway, where you will still have plenty of time to explore the town or even join another tour. For active adventurers on the hunt for exciting Skagway shore excursions, the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour provides the perfect mix of movement and scenic beauty!

To add a bicycle trek to this excursion, consider the White Pass Train & Bike.


What's Included

Round Trip Transportation
Knowledgable Guides
Equipment & Gear: Life Jackets and Rubber Boots
Small Snack: Granola Bar
Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we get wet on the rafting ride?
No, this tour is a scenic and mellow float tour and does not contain any whitewater or rapids. Ponchos can be supplied if there is a drizzle but we recommend bringing your camera along as there is no worries about splashing water.
What will the weather be like?
One thing that is predictable about Alaskan coastal weather is that the weather can be variable. In the course of the day we can see sun, drizzle, sun, clouds and everything in between. Our tours are very rarely due to weather as the conditions are typically fleeting. The classic saying is that if you don't like the Skagway weather now, just wait 45 minutes. A sunny, warm day might end up rainy and vice versa.
What's the largest group size?
The maximum group size that the rafts can hold is 11 people.
How difficult is the hike?
Participants must be in good physical condition for the 1.5-2 hour hike. Those with back, knee, hip, or balance issues should consider their participation in this activity. Due to safety reasons and keeping on tour schedule, your guide will strongly advise against participation in the hike if they feel it to be too strenuous for your ability level. An alternate arrangement will be made so you can participate in the float portion.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 5 years old
Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Skagway

Duration
4h 00min

Adult Rate
$134

Child Rate
$114


Itinerary • 4h 00min • 4 activities

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After pick-up right from your cruise ship's dock, you'll head down to the start of the Chilkoot Trail on a fully narrated drive with your guides sharing local knowledge.

Duration
45 minutes
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A scenic hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail, walking through an abandoned Gold Rush town site.

Duration
2 hours
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Once you've reached the Taiya River, your guides will take you on a 10-person raft down a mellow section of the river with no rapids and stunning views of the surrounding forests.

Duration
40 minutes
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At the end of the float, you'll arrive right back where you started, hop in the vans and venture back to your cruise ship for an easy return for your all-aboard.

Duration
45 minutes

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Total score
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