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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Quick Facts
Itinerary • 4h 00min • 4 activities
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.
A scenic hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail, walking through an abandoned Gold Rush town site.
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.
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.