Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour

Skagway’s Chilkoot Trail hike and float tour offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure. Visitors can enjoy the region’s rich heritage as they trek along the renowned Chilkoot Trail, once a crucial path during the Klondike Gold Rush. The tour’s highlight is a serene float down the Taiya River, where the stunning Alaskan landscapes and the chance to spot local wildlife promise an unforgettable experience. For those seeking an engaging, multi-faceted exploration of Skagway’s natural and cultural treasures, this tour is an enticing choice.

Key Points

• A 4-hour adventure combining a scenic van ride, a moderate 2-mile Chilkoot Trail hike, and a relaxing rubber raft float down the Taiya River.
• A focus on local wildlife, plants, and Klondike Gold Rush history during the tour.
• A 10-mile scenic van ride from Skagway to the Chilkoot Trail trailhead, providing insights on the area’s history and natural beauty.
• A 2-mile Chilkoot Trail hike with an elevation gain of 300 feet, offering stunning scenery and emphasizing the trail’s historical significance.
• A peaceful rubber raft float down the Taiya River after the hike, with the opportunity to see diverse wildlife and learn about the area’s rich history.

Overview of the Tour

The Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.

This 4-hour adventure combines a scenic van ride, a moderate 2-mile hike along the Chilkoot Trail, and a relaxing rubber raft float down the Taiya River.

Along the way, guests will learn about the local wildlife, plants, and the captivating history of the Klondike Gold Rush.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though a good level of physical fitness is recommended.

With over 400 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this tour provides an immersive and highly acclaimed Alaskan experience.

Scenic Van Ride to Chilkoot Trail

A scenic 10-mile (16-km) van ride transports guests from Skagway to the trailhead of the iconic Chilkoot Trail.

Along the way, the guide shares insight into the history and natural beauty of the region. Passengers gaze out at the rugged mountains and pristine rivers that characterized the Klondike Gold Rush.

This journey sets the stage for the hike to come, as guests prepare to follow in the footsteps of the prospectors who traversed this challenging terrain over a century ago.

The scenic ride allows travelers to fully enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Skagway before embarking on the Chilkoot Trail hike.

Moderate-Level Chilkoot Trail Hike

After the scenic van ride, guests embark on a moderate-level, 2-mile (3.2-km) hike along the Chilkoot Trail.

With an elevation gain of about 300 feet (92 meters), the trail is steep and uneven, challenging hikers.

However, the focus is on the local wildlife, plants, and the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, offering an immersive experience.

Guides share their expertise, bringing the trail’s significance to life.

The hike may be strenuous, but the stunning scenery and insights into the region’s past make it a rewarding part of the tour.

Exploring Local Wildlife and History

As guests traverse the Chilkoot Trail, knowledgeable guides bring the region’s rich history and vibrant wildlife to life. They point out remnants of the Klondike Gold Rush, sharing captivating stories of the stampeders who braved this rugged landscape over a century ago.

Hikers may spot bald eagles soaring overhead, or catch glimpses of black bears foraging for salmon in the nearby streams. Guides also identify the hardy plants that thrive in this subarctic environment, from vibrant wildflowers to the ancient, twisted spruce trees.

Through their expert commentary, the tour offers a deeper appreciation for the land’s natural and cultural heritage.

Rubber Raft Float Down Taiya River

Following the serene hike through the wilderness, guests embark on a relaxing rubber raft float down the Taiya River.

The raft accommodates a maximum of 11 passengers, offering an intimate and safe experience. As the raft glides through the scenic Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, guests may catch glimpses of diverse wildlife, including bears, eagles, otters, seals, and spawning salmon.

The river float provides a peaceful contrast to the earlier strenuous hike, allowing participants to take in the stunning natural surroundings and learn about the area’s rich history from the knowledgeable guides.

Possible Wildlife Sightings

While gliding down the Taiya River, participants may catch glimpses of a diverse array of wildlife native to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

The tour’s rubber rafts provide an intimate vantage point for spotting bears foraging along the riverbanks, bald eagles soaring overhead, and river otters playfully swimming.

Seals may also be seen basking on the rocks, and schools of migrating salmon may be visible in the river’s clear waters.

This floating portion of the tour offers a unique opportunity to observe the region’s abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Tour Meeting and Pickup Instructions

The tour meeting and pickup instructions are straightforward.

Visitors should arrive 10-15 minutes early at either the cruise ship pier or the downtown Golden North Hotel Lobby in Skagway.

Look for a representative holding a "SKAGWAY FLOAT TOURS" sign.

If any assistance is needed, guests can call or text the provided contact.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of punctuality to ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

With clear meeting points and guidance, guests can easily find their way to begin this Chilkoot Trail hiking and river floating adventure.

Physical and Age Requirements

To participate in this Skagway shore excursion, guests should be in good physical condition.

The moderate 2-mile hike along the Chilkoot Trail involves steep and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of 300 feet. Due to the nature of the hike, this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or serious medical issues.

The minimum age is 5 years old. Participants should wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Waterproof boots and life jackets are provided for the river rafting portion.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can access restrooms at the starting point and during the van ride to the trailhead. Portable toilets are also provided along the hiking trail.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to pack light and avoid large coolers, as storage space may be limited during the hike and rafting portion of the excursion.

Is There an Option to Skip the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to skip the hiking portion. The 2-mile hike along the Chilkoot Trail is a key part of the overall experience, providing a chance to learn about the local wildlife, plants, and Klondike Gold Rush history.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Activities?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the activities, but participants should be mindful of not obstructing or disturbing the experience for others. Guides may provide guidance on appropriate times and places for capturing photos and videos.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides With the Chilkoot Trail Hike?

The tour guides are highly experienced with the Chilkoot Trail hike. They’re knowledgeable about the local wildlife, plants, and the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, and they provide engaging storytelling during the moderate-level 2-mile trek.

The Sum Up

The Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour offers an unforgettable adventure. Explore the historic Chilkoot Trail, learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, and float down the Taiya River, all while enjoying stunning Alaskan scenery and the chance to spot wildlife. This tour provides a unique and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Skagway.