Skagway Hiking from Your Alaska Cruise

Skagway offers excellent hiking opportunities for Alaska cruise passengers, from easy waterfront trails to challenging mountain routes. Popular options include the Lower Dewey Lake Trail, Upper Reid Falls, and AB Mountain. Most trailheads are within walking distance of the cruise dock. Hikers can explore temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and historic gold rush sites while enjoying stunning mountain and fjord views.

Quick Facts for Skagway Hiking

Want to know more about all Alaska cruise port destinations and what they offer?

Why Skip the Excursion Bus

Here’s something most cruise passengers don’t realize: while everyone else is paying $100+ per person for guided shore excursions in Skagway, you can walk off the ship and be on a spectacular wilderness trail within 15 minutes. The town is tiny with a population of under 1,000 people, and the entire downtown stretches just a few blocks. You literally cannot get lost trying to find trailheads.

The cruise lines don’t exactly advertise this because they’d rather sell you their packages. But Skagway’s trail system is remarkably well-maintained and clearly marked, thanks to the National Park Service managing much of the surrounding land.

Best Trails Based on Your Time and Fitness

For Time-Crunched Cruisers (2-3 hours available)

• Yakutania Point Trail: A flat 2-mile loop right along the waterfront with interpretive signs about Skagway’s natural history. Perfect if someone in your group has mobility issues.
• Lower Reid Falls: Just 1.6 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain. The payoff is a beautiful 300-foot waterfall. This is ideal for family activities in Skagway with younger kids.

For Moderate Hikers (3-5 hours available)

• Lower Dewey Lake Trail: The most popular choice for cruise passengers. At 3.5 miles roundtrip with 800 feet of elevation gain, it offers that “I hiked in Alaska” experience without requiring expedition-level fitness. The subalpine lake at the top is worth every step.
• Upper Reid Falls: Continue past Lower Reid Falls for a 6-mile roundtrip that gets you deeper into the forest with fewer crowds.

For Serious Hikers (6+ hours available)

• Upper Dewey Lake: Add another 3 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation to the Lower Dewey Lake hike. You’ll reach true alpine terrain with wildflowers and dramatic views.
• AB Mountain: This is not for casual hikers. The 10-mile roundtrip with 5,000 feet of elevation gain is genuinely strenuous. But if you’re fit and your ship has a long port day, the 360-degree views from the summit are the best in Skagway.

The Real Trail Conditions Nobody Mentions

Let’s talk about what “well-maintained” actually means in coastal Alaska. These aren’t paved paths with handrails. Expect:

• Mud. Lots of mud. This is a temperate rainforest that gets 30 inches of rain annually.
• Tree roots across the trail that become slippery when wet (which is often)
• Wooden boardwalks and stairs that can be slick
• Bears. Yes, really. More on that below.
• Mosquitoes in early summer that seem to have studied aerial combat tactics

None of this should discourage you, but wearing trail runners instead of flip-flops suddenly seems less optional and more essential.

The Bear Situation

Black bears are common in the Skagway area. Brown bears less so but still present. The Park Service recommends hiking in groups of three or more, making noise, and carrying bear spray. Here’s the insider scoop: most cruise passengers hike between 9 AM and 3 PM, which means you’ll encounter other humans frequently enough on popular trails that bears typically move away from the commotion.

That said, bear spray is available for rent or purchase in downtown Skagway at several outdoor shops. If you’re doing the more remote trails like Upper Dewey or AB Mountain, it’s worth the $45 for a canister. For Lower Dewey Lake and Reid Falls where you’ll see plenty of other hikers, the risk is minimal but not zero.

What to Pack in Your Daypack

Space is limited when you’re trying to travel light from your cruise cabin, so here’s the essential list:

• Rain jacket (non-negotiable, even if it’s sunny when you leave the ship)
• Water bottle (refill at your ship before disembarking)
• Snacks with protein and quick energy
• Phone or camera in a waterproof case or bag
• Small first aid kit with blister treatment
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (that midnight sun reflects hard off water and snow)
• Bug spray for early season visits
• Extra layer like a fleece or puffy jacket (temperature drops with elevation)
• Trekking poles if you have dodgy knees

Leave your valuables on the ship. You won’t need your wallet on the trail, and there’s no cell service past town anyway.

Timing Your Hike Around Ship Departure

This is where people mess up. Your ship publishes an “all aboard” time, usually 30-60 minutes before actual departure. Take this seriously. Ships absolutely will leave without you, and catching up with your cruise in the next port involves chartered floatplanes and frantic phone calls that cost thousands of dollars.

Work backwards from all-aboard time:

• Allow 20 minutes to walk from trailhead back to ship (even if it’s closer)
• Add 15 minutes buffer for “just in case”
• Add your estimated hiking time plus 25% more than you think you’ll need

If your ship’s all-aboard is 4:30 PM and you want to do Lower Dewey Lake (2.5 hours hiking), you should be starting no later than 12:30 PM. This gives you wiggle room for taking photos, catching your breath, or dealing with that one person in your group who hikes slower than continental drift.

Weather Wisdom

Skagway sits at the northern end of the Inside Passage where maritime air meets interior weather patterns. Translation: it’s wildly unpredictable. You might experience four seasons in one hike. Summer temperatures range from the 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit, but add elevation and wind, and it feels much colder.

The locals have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Pack layers you can add or shed, and assume you’ll get some rain regardless of the forecast.

Bonus Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro

• Download offline maps before you leave the ship. AllTrails works great, but cell service disappears quickly outside town.
• Use the bathroom at the visitor center near the cruise dock before hitting the trails. There are no facilities on any trail.
• Start early. Most cruise passengers sleep in or browse shops first, meaning trails are quieter before 10 AM.
• The morning light is better for photography anyway, especially for capturing the Taiya Inlet and surrounding peaks.
• Bring a plastic bag for your muddy shoes before you re-board the ship. The crew will appreciate it.
• Trail markers in Skagway use blue diamonds or painted blazes. If you haven’t seen one in 10 minutes, you’ve gone off-trail.
• The water in creeks and lakes looks pristine but can contain Giardia. Don’t drink it without treatment.
• Trekking poles double as bear deterrents by making you look bigger and making noise.
• Check the Skagway Trail Map & Conditions board at the National Park visitor center near the dock for current updates.
• If you’re prone to blisters, apply moleskin or tape before you start hiking, not after hot spots develop.

Alternative: Guided Hiking Excursions

If the idea of solo hiking makes you nervous, legitimate guided hiking excursions in Alaska do offer value beyond just navigation. Naturalist guides provide context about glacial geology, indigenous history, gold rush stories, and can identify the plants and animals you’re seeing. They also handle logistics and carry group safety equipment.

The trade-off is flexibility and cost. You’re on their schedule, hiking at the group’s pace, and paying $100-150 per person for what you could do independently for free.

When NOT to Hike

Be honest about your fitness level. If you haven’t hiked in six months and you’re carrying an extra 40 pounds, AB Mountain is not your moment to discover mountaineering. Start with Lower Reid Falls or Yakutania Point instead.

Also skip the trails if:

• Weather turns severe with lightning or high winds
• You’re recovering from injury or illness
• You’ve been drinking (yes, people try this after visiting the Red Onion Saloon)
• It’s late in the day and you’re cutting it close to ship departure

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need hiking boots or will sneakers work?

Sturdy sneakers or trail runners with good tread work fine for Lower Dewey Lake and Reid Falls. Save the heavy hiking boots for more technical terrain like AB Mountain. The key is ankle support and traction on wet surfaces. Avoid anything with smooth soles.

Can I hike alone or do I need a group?

You can legally hike alone, but it’s not recommended due to bear safety. Try to find other cruisers heading to the same trail or ask at the visitor center about joining others. Solo hiking increases risk significantly in bear country.

Is there cell phone service on the trails?

Service is decent in town but fades quickly once you’re on the trails. Don’t count on being able to call for help. Tell someone your plans before you go, even if it’s just the person at the visitor center.

What if I see a bear on the trail?

Stop, stay calm, don’t run. Make yourself appear large, speak in a calm firm voice, and slowly back away while keeping the bear in view. If it approaches, use your bear spray when it’s within 30 feet. Attacks are extremely rare when you follow protocol.

Are dogs allowed on Skagway trails?

Unless you’re bringing your own dog off the cruise ship (which some people do), this isn’t relevant. But yes, leashed dogs are allowed on most trails. Watch for wildlife and clean up after them.

How crowded are the trails?

Lower Dewey Lake sees the most traffic but still feels uncrowded compared to tourist attractions elsewhere. You might see a dozen other hikers total. Upper trails and less popular routes might have you encountering more bears than people.

Can elderly grandparents or young kids do any of these hikes?

Yakutania Point is genuinely easy and accessible for almost anyone who can walk. Lower Reid Falls works for reasonably mobile grandparents and kids over six or seven. Lower Dewey Lake requires moderate fitness and isn’t ideal for small children due to steep sections and length.

What’s the elevation at the trailheads versus the peaks?

Downtown Skagway sits at sea level. Lower Dewey Lake is at about 800 feet, Upper Dewey at 2,800 feet, and AB Mountain summit at 5,000 feet. That elevation gain happens over relatively short distances, which is why these hikes feel more challenging than the mileage suggests.

Personal Experience

When our cruise ship docked in Skagway last summer, I only had about six hours before we had to be back on board, so I knew I had to choose my hiking trail wisely. I ended up doing the Lower Dewey Lake Trail, which turned out to be perfect for the time we had. The trailhead was just a short walk from the port, and the 3.5-mile round trip took us about two and a half hours with plenty of stops for photos. The weather was typical Alaska – started sunny, then got cloudy and drizzly within an hour. I packed layers in my daypack including a rain jacket, and I’m so glad I did. My friend wore cotton and regretted it when the rain started.

The trail itself wasn’t too difficult, though there were some steep sections that got my heart pumping. What surprised me most was how quickly we went from the busy cruise port to complete wilderness. We saw maybe five other hikers the entire time. I brought energy bars, a refillable water bottle, and my phone for pictures, which was really all I needed. If you’re thinking about hiking in Skagway during your stop, just know that you don’t need to book an expensive shore excursion. The trails are well-marked and accessible right from town. Just give yourself enough buffer time to get back to the ship – they really won’t wait for you!