During the late 1890s, the town of Skagway, Alaska, was the access point for the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon Territory, some 500 miles from Skagway. Miners used Skagway for preparations before starting out over White Pass. At the time, Skagway was the largest city in Alaska with a population of more than 8,000 miners. Today, Skagway is home to 800 year-round residents with approximately 750,000 tourists visiting each year.
Over 100 buildings are part of the Skagway downtown historic area. Interpretive rangers guide 45-minute walking tours of the district. The Skagway Museum also displays historic images and features interactive exhibits on mining during the Klondike era.
The Skagway Inn was originally built as a brothel during the Gold Rush era. The Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast is located in what was the red light district on Paradise Alley. Each room is named after one of the women that worked in the inn during the late 1890s, such as Alice, Hattie, Cleo and Birdie. Today, the Skagway Inn's Olivia Restaurant features a kitchen garden and cooking demonstrations of seasonal and locally grown produce and fresh Alaskan seafood, such as Alaskan king salmon and halibut.
Part of the National Park Service, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center is housed in the old White Pass depot building in downtown Skagway. Daily ranger discussions offer history on the area and information about early residents. Additionally, a 30-minute film chronicles the gold rush period--"Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike." Images of the era recount the difficulties miners faced while trying to reach Canada's Yukon Territory.
Skagway, a coastal town, sits at the north end of the shipping route known as the Inside Passage. The topography of Skagway shows evidence of past glaciations, or indications that a massive ice sheet once covered the area, based on the broad valley of the town and the steep rise of the mountainous terrain above Skagway.
Because of the geography, Skagway offers hikers a variety of challenges and experiences. For example, the Denver Glacier Trail takes hikers to view the Denver Glacier, considered a hanging glacier. Hanging glaciers originate on the mountain walls above and only drop part way to a valley floor or body of water. The Denver Glacier Trailhead is reached by a six-mile train ride from Skagway. Hikers begin on foot and follow the East Fork of the Skagway River through an old-growth forest of western hemlock and finish at the Denver Glacier overlook.
Additionally, a system of trails near the town of Skagway offers views of the coast and the Davidson Glacier, including Seduction Point and Mount Riley Trails.
Sightseeing in Skagway would not be complete without taking the narrow gauge railway up to White Pass summit. Built in 1898, the railroad track climbs 20 miles to reach 2,865 feet above sea level. From the comfort of old-fashioned rail cars, you can enjoy a narrated tour highlighting historic points of interest, such as the permanent imprint left by miners hiking the Klondike Trail of 1898.
Because Skagway is located along the coast of Alaska, summer temperatures remain fairly cool and precipitation is common throughout the year. The wettest months are September and October. Bring proper rain gear and footwear.
The best time to visit Skagway is between late May and early September. It is recommended visitors plan ahead, because, during this time, cruise ships stop at Skagway so guests can tour the area. Skagway is less crowded during winter months, however, the days average only six hours of sunlight.
