Excursion Chilkoot trail hike & float adventure tour at Skagway

Trek the path of those stampeders who ventured along the Chilkoot Trail in search of gold on this half-day hike and raft excursion down the Taiya River.

Board your private van at the pier and head through Skagway and drive out of town along the coast for approximately 30 minutes, to historic Dyea where your off-the-beaten-path excursion begins.

Chilkoot Trail Hike

The Chilkoot Trail, once a Tlingit trade route over the Coast Mountains, is a 33-mile (53-kilometre) trail through the Coast Mountains that leads from Dyea, Alaska, to Bennett, British Columbia. It was a major access route from the coast to Yukon goldfields in the late 1890s and today is the centre piece of the Gold Rush National Historical Park. During the Klondike Gold Rush, prospectors disembarked at the port in Dyea and used the Chilkoot Trail to head off in search of gold. Although Dyea is no longer the town it was, many animals such as brown and black bears feeding on salmon in July and August, and eagles are known to frequent this U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Begin your hike with two scenic miles (3.2 kilometres) of the Chilkoot Trail, now a tranquil place of incredible beauty. On this fast-paced hike, walk through a rain forest alive with birds and wild flowers as your guide explains the natural history of the trail, as well as the folklore and legends of the gold-rush era.

Taiya River Float Trip

Arriving at the shore of the Taiya River, board an 18-foot (5.5 metre) inflatable raft for the relaxing trip back to Dyea. As you float along this scenic river, through the temperate rainforest, keep an eye out for the variety of fauna and flora in the valley. Although fed by small glaciers and the icefield, the water is relatively shallow. Gain a sense of what the early settlers experienced during this 40-minute trip.

Following the river voyage, come ashore to enjoy a light snack before the return drive to Skagway.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Skagway, Dyea, Chilkoot Trail-Hike, Rainforest, Taiya River-Rafting, Valleys, Glaciers, Icefield, Mountains

Note

Please note: This tour is suggested for guests in good physical condition able to walk for approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) over unpaved and uneven terrain with a 350-foot (over 100-metre) elevation gain. Huge stone steps and stone boulders are found on this trail. Total time on the river is approximately 30-40 minutes. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair, or guests who exceed 350 pounds (158 kilos). Dress in layers, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring insect repellent and an extra pair of socks. Rubber boots, life jacket (for rafting), trekking poles and rain gear are provided where needed. Guests must sign a waiver to participate. Space is extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note the minimum age to participate in this tour is 7 years old.