This is THE Summer to Visit Skagway

Those who visit Skagway would describe it as a very charming little town in Southeast Alaska. However, when most people visit, there are thousands of tourists here with them. This summer, you have the unique opportunity to see what Skagway is like in the winter…but without the snow!

Some people think that just because the train is not currently running, they should skip Skagway altogether. I beg to differ! I think this is the perfect time to come enjoy our town while experiencing the beauty without ALL of the people!

There is plenty to do in town that does not revolve around the train! And I guarantee that you will love EVERY minute of your time here!

This video is an example of what your visit to Skagway could look like! Come join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Skagway, Alaska: A Gold Nugget in the National Park System

Visiting America's National Parks is the dream of many travelers from all over the world and all walks of life. These beacons of unspoiled natural beauty, memorials of days gone by, and open spaces for recreation call out to us year after year. Americans and visitors alike answer this call! In 2019, approximately 327.5 million visits were made to U.S. National Parks. But what if I told you that it is possible you visited a National Park and didn't even realize it? If you have been to Skagway, Alaska, this may have been the case!

The National Park Service has a long history of preserving our most precious sites and the history of our country. The congressional "Act of March 1st, 1872" established Yellowstone as "a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit of the people" It put the land under the direct control of the Department of the Interior. This popular precedent would set the stage for the future of the federally managed public spaces.

The National Park Service was officially established by the "Organic Act of 1916" signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25th, 1916. The 35 national parks established at that time would fall under its guise and management. Then in 1933, further land managed by the Forest Service and War Department came into the control of the National Park Service.

Ultimately, the desire to expand and preserve natural and historic spaces would culminate in 1970 with the passing of the "General Authorities Act." This landmark legislation would provide a framework for the future of the National Park Service as it outlines the future preservation of public lands, and preservation of historic lands, buildings and trails.

In the time since 1970, an abundance of federally own properties have come into the fold of NPS management. These include National Seashores, Lakefronts, Monuments, Preserves, scenic trails and National Historic Parks.

Luckily for National Park lovers, Alaska is home to a bountiful amount of these protected natural spaces. From the sheer magnitude and drama of Denali to the marine oasis of the Kenai Fjords, the impact of the National Parks are felt throughout the state and are a source of pride for Alaskans.

Southeast Alaska is often recognized as a destination for cruise travelers which brings over a million visitors a year to the area. What many people don't know is that when they disembark from their ship in the port of Skagway. they are passing through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Established on June 30th, 1976, it is dedicated to the historical preservation of the events of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1900.

The visitor center, staffed with National Park Rangers and Interpretative Guides, is located in the former White Pass and Yukon Route railroad ticket office. This painstakingly restored building has been returned to its turn of the century glory and will make you feel as if you were preparing for the same fateful trip as the gold stampeders. Right next door, in the former railroad administration building, is a museum providing an overview of the journey of close to 100,000 gold seekers that started the arduous journey to the Klondike gold fields 700 miles to the North. In addition to staffing these two locations, park services maintains a multitude of other buildings keeping them looking as they did during the days of the gold rush. They also provide free walking tours and Ranger Chats.

The thousands of frenzied stampeders that passed through Skagway in search of their claims had to contend with some of the most beautiful yet frightening terrain in North America. Two popular routes were used: the White Pass Trail and the Chilkoot Trail. Both trails were treacherous, with a multitude of impediments and dangers. The White Pass Trail would eventually be replaced by the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. While the White Pass Trail was resigned to history, the Chilkoot Trail is still used today; it is now maintained by the National Park Service. This epic 33 mile trail is consistently rated as one of the must do hikes in the world by outdoor enthusiasts. Permits are required to hike the Chilkoot Trail.

Unfortunately, many single day visitors to Skagway won't truly have the time to experience the details and multiple facets of this sprawling park. This is why we recommend an independent visit to Skagway. Without time restraints, a visitor to Skagway can fully embrace what it was like to be a “down on their luck, out of work, turn of the century dreamer”.

Stampeder Statue by local artist Peter Lucchetti. Located across from the National Park Visitor’s Center.

Happily, the Skagway of today is much more hospitable that it was 125 years ago. Getting here has been simplified by flights multiple times per day by Alaska Seaplanes and by ferry service on the Alaska Marine Highway. With multiple locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and activities, Skagway has a multitude of options for an extended stay. With a walkable downtown core, and with E-bike and car rentals available year round, navigating every part of Skagway will be a breeze.

Now is the time to book the independent trip of a lifetime to Alaska. With no cruise ships on the horizon for 2021, the opportunity to visit Southeast Alaska without the typical crowds of summer cruise ship passengers might never come again. Make this summer special and come enjoy your park in Skagway, Alaska.

All photographs in this blog post were taken by Nicole Goodman - Off Your Beaten Path Photography

Cancelled Cruises Got You Down? A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Visiting Southeast Alaska

By now, many of you have grown frustrated by the uncertainty related to your travel plans as they relate to cruise cancellations and future travel to Alaska.   As cruise aficionados ourselves, we can relate.  There is a strong urge for us and everyone to escape the routine and hit the high seas.  Unfortunately, as things progress, the likelihood of an Alaska cruise season in 2021 seems to be dwindling.  However, if you are like us, you're not going to let anyone stand in your way of the vacation you deserve!  Southeast Alaska is here and waiting for you. And this could be the perfect year for you to travel here! 

Let us show you how to experience all of the majesty of Alaska over the course of this amazing 10 day itinerary.

Planning a trip to Southeast Alaska can seem overwhelming, but with a few helpful tips and some basic knowledge about how to get around, it won't be an issue. In fact, we think the planning and anticipation can be fun!  

First things first! The main travel hub for the Southeast part of the state is the capital city, Juneau.  Alaska Airlines has a multitude of flights in and out of Juneau, which makes getting here pretty easy!  Your travel will begin and end in this jewel of a town situated alongside the Gastineau channel.   

Day 1 - Juneau, Alaska:   
Upon arrival at the Shel Simmons Airport, decide how you would prefer to get around. If you're not keen on driving, a cab ride from Evergreen Taxi is a great option. If you prefer the freedom that a car provides, then I suggest making a call to Juneau Car Rentals. We use them exclusively when in Juneau. The cars might be a little older, but are well maintained and insanely clean. The best part about using Juneau Car Rentals is that they will leave the car for you to pick up at the airport, and let you drop it off anywhere in Juneau. You don't ever have to go to a rental desk or see an employee, it's all done over the phone or online! On top of all that, it's extremely reasonable in price! 

Now that you have a ride, where are you going to stay? If you are a fan of hotels, we recommend the 4 Points Sheraton Downtown. It's in a beautiful location within walking distance of great food and all downtown has to offer. Pro tip: ask for a water view room, you won't be disappointed!  If you prefer an Airbnb, there are plenty of choices in Juneau.  Just keep in mind that choosing some of these might mean that a car rental is needed. 

Take the rest of the day to get aquatinted with town, and have dinner at Hangar on the Wharf .

Day 2 - Juneau - Tracy Arm Fjord Excursion:
Join the crew of Adventure Bound Alaska as they provide a full day excursion to the Tracy Arm Fjord and the stunning South Sawyer Glacier.  The experienced captain and deckhands will provide expert knowledge of the area as you sail through some of the most epic scenery Alaska has to offer.  Wildlife sightings are highly likely to include mountain goats, bears, eagles, seals, and whales.  The adventure culminates with a close encounter with the blue ice face of the South Sawyer Glacier.  This day trip will truly be a highlight of your Alaska travels.   

After a day on the water, you will likely be hungry.  This calls for a trip to one of our favorite restaurants in Juneau: In Bocca Al Lupo. The wood fired Neapolitan pizza is some of the best we've ever had outside of Naples, Italy. Be sure to save room for dessert as it is a new creation nightly.  Bon Appetit and rest well for tomorrow’s adventure.

 Day 3 - Juneau:
Before your adventure begins today, we recommend a quick trip to Donna’s Restaurant for breakfast! They serve up all of your favorite breakfast and diner food! For us, no trip to Juneau is complete without a visit here! This will be good fuel to start your day. Pro tip: Grab a brownie for later. They are life changing!

Experience nature at your own pace as you visit Mendenhall Glacier.  Located in the Mendenhall Valley about 7 miles from downtown, it is accessible via taxi, rental car, or tour bus. Pro Tip: If you only wanted to rent a car for one day today would be the day.  Park in one of the two parking lots on the left before the main lot and make your way to the visitors center. From here plan your visit as options vary. Enjoy the view from here, or take a short easy 2 mile round trip hike to the base of the thunderous Nugget Falls. 

Enjoy the serenity of Mendenhall Lake and keep an eye out for bears and mountain goats. Budget about two hours to really absorb all this site has to offer.  Before heading back to the car look for the nature walks along side the parking lots. Follow the paths along the salmon filled streams and rivulets and, if you're lucky, see some of the resident bears and their cubs as they forage and hunt for salmon. Park rangers often patrol this area to provide a safe place to view this amazing natural experience.  

Moving on, let's get back in the car and head to across the channel to Douglas Island. Have lunch at The Island Pub, and go for a walk along Sandy Beach. Watch locals and their dogs enjoy the sand as you walk down to the iconic Treadwell Mine Pumphouse. This monolithic tower stands in the channel as a reminder of Juneau's historic gold mining beginnings. 

    Take the rest of the day to explore some awesome shopping in the tourist district and have dinner at the infamous Red Dog Saloon. While there, look for the pistol on the wall believed to be own by Wyatt Earp and  have a celebratory "duck fart" shot to commemorate an amazing time in Juneau.

Day 4 - Travel to Skagway via Alaska Seaplanes:
No visit to Southeast Alaska would be complete without seeing this majestic land from the air.  It's an awe inspiring experience that can't be put into words. All I can say is that on my last flight, even the pilot that travels this route sometimes twice daily, got his phone out and took photos.  Usually about a 40 minute flight, this is both a sightseeing and transportation combo making it a great value. 

Once you arrive in Skagway, check in at either Mile Zero Bed and Breakfast or the Morning Wood Hotel. Get settled in check out the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitors Center to get a feel for the town and it's history.

Then head to The Days of 98 Show to see one of the longest running shows in Alaska dating back to 1923! This is a great introduction to one of the most important parts of Skagway history. The show is interactive and full of energy!

Grab a bite at The Station Bar and Grill and then head over to the Happy Endings Saloon for a night cap before you call it a day!

Day 5 - E-bike Adventure:
A 5 minute walk gets you to a bright green building on the corner of 5th Ave and State St. This is the home of Klondike Electric Bicycles.  Head inside and get setup on a fun and easy to ride electric bicycle as you prepare to explore town.  The friendly staff will give you a great list of exciting places to visit including the Gold Rush Cemetery, City Overlook, the gold rush ghost town of Dyea, and some amazing scenery. But before you leave on your adventure, grab a cookie or cupcake from Lucy’s Bakery, which is conveniently located in the same building!

While out in Dyea, you can stop by the Chilkoot Trail Outpost and have lunch and a beverage! Check out more about a great adventure to Dyea here: Where the Boardwalk Ends...the Journey Begins

Once you are back from your exploration around town, be sure to check out the gift shop inside Klondike Electric Bicycles. They have lots of Alaskan made gifts perfect for commemorating your trip!

After a fun day on an E-bike, have dinner at the world famous Skagway Brewing Company. They are famous for their Spruce Tip Ale, so be sure to try one while you are there! Pro Tip: get a flight of award winning brews and get a growler of your favorite to go! All of the food here is delicious, so you can’t go wrong. There is something for everyone here!!!

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hylton - Marketing and Tour Director - Skagway Brewing Company

Day 6 - A train ride back in time:
A cup of coffee and a pastry from Glacial Coffeehouse is the perfect way to start your second full day in Skagway!

Dedicate today to an unforgettable ride aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Scenic Railroad.  Built in 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days between 1898 and 1900 this epic journey follows the historic White Pass Trail that gold rush stampeders used to get to Klondike Gold fields.  Make sure your camera is fully charged and your memory cards are empty so you can fill them with memories!

After your train ride, we recommend a hike to Yakutania Point and then an ice cream or milk shake from Kone Kompany! You should then have plenty of time to visit some of our favorite locally owned shops around town. Some of our favorites include Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory, A Fine Line, Inspired Arts, Duff’s Backcountry Outfitters, Taiya River Arts, Gold Rush Gifts , Alaskan Fairytales and Klothes Rush.

A trip to Skagway is never complete without a visit to the Red Onion Saloon. The Red Onion was built in 1897 during the height of the Gold Rush. It served as one of many brothels in town. It is now a bar and restaurant…and is consistently a favorite among locals and tourists! A good time is definitely had by all! A brothel tour is a must!

Day 7 - Travel to Haines, Alaska:
Grab some breakfast from the Sweet Tooth Cafe before leaving Skagway.

A great option for travel amongst ports along the inside passage is the Alaska Marine Highway System. This state run ferry, sometimes called "The Blue Canoe",  will be your mode of transport between Skagway and Haines. 

 Haines, Alaska is an absolute gem. Only a small amount of cruise ships visit each year ensuring that its small town feel endures. Once you arrive, arrange for the friendly folks at Captain's Choice Motel to come and pick you up. Get setup with a water view room AND a rental car at the same desk!  

    Haines is well know for it's huge population of American Bald Eagles so hop in the car and take a short ride to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, take a tour, and learn more about our national bird. Afterwards,  if it's early enough in the day, take a ride up the Haines Highway and look for eagles in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.  There is nothing like seeing this amazing animal in its natural habitat. 

Once your day of sightseeing is complete, head over to the world famous Bamboo Room for an amazing meal of Halibut fish and chips. This truly old school Alaska restaurant will delight you with it's eclectic feel and authentic vibe.

Day 8 - Chilkoot Lake:

Start your day off with breakfast from Pilot Light or the Chilkat Restaurant and Bakery. You can’t go wrong with either of these choices!

There are many special and scenic places in Southeast Alaska, but whenever I tell people about the Chilkoot river and lake, I feel like a magician revealing a secret.  Literally located at the end of Lutak Road, this State Park encompasses a massive lake hidden by mountain peaks and a small river strewn with boulders that leads to the sea.  Often patrolled by brown bears looking for a salmon dinner, this paradise is not to be missed.  Check with local operators, Chilkoot Lake Tours or Alaska Nature Tours , to find out about full day fishing and sightseeing tours as well.

Hopefully you have worked up an appetite! Tonight on the agenda is Alpenglow Pizza. We also recommend a visit to Haines Brewing Company and Port Chilkoot Distillery. Get a good nights sleep as we prepare for our next adventure.

 Day 9 - Fjordlines back to Juneau:

Alaska Fjordlines is based in Haines, Alaska. This 65 foot diesel powered passenger catamaran was specially built to the needs of navigating the waters of Southeast Alaska.  Part captain part tour guide, your skipper will make your ride to Juneau fun and entertaining. Always willing to stop for whales and other wildlife this is more than just a shuttle ride, it's an adventure. It's about an 80 mile trip but with the glaciers and peaks that flank you on both sides, you will wish the ride was longer.  After arriving just outside of Juneau in Auke Bay, the captain will have you board his bus and transport you to either the airport or downtown Juneau.  We recommend the airport stop because you can disembark here and walk across the parking lot and check in at the Extended Stay America for your flight out the next day.

Day 10 - Homeward bound:

From the extended stay you can walk back to the airport and wait for your flight, or if you have a few hours walk over to the local convenience store Breeze In.   This place is a baked good and coffee paradise for locals and visitors alike. If you prefer a sit down restaurant, you can always go to Donna’s again, as it is within walking distance! The Juneau airport is really quick to get through, so arrive about an hour before your flight and you'll be on your way.  

    Independent travel to Alaska doesn't have to be difficult, but it does take some foresight and knowledge. Hopefully our insider tips can help you choose your own adventure. We truly love Alaska and would be happy to help you if you have any specific questions.  Happy travels!

  There are so many things to do an see while on vacation in Southeast Alaska! Here are some other ideas:

Skagway: Hike - Lower Dewey, Upper Dewey, AB Mountain, and the Chilkoot Trails. Take a helicopter ride with Temsco. Get a Fry bread from Klondike Doughboy. Visit Jewell Gardens for Glass Blowing. See the Legends & Lies show at the Skagway Inn. Visit the Skagway Museum. Check out the Fairway Market or Grizzly’s General Store. Eat Thai food at Starfire or Indian food at Bombay Curry. Grab a bagel sandwich from Bites on Broadway. Also check out the Skagway Visitor’s Center for more ideas!

Juneau: Take the Mt. Roberts Tram and then hike down. Hike Mt. Juneau, Perseverance Trail, or Mt. Jumbo. Go eat at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Grab a beer at Devil’s Club Brewing Company or a drink from Amalga Distillery. Eat breakfast at The Rookery.

Haines: Visit The Kroschel Wildlife Center. Grab a coffee from the Rusty Compass Coffeehouse. Take an ATV tour on Takshunuk Mountain Trail. Shop at Ampersand. Visit Fort Seward. Buy a fishing pole and license from OleRud’s.

We hope to see you soon!

All photos, with the exception of the Skagway Brewing Company photos, are provided by Off Your Beaten Path Photography.