Start your independent adventure of the South Klondike Highway with the rental of an all electric Ford Mustang Mach E from Klondikecars.com. This amazing and desirable electric car will surprise you with its smooth handling and impressive acceleration. The perfect car to explore and have fun doing it. Slip into the driver seat, buckle up and put your ship in the rearview as you head North to the Yukon!
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!
Most people who visit Skagway, come via cruise ship. Not many people get to experience the beauty of flying into this amazing community!
We wanted to share this video with you, so you could experience the beauty firsthand! This video was taken upon our return from Juneau, Alaska earlier this week.
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
Nestled in the upper reaches of the inside passage of Southeast Alaska, Skagway is an idyllic costal town surrounded by majestic mountain vistas. Millions of people flock to our historic town every year to experience the finest scenery nature has to offer, and absorb the charming one of a kind gold rush era hospitality. One thing that makes Skagway so special is our climate. From warm summer days to the brutal winds of winter, our mercurial mix of weather will keep you guessing about what to expect especially when it comes to how to dress!
Average Cruise Season Temperatures:
May 58° / 42°
June 63° / 49°
July 64° / 52°
August 63° / 51°
September 56° / 46°
May and September might seem a little cooler to the uninitiated, but the warm spring sun of May and the yellow glow of the fall colors in September will more than make up for the few degrees difference on the thermometer. Keep in mind these are the average temperatures. I have been in Skagway for many summer seasons and have experienced temperatures up to 92°F. Additionally, Alaska is a place of extremes. It often might read that it's 65°F outside, but it could feel up to 10° warmer.
After the bulk of our visitors depart, the cold begins to set in. During this time, the days get shorter and the Northland tilts away from the sun.
Average Off Season Temperatures:
October 48° / 39°
November 37° / 29°
December 33° / 25°
January 32° / 23°
February 35° / 25°
March 38° / 28°
April 49° / 35°
Winter in Skagway can be a wondrous time. It can also be frighteningly cold and windy. The chart above doesn't truly reflect my experience with an Alaska winter. For example, at the time of writing this post it's a sunny and clear day. Just looking out the window would make you think it's perfect for a stroll around town; however, a quick jaunt to take out the trash tells a different story all together. It's currently 11°F; the average wind is 16mph with peak gusts of 31mph and a wind chill of -6°F It's eye watering, hand freezing, shiver inducing cold, but it is beautiful.
Here Comes the Sun!
The length of the days in Skagway vary over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21, with 6 hours, 2 minutes of daylight; the longest day is June 21, with 18 hours, 40 minutes of daylight.
The earliest sunrise is at 3:42 AM on June 18, and the latest sunrise is 5 hours, 17 minutes later at 8:59 AM on December 27. The earliest sunset is at 2:59 PM on December 14, and the latest sunset is 7 hours, 24 minutes later at 10:23 PM on June 23.
This means you will experience an ample amount of daylight hours during the summer season with plenty of time for outdoor activities!
Anticipation of Precipitation
Did you know that Skagway is located in one of the largest rainforests on Earth? The Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest that encompasses the bulk of costal Alaska…and with it comes the rain. It does precipitate quite a bit, but that's no reason not to visit. Often the rain is very light, almost a mist. The majority of tours and activities will still go on as scheduled in the light rain conditions.
What does this all mean for you as a visitor?
Be prepared for the unexpected! A lot of people will tell you to bundle up; others will tell you to wear layers. I'm telling you, as a year round Skagway resident, that you will be fine! If you are on a cruise in the summer, wear a t-shirt as a base layer and a long sleeved outer shirt. Make sure you bring a lined windbreaker, and you will have everything you need! Skip the long underwear and pack your favorite jeans or khakis instead. If you really feel the need to splurge before your trip, buy some waterproof low top hiking shoes. They are versatile and great for walking through the occasional puddle. If you would prefer to dress like a local, you could always wait until you arrive in Alaska and then buy some XTRATUF boots!!
Not many people get to enjoy the beauty and silence of a Skagway winter. Enjoy this ride on our electric bikes down Broadway after a fresh snow fall!
So, you have already decided that you are going to Alaska. You have booked your cruise, and now the anticipation has begun! As your sail date gets closer, the fun and exciting part of choosing what to do in each port is now in reach! Each port has its own personality that makes it unique. Juneau is our state capital, where whale watching is abundant. Ketchikan is known for its totem poles and great fishing. Glacier Bay National Park is undeniably a highlight of a trip to the inside passage because of its grandeur and beauty.
For some, Skagway is a wildcard…people don’t know what to expect. Most have heard about the White Pass & Yukon Route train ride, but there is so much to discover in this gold rush town! Here is our advice on how to maximize your time in Skagway!
Since the train is such a popular attraction in town, let’s start our day here! No trip to Skagway is complete without a ride on this historic, narrow gage railroad. There are several different train ride options, but in order to make the best use of your time, we suggest doing the 9 am summit train. This is a 2.5 hour ride to the summit of the White Pass. You will get to learn a lot about the history of the area and the lengths that people went to on their quest for gold in 1898. And let’s not forget the views…stunning from beginning to end!
This round-trip journey brings you back into Skagway just in time for lunch! There are many options for lunch in Skagway. From walk up service of some of the best crab legs in Southeast Alaska at Woadies Southeast Seafood to a sit-down meal of Halibut and Spruce Tip Ale from Skagway Brewing Company, you are never more than a few blocks away from delicious food and great atmosphere!
Once your bellies are full, you still have a great deal of time left to explore Skagway. Let’s maximize our time by renting an electric bike from Klondike Electric Bicycles. By doing so, you will have the freedom to explore some great places throughout town in a unique and unforgettable way! Upon arriving at Klondike Electric Bicycles, you will be greeted and shown how to safely ride their fleet of Rad Power Bikes.
A three hour electric bike rental will allow you the time explore some hidden gems on the outskirts of the Historic District. The first stop on your ride is the Gold Rush Cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place of some of Skagway’s most colorful and notorious characters, including Jefferson “Soapy” Smith. Step back in time as you read the names of Skagway’s founding fathers. Then listen for the sound of falling water as you follow the path to Lower Reid Falls. This is the most accessible waterfall in Skagway and is a perfect spot for beautiful photographs!
Once you are done at the waterfall, it is time to put those electric bikes to good use. You will cross the Skagway River via the bridge and head towards the overlook. It is in this spot that you will see a birds-eye view of the town of Skagway and its port…including an opportunity to take a postcard quality picture of your cruise ship among the majestic backdrop. Once you have filled your “memory cards”, watch your speed as you head down the hill on your way back to town.
This is the choose your own adventure part of the itinerary. You will have time to gold pan at Alaska 360 or visit the manicured show garden at Jewell Gardens (which also features a glass blowing studio). Both of which are sought after experiences that are unique to the fabric of Skagway. After immersing yourself in the history and culture of Skagway, we recommend a ride around town…via Alaska Street.
This path has great views, and an opportunity to stop at Skagway Spirits to grab a bottle of liquor distilled right here in town! Use the remainder of your time to explore all of the fun side streets and alleys or a unique waterfront that includes Pullen Creek.
Upon completion of your bike ride, we suggest you grab an amazing cupcake from Lucy’s Bakery, which just happens to be inside the bike shop! For those of you that still have time to hang out in town, a trip to the Red Onion or Klondike Brewery are always a good choice!
After all of this fun, you are guaranteed to have a great night’s sleep as you prepare for your adventure at the next port!
