When visiting Skagway, most people take the train ride or stay in the 8 blocks that are known as the historic district. However, no visit to Skagway would be complete without journeying past downtown. You will notice when visiting Skagway that the historic district is lined with boardwalks reminiscent of days past. However, the real journey begins where the boardwalk ends.
Photo by Off Your Beaten Path Photography
A great way to explore past those boardwalks is by renting an electric bike from Klondike Electric Bicycles. Their fleet of Rad Power Bikes have a battery life that extends to 20 miles or more depending upon conditions. This gives you plenty of opportunity to explore some off the beaten path places that will quickly become the highlight of your whole Alaskan adventure…and the envy of those you share your dinner table with when you get back on board your ship!
Once you pick up your bike from the corner of 5th and State, a great first stop on your Skagway adventure 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!
You will now head out of town by crossing the Skagway River Bridge. Shortly after the bridge, you will come to Jewell Gardens. Seeing as how, Skagway is known as the “Garden City” it is only fitting that you talk a stroll around this manicured show garden filled with flowers, plants, and Alaska sized vegetables. There is a g-scale white pass train that runs through the garden. Shopping, glass blowing, and dining are also available at this stop.
After a relaxing stroll around the garden, hop back on your bikes for a short ride to the Pioneer Cemetery. This is a spot that is not as popular as the Gold Rush Cemetery. In fact, we lived in Skagway for 3 years before discovering it was there! This is definitely a place that no other cruise mates will have visited. This cemetery was used by the town of Skagway after the Gold Rush in the early days of the frontier. These are the people who put roots down in Skagway after the Gold Rush, which helped to ensure the survival of town.
Photo by Off Your Beaten Path Photography
Now, let’s put these bikes to the test! This is what they were made for…getting up those hills (with a lot less effort). Head up that hill on the Dyea Road until you see the overlook. This is your next stop! Lucky you, there is even a bathroom here! 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.
Photo by George Butt
Most of the people that visit Skagway, do not venture past this point…but this area is where the untouched beauty begins. This road leads to the town of Dyea, Alaska. Dyea was a booming town in the gold rush era. The word Dyea literally translates “to pack”. It was in this area that Tlingit people came to trade with Interior First Nations people. In this region, the Chilkoot Trail was one of only three passes that could be used all winter. Because of this accessibility, it also became a staging point for many of the prospectors who were on the quest to find gold in 1898. Unfortunately, after the White Pass Railroad was built, the need for the Chilkoot Trail as a means of transport became obsolete. Soon after, Dyea became a ghost town…all but reclaimed by the forest.
Photo by Off Your Beaten Path Photography
Let’s continue on our adventure, so you can experience all that Dyea has to offer! You will soon find yourself gliding down a dirt road…taking in all of the fresh air and spectacular views all around! You will see an area called Nakhu Bay, which is the Northern tip of the Taiya Inlet. This is a great place to park your bikes and venture down by the water. If it is a clear day, you will be able to see the Chilkat Mountain Range over near Haines, Alaska. No guided tours are allowed in this area, so this is truly an experience for the independent traveler. No large groups of tourists around!
Photo by Off Your Beaten Path Photography
By now, you must be getting hungry! Let’s ride a little farther and experience some more amazing views as you head towards the Chilkoot Trail Outpost. Keep an eye on the water as you ride, because you may see seals and eagles in this area. The Chilkoot Trail Outpost is owned by longtime Dyea residents, Kathy and Fred Hosford. In addition to having several sleeping cabins at the outpost, they also have a restaurant and bar. This gives you the perfect opportunity to try their famous Halibut Melt!
Photo By Off Your Beaten Path Photography
Once your bellies are full, head on out to the Dyea Flats. On your way, make sure you get a picture at the sign at the Trailhead of the Chilkoot Trail. This is the place where so many gold seekers started their journey over 120 years ago and where many present-day adventure seekers start their 33 mile trek across the mountains. Once you cross the Taiya River Bridge, the last section of this ride to Dyea will take you through a dense temperate rain forest. You will have opportunities to stop at the Slide Cemetery and the old Dyea Townsite. Keep riding and the forest will open up to an expansive tidal flat. Depending on the time of year, you may see salmon, bears, foxes, eagles and more in this area! A truly untouched and unspoiled place on the outskirts of Skagway. Dyea is a little piece of paradise!
When you are done exploring, you can make your way back towards Skagway! Enjoy the views because it will look and feel different on your way back! Once you arrive back at the bike shop, you can grab a cupcake from Lucy’s Bakery (also inside the bike shop)…and then spend the rest of your time in town, knowing that you had a day much different than most!