Explore the charming and historic gold rush town of Skagway, including historical sites, the Gold Rush Cemetery, and Lower Reid Falls. An extra trail takes you to Yakutania Point, and then beyond to Smugglers Cove.
Distance & Trail Rating: 5K, 8K, 10K and 11K. Ratings: 1A (5K), 2B and 2C (8K), 2C and 2D (10K), and 2D (11K). See Comments, below, for information on trail ratings.
Online Start Box: Registration is only available on the Online Start Box. For registration information, go to ava.org, or try this link. Once you’ve registered online, the walk directions and map will be available for you to download.
Start Location: Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitors Center. 291 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840. GPS coordinates for Start Location: 59.45368, -135.31838.
Ameneties: Restrooms: yes | Pets: yes | Strollers: ok on 5K, not available on other routes | Wheelchairs: hard – see “Comments”
Comments: This walk is available seasonally, from April 1 through October 31. The 5K route, rated 1A for paved streets and boardwalks, explores the historic district of downtown, then onward through the adjacent neighborhood. The 8K route is the same as the 5K, but at the far end of town it extends onward along a flat gravel road to the Gold Rush Cemetery, and continues to Lower Reid Falls via a short forest trail with many roots and rocks along the trail, before retracing this route extension back to town and the Start Location. The 8K is a 2B rating for the extension from town and through the cemetery. The short trail from the cemetery to the falls is rated 2C. The 10K continues onward from the end of the 8K, heading southwest of town for a hike to Yakutania Point with views of the Lynn Canal toward the Chikat Mountains. The 10K route starts as 2B, but becomes 2D for the final forested 100 yard trail, with roots and difficult rock steps. The 11K route is an extension from Yakutania Point, through mixed coastal forest to peaceful Smugglers Cove, and is rated 2D for the entire 1K extension. Wheelchairs may do the 5K with some workarounds at curbs. All walkers pay $4.
Special Note: See our Club Cruise page for details of our 2027 Cruise on the Star Princess. Consider joining us on this cruise, for sanctioned walks at four stops – Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria B.C.
AVA Special Programs: Town Halls / City Halls.
ESVA Challenges: t.b.d.
AVA Walk Sanction Name and Number: Skagway – Historic Town and Lower Reid Falls. Y2403.