Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike and River Float Excursion

Description

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier area!
  
• English-speaking and trained Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike and River Float Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic drive along the Taiya Inlet and potential wildlife sightings!
  
• Active hike along the Chilkoot Trail!
  
• A peaceful, educational float down the Taiya River!
  
• A light snack after the float!
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Skagway and Alaska!

Departing from downtown Skagway, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive, by van, along the coast to the head of the famous Chilkoot Trail in Dyea, an abandoned Gold Rush town, now a National Park. The town of Dyea was located at the convergence of the Taiya River and the Taiya Inlet on the south side of the Chilkoot Pass. From here, thousands of hopeful gold seekers set out on the Chilkoot Trail that climbed through the pass and onto the Yukon. With the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad in nearby Skagway, the town of Dyea disappeared almost overnight. All that remains now are a few foundations and some scraps of wood, which have returned to nature.

On the 2-mile hike, retrace the steps of the Gold Rush stampeders through a green moss-covered northern temperate rainforest over uneven, hilly terrain on the famous Chilkoot Trail. Your excursion guide will share the gold rush and natural history with you and there will be time for taking photos. The hike is moderately strenuous with an elevation gain of 350 feet in the first mile, then on mostly flat ground for the remainder of the hike. The hiking portion of this Skagway cruise excursion has uneven surfaces with steep inclines in portions.

At the end of the one-way hike, you will be transferred to the river nearby. Upon arrival, you will meet your river float excursion guides who will get you geared up for your float. You will then board your raft with a maximum of only nine other guests and your excursion captain/guide.

As you float down the gentle Taiya River, your guide will point out native plants, and any wildlife (Bald Eagles are common, and bear once the salmon start running) and tell stories of the area's fascinating history while you enjoy the scenic river and mountain views. Sit back and relax as your captain does all the paddling. River float time on the river is approximately 40 - 45 minutes depending on the current that day.

After the float, take the time to enjoy a light snack before boarding your transportation for the 30-minute drive back to town and your Skagway cruise terminal. If time allows, a short photo stop at the Skagway scenic overlook will be taken, for a panoramic view of the town.

What is included?

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier terminal
  
• Scenic drive along the Taiya Inlet with potential wildlife sightings
  
• 2-hour hike on the Chilkoot Trail
  
• 40-minute gentle float down the beautiful Taiya River
  
• Rubber boots, lifejacket, and rain poncho (if needed) provided while in the raft
  
• Light Snack included
  
• Photo stop at the Skagway Overlook (time permitting)
  

Excursion Notes

• Guests must be able to hike over uneven dirt terrain, including over rocks and tree roots, and with uphill and downhill inclines.
  
• Basic restrooms are available.
  
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.
  
• We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof.
• Sensible walking shoes are also suggested.
  
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.

Where we meet

For this Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike and River Float Excursion, you will meet your local excursion guide right at your Skagway cruise pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• The minimum participation age is 5 years old.
• All guests must be able to complete a moderately strenuous 2-mile hike. Those with back, knee, hip, or balance issues should consider their participation in this activity.
• Due to safety reasons and keeping the tour on schedule, your guide will strongly advise against participation in the hike if they feel it be too strenuous for your ability level. An alternate arrangement will be made so you can participate in the float portion.
• The excursion does operate in rainy weather. Layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended.
• All participants must sign a Visitor Acknowledgement of Risks form.
• Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent.
• Pregnant women up to 20 weeks should check with their doctor before booking this excursion. Pregnant women 20 weeks or more should not participate.
• For groups larger than 11 guests, you will be divided into different groups.
• This Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike and River Float Excursion may involve risks. We suggest you check with your elected person of choice to see if these possible risks might affect you.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.