Hikes from the Cruise Dock

By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

You don't need a tour to get into the mountains here. Three trails start within walking distance of the ships. All are free and need no booking; the numbers below come from the National Park Service.

Yakutania Point and Smuggler's Cove

Cross the footbridge over the Skagway River at the west end of 1st Avenue. Rocky points, a picnic shelter and views back to the docks and Taiya Inlet.

Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

A flat walk north along State Street to the cemetery where Soapy Smith and Frank Reid are buried, then a short path to the falls.

Lower Dewey Lake

Steep switchbacks through forest to a quiet lake above town. From the depot, walk east on 2nd Avenue to the tracks and follow them about 120 meters north to the trailhead.

Before you go

• Tell someone your route and your all-aboard time, and turn around with plenty of margin.
• Bears live here. Make noise on the trail and keep food packed away.
• Trails are steep and slick after rain. Waterproof shoes with good tread make a real difference.

Prefer a guide? See the Chilkoot Trail hike and float.

Sources

• NPS: Shorter day hikes, Klondike Gold Rush NHP