Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Skagway, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Dicover the Chilkoot Trail by foot and water on this half-day hike and float shore excursion from Skagway. After a scenic van ride, embark on a moderate, 2-mile (3.2-kilomter) guided trek with just a small group. Then, climb aboard a rubber raft for a tranquil float down the Taiya River, all while learning more about local sights and history. Round-trip transport is included for your ease.
- Enjoy a hassle-free shore excursion with round-trip port transit
- Discover a different side of Skagway on this Chilkoot Trail tour
- This small-group tour is capped at 11 to keep things personal
- Enjoy two experiences in one trip on this hiking and rafting tour
What's Included
- Chilkoot trail hike and float tour
- Professional guide
- Port pickup and drop off
- Snacks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Skagway Cruise TerminalSkagway, AK 99840, USA
Pickup details
WE MEET YOU AT YOUR CRUISE SHIP PIER MEETING AREA. Do not go to a different cruise ship pier than yours. Do not follow the map pin. Look for a representative holding a SKAGWAY FLOAT TOURS sign. Please be 10-15 minutes early. Alternatively, you may meet at our office downtown at 3rd and Broadway in the Golden North Hotel Lobby. Look for the Large Golden Dome on the top of the building. Please check in with the office staff so we know you are meeting there instead of your ship pier. Ship pickup is default for all cruise ship passengers unless you check in at our office for pickup or call ahead to change your pickup.
Itinerary
After port pickup in Skagway, your half-day, small-group shore excursion starts with a pleasant van ride along the coastline to the Chilkoot Trail.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, follow your guide into the temperate rainforest. Your moderate-level hike covers 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) and begins on steep, uneven ground that ascends in elevation about 300 feet (92 meters), before proceeding downhill and then on level terrain for the last mile. Along the way, look for local wildlife and plants, and hear engaging tales about Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Then, climb aboard a rubber raft and drift along the Taiya River, which flows parallel to the Chilkoot Trail. Your river float takes you through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Keep your eyes peeled and listen for possible wildlife sightseeing, including otters, eagles, bears and salmon.
Your Chilkoot tour ends with transport back to Skagway's cruise terminal, in time for your onward journey.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, follow your guide into the temperate rainforest. Your moderate-level hike covers 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) and begins on steep, uneven ground that ascends in elevation about 300 feet (92 meters), before proceeding downhill and then on level terrain for the last mile. Along the way, look for local wildlife and plants, and hear engaging tales about Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Then, climb aboard a rubber raft and drift along the Taiya River, which flows parallel to the Chilkoot Trail. Your river float takes you through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Keep your eyes peeled and listen for possible wildlife sightseeing, including otters, eagles, bears and salmon.
Your Chilkoot tour ends with transport back to Skagway's cruise terminal, in time for your onward journey.
1
Chilkoot Trail
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Dyea Road
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Dyea
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Please see voucher for details regarding your departure point
- Please note: this is an active tour, so it is recommended to be in good physical condition and wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Maximum per raft/group is 11
- Minimum age is 5
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- No Joint problems or balance issues
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 571 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Kristine_M, Jul 2026
My family of four ( 13 y.o and 9 y.o) chose this excursion based on availability and viator reviews. We had a great time. Dominic, our guide picked us up promptly and ahead of time at our meeting point. You can request to be picked up in your own cruise terminal. You just need to call in advance to let them know.
The four hour length is conservative as we finished our excursion in 3.5 hours with a drop off back to our terminal. They made sure we would get back to our cruise for boarding on time.
Dominic immediately started his tour info the moment we sat in our van. He was very approachable, easy- going and had a few puns and jokes that made the kids enjoy the information. We were provided walking sticks and water and he made sure before we started our hike that we could handle the steep 1- mile incline. If not, other options were available. The trek up is not for the faint of heart. He educated us on foraging plants as food and as a medicinal option. The kids enjoyed trying some berries he offered. The hike is overall 2 miles before we reached the river. The weather was pleasant at mid 60s. They also provided waterboots for the water portion. Snack bars and water provided at the end of the excursion.
Roxana_N, Jul 2026
A professional run tour. Everyone was very friendly. Our guide chatted with the group and shared lots about Skagway. It was a great hike and I really enjoyed the raft trip down the river.
Erin_B, Jul 2026
We had a fantastic hike and river float. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. It is a decently physical activity but very fun.
Liz_L, Jul 2026
We loved this Skagway adventure! We had a group of 11 people of varying ages/fitness levels and the hike was pleasant and relatively easy for everyone. The float down was relaxed and provided a highly unique view of the river, landscape and wildlife. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of history and interesting facts about the local flora & fauna. Highly recommend!! Pro-tip, when the guide offers bug repellant and a trekking pole, accept!
Christine_M, Jul 2026
Great hike, and pretty float. Hike had one steep part, but not too bad if you are even moderately in shape. Guide was awesome.
Joy_C, Jul 2026
This is a challenging but terrific hike. We enjoyed learning about the area from our competent guide.
The float down the river was relaxing at the end of the hike, and we felt secure and safe.
Chen_C, Jul 2026
“Shaggy” and Zoe are great guide and we had a lot of fun! Highly recommend to anyone and it is a great combination with the train tour
Mar_C, Jul 2026
The tour guide is amazing! Beautiful trail and great rafting experience! I pushed myself and did it. I would say this is beginner to intermediate hike. Wear comfortable waterproof hiking boots and waterproof jacket.
Maria_H, Jun 2026
Great experience! Dom was an extremely knowledgeable guide. He was very patient and down to earth. The hike was absolutely beautiful and a great work out. We highly recommend this excursion.
Matthew_K, Jun 2026
If you want to get out of the shopping district in Skagway and into the Alaskan wilderness, this is a great excursion to book. The hike can be a bit taxing, but Danny and Zoe were considerate of everyone in our group. Zoe guided our raft down the river like a boss! Peaceful and relaxing… this is a great way to experience Alaska away from the port!
Lawrence_B, Jun 2026
Beautiful hike with Rachel - very knowledgeable about the area and plants. Then an easy float in the Taiya River. Great trip, highly recommended.
Pick up and drop off was easy.
Andrew_C, Jun 2026
Great excursion for my family. Hike was beautiful and not too strenuous and the rafting down the river was so beautiful and my kids loved it! Tour guide, Rachel, was super friendly and informative!
Rebekah_P, Jun 2026
Well organised, our guide was very knowledgable and made a smooth ride down the river.
The hike was exciting with steep climbs and different terrain. We loved it !
Melissa_L, Jun 2026
Had a great experience. Guide was friendly and experienced. Met us at pier and dropped us off where we wanted after. Scenery was beautiful.
Aimee_S, Jun 2026
Rachel is an amazing guide! Her passion for Alaska and it's flora and fauna is evident as she shares her knowledge while keeping her guests safe from the environment and the environment safe from the guests. Alaskan natural beauty is on full display on this hike and float tour.
Ianne_B, Jun 2026
This was a great tour! Erin was our tour guide and she was personable, patient and knowledgable. My hubby and I were grouped with a family of 4 with a couple of rambunctious, often uncooperative kiddos, and Erin was great with them. Honestly, they kinda put a damper on experience, but as parents we could empathize some. Regardless, we enjoyed the hike amidst the beautiful scenery (not too difficult being 2 young kiddos could manage) and the float down was relaxing. Def recommend!
Nadine_G, Jun 2026
This is a beautiful hike followed by a relaxing float. Our guide Dom, was very informative, sharing his knowledge of the local vegetation and history of the area. Highly recommend this tour!
Hannah_R, Jun 2026
Our trail guide Rachel was fantastic! So knowledgeable, kind, and clearly loves what she does! Would absolutely recommend booking through this company if you want an excursion with a bit of adventure!
Susan_H, Jun 2026
A beautiful hike with many stairs to climb the first quarter mile. The float going back was super fun too. Run is an excellent guide.
Kathleen_W, Jun 2026
Dom is a great guide, interesting info about the flora in the area; hike moderately challenging. Must do if you love to hike.
SIMON_H, Jun 2026
We had an amazing experience with Owen as our tour guide. He was extremely informative, punctual, and very patient throughout the entire trip.
Our group consisted of 11 people from three different parties, including some seniors who found parts of the hike a bit challenging. Owen made sure everyone felt supported and comfortable, and thanks to his encouragement and pace, we all made it successfully.
During the hike, Owen shared interesting facts and information that made the journey even more enjoyable. His knowledge and enthusiasm really added to the experience.
The highlight of the tour was definitely floating down the river at the end of the hike. It was incredibly relaxing, and the scenic views along the river were absolutely beautiful. After the effort of the hike, it felt like the perfect reward.
Overall, this tour was well worth it, and Owen’s professionalism and kindness made it even better. Highly recommend this experience and especially Owen as a guide!
Alan_Q, Jun 2026
A great hike up a famous trail and float down a glacial stream was an excellent excursion. Our guide Rachel was was top notch as well.
Neil_T, Jun 2026
One of the few accessible trails into the temperate rainforests. Lots of moss covered rocks and trees First mile is a bit steep but very doable. Second mile is flat. Nothing notable about the rafting unless you’ve never done it before. Easy way to get back to start of trail. I’d recommend this over biking because this gets you into the forest and not just on a road.
Randall_O, Jun 2026
Great trip with our guide Erin! The Chilkot trail hike was a lot steeper climb (up and down) than I expected, so be advised if you have any knee issues! Beautiful forest, informative guide, and pleasant float back after the strenuous hike. Erin brought water and trail bars for everyone too, which was a nice surprise!
JENNIFER_V, May 2026
We recently had a great day with this crew! We had to pivot at the last minute for 2 in our group due to a sore knee, but they were very gracious and accommodating to make sure we were still able to participate. Calvin led us on a reverse nature walk (starting from the end of the hike on level ground) and showed us another historic site while the other 2 in our group did the more intense hike with Joe. We ended up meeting the rest of the group as they came off the trail and did the river float with everyone. Thanks to Calvin and Joe for a great day!! We thought about cancelling due to a bad knee and not great weather when we arrived in Skagway but so glad we didn’t. Highly recommend!
Danielle_H, May 2026
Great experience! Highly recommend! Knowledgeable and interesting guide (Owen), perfect activity level for me. We lucked out and had amazing weather for the end of May making the tour a highlight of my cruise.
Betsy_B, May 2026
The first half of the hike was very strenuous .Our guide Owen was extremely patient and knowledgeable.
There were 2 of us who probably shouldn't have done this tour due to the difficulty, but Owen and the other hikers were extremely kind.
The forest is beautiful, so the scenery was well worth the hard hike.
The float tour part was beautiful and relaxing.
I would highly recommend this trip...but you must be in good physical shape.
Michael_S, May 2026
A beautiful hike through the rainforest but kinda strenuous. Joe was a great guide on land and water.
lori_b, May 2026
It was just as described. What made it special was our guides, Danny and Calvin! Danny is a lifelong resident and a wealth of knowledge. Gave us a science/botany lecture but so much more with a fun personality . Calvin was a guide in training but also knowledgeable, kind and funny. It was super fun. Hike is strenuous for a person in their 60’s, like me. But totally doable if you’re in good shape.
David_E, Sep 2025
The first half of the 2 Mile hike is arduous but can be done with a decent level of fitness. Dom., our guide was very knowledgeable and courteous. We learned about many different varieties of mushrooms, berries and other plant life in the rainforest. The raft float back to the starting point was fun and we saw eagles and other wildlife.
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