Chilkoot Trail hike and raft float from Skagway
You hike the actual Chilkoot Trail, not a replica of it.
The Chilkoot Hike and Float Tour is a 4-hour active tour from Skagway that combines hiking the first 2 miles of the historic Chilkoot Trail with a 40-minute raft float down the Dyea river. A professional guide leads the trip through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, covering the Gold Rush history and natural landscape of the region. Port pickup and drop-off, snacks and all instruction are included; the hike is moderately strenuous and requires good physical fitness.
4h
Step-by-step itinerary
Hike and float the Chilkoot Trail
- Travel from Skagway to Chilkoot Trailhead
- Hike first 2 miles of Chilkoot Trail
- Float down Dyea valley river on raft
- Return to Skagway
The Experience
The tour departs Skagway with a 10-mile van ride along the coast to the Chilkoot Trail trailhead in the Dyea valley. You then hike the first 2 miles of the trail itself—the same ground the prospectors crossed during the 1890s Gold Rush—while your guide explains the region's history and points out the landscape. The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours and is moderately strenuous; sturdy walking shoes with good traction are essential.
After the hike, you travel by raft down the Dyea river for about 40 minutes, floating through the coastal forest and watching for wildlife both on land and in the water. The raft holds a maximum of 11 people, keeping the group small enough to move at a steady pace without crowding. Snacks are provided during the tour, and the guide stays with you throughout to answer questions about the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan heritage and the natural history of the park.
The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and rain gear. Children as young as 5 can join, though the physical demands mean they need to be comfortable hiking on uneven terrain. The entire experience—van ride, hike, raft float and return to port—takes about 4 hours from start to finish.
What’s included
- Professional guide in English.
- port pickup and drop-off.
- snacks.
- the hike and raft float itself.
Operated by Skagway Float Tours
Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the entire tour, so you follow the commentary and history directly without translation. This works well for English-speaking travelers and families with children old enough to stay engaged during the hike and raft sections.
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Top questions
What is the Chilkoot Trail and why is it historically significant?
The Chilkoot Trail is the route prospectors walked during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, crossing from Alaska into Canada. On this tour you hike the first 2 miles of the actual trail through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where your guide explains the Gold Rush history and the lives of the people who traveled this route.
How strenuous is the hiking portion?
The hike is moderately strenuous and covers 2 miles over 1.5 to 2 hours on uneven terrain. You should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction, and be comfortable on a backcountry trail. The operator recommends this tour only for travelers with a high level of physical fitness.
What happens after the hike?
After hiking the Chilkoot Trail, you travel by raft down the Dyea river for about 40 minutes, floating through the coastal forest. This is a peaceful section where you may see wildlife on land and in the water, and the guide continues to share information about the region.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can join from age 5, and the tour is described as family-oriented. However, they need to be comfortable hiking on uneven terrain for 1.5 to 2 hours and be in good physical condition for the moderately strenuous hike.
What should I bring or wear?
Wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction for the trail. The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and rain gear appropriate for coastal Alaska conditions. Have a camera ready for wildlife sightings.
Does the tour include transportation from the ship?
Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included. The tour begins with a 10-mile van ride from Skagway along the coastline to the Chilkoot Trail trailhead, and the van returns you to port at the end.
Chilkoot Trail hike and raft float from Skagway
4h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 145 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.90598 reviews