Skagway: Scenic River Float Tour & Dyea Valley Drive

Summary

Float the Dyea river under mountain peaks near Skagway, spot eagles and seals, listen to stories from your guide and drift through quiet forest

You’ll ride from Skagway along Alaska’s wild coast to Dyea Valley with a local guide, then float quietly downriver past spruce forests and mountain views. Spot eagles or even seals if you’re lucky, hear Gold Rush tales, and breathe in fresh air far from crowds—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that bend up ahead? That’s where we might spot seals," our guide, Mike, said as we bumped along the narrow road out of Skagway. I pressed my face to the van window, half hoping for a glimpse of something moving against all that blue-gray water. The drive itself was a bit of a surprise — it’s only about ten miles but feels like slipping into another world. The air smelled sharp and cold, like rain on rocks. Someone in the back tried to pronounce “Chilkoot” and Mike grinned, “Not bad for a first try.”

We pulled up at Dyea Valley — not the old townsite, just this wide green place where you can almost hear history humming under the moss. They handed us rubber boots (slightly too big for me), lifejackets, and ponchos because you never really know with Alaskan weather. The river float part was quieter than I expected. Our raft drifted between banks lined with thick spruce and cottonwood; sometimes all you could hear was water slapping gently at the sides or an eagle calling somewhere overhead. I caught myself staring at the mountains — they’re just there, massive and sort of indifferent to us floating by.

Mike told stories about gold rushers starting out on the Chilkoot Trail — I can’t imagine hauling anything heavier than my camera down those muddy paths. At one point he pointed out a seal bobbing in the current (I almost missed it), and later we saw an eagle swoop low enough that everyone went quiet for a second. There’s something about being out there that makes you feel small but lucky at the same time.

The whole thing lasted maybe forty minutes on the water, but it felt longer in that good way — like time slowed down just enough for me to notice how cold my fingers were or how green everything looked after rain. We piled back into the van still damp around the edges and headed toward Skagway again, everyone quieter than before except Mike who kept tossing out little facts about what we’d seen. I still think about that silence on the river sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic float tour in Dyea Valley

• Drive along Skagway coast to Dyea Valley
• View Nahku Bay and Chilkat Mountains
• Gear up with lifejackets and boots
• Float on river through coastal forest
• Return drive to Skagway

Top questions

How long is the Skagway scenic river float tour?

The river float portion lasts about 40 minutes; total tour time includes a 10-mile drive each way from Skagway.

Is wildlife guaranteed on this Skagway river float?

No, wildlife sightings such as seals or eagles are possible but not guaranteed during the tour.

Does this tour visit the old townsite of Dyea?

No, you travel through Dyea Valley by van and raft but do not stop at the old townsite itself.

What equipment is provided for the river float?

You’ll get lifejackets, rubber boots, and rain ponchos if needed—all included in your booking.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included with this Skagway shore excursion.

What ages can join this scenic float tour?

The minimum age is 2 years old; suitable for all physical fitness levels.

How many people fit in each raft?

The maximum per raft or group is 11 participants.

Does this operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, tours run rain or shine—just dress appropriately for Alaskan weather.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off in Skagway, all necessary rafting equipment like lifejackets and boots (plus rain ponchos if it’s wet), a guided drive along Alaska’s coast into Dyea Valley, and a peaceful scenic river float led by an experienced local guide before returning to town.