Skagway Hike and Float

4.9

122 reviews

Excursion Overview

Hike the infamous Chilkoot Trail and raft down the tranquil Taiya River!

On this adventure you'll retrace the steps of the Gold Rush stampeders on the infamous Chilkoot Trail, hiking through a moss-covered northern temperate rainforest for 2 miles. The scenic hike is 1.5 to 2 hours and is moderately difficult over uneven and hilly terrain (elevation gain of 300 feet) for the first mile then mostly flat ground for the remainder.

After the one-way hike, suit up in life jackets and rubber boots and enjoy your relaxing float on the tranquil Taiya River. With 10-11 people per raft, this small group excursion offers a more intimate experience. Please note that groups over 11 will split into two rafts. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready to spot Bald Eagles and other potential wildlife. Your peaceful float will last roughly 40 minutes before returning you to the shore where we'll provide you with a light snack and beverage. Sit back and enjoy the scenic ride back to Skagway!

Please note: This tour is only available from Monday to Friday. This tour operates in both sunny and rainy weather so please dress in layers for your comfort. This tour is typically available from May through September. While our excursions are designed with cruise ship passengers in mind, they’re open to all guests.

Please note: this hike is moderate to strenuous

The hike is on an uneven dirt trail with some steep portions and hilly terrain (elevation gain of 300 feet), with rocks and roots to navigate for the first mile. The second mile is mostly flat ground for the remainder of the hike. The area could have muddy conditions at times so please wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip scenic transportation
Rain poncho, rubber boots, and life jackets are provided for the raft portion only
Hiking poles are available if needed
Water and a light snack - please consider bringing your own reusable water bottle to reduce the use of single-use water bottles

Requirements:

Minimum age: 5 years old
All participants must sign a visitor's acknowledgment of risk before participating in this tour
Children under 18 will be required to have a parent or legal guardian sign this form
Participants must be in good physical condition for the 1.5-2 hour hike - those with back, knee, hip, or balance issues should consider their participation in this activity - due to safety reasons and keeping on the tour schedule, your guide will strongly advise against participation in the hike if they feel it to be too strenuous for your ability level - an alternate arrangement will be made so you can participate in the float portion
Sturdy walking/hiking shoes with good traction are recommended
Please consider bringing your own reusable water bottle to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles
Please dress for potential rainy or windy weather with layers and a waterproof jacket

Duration: Approximately 4 hours (roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)

1 hour - Roundtrip guide-narrated transportation
1.75 hour - Guided one-way moderate hike on Chilkoot Trail
45 minutes - Suit up in rafting gear/put away gear at the end of rafting, snack
35-45 minutes - Guided-navigated river float trip

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets on the cruise ship dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.
- Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Limited Mobility Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

The river float is mild with no whitewater splashing over the side of the raft. Rain ponchos are provided for protection if needed.

The hike is moderate to strenuous on an uneven dirt trail with some steep portions, hilly terrain (elevation gain 300 feet), with rocks and roots to navigate around for the first mile. The second mile is mostly flat ground for the remainder of the hike. The area could have muddy conditions at times so please wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction.

Each raft accommodates up to 11 guests plus 1 guide.

Groups larger than 11 will be split between multiple rafts. In some cases, groups of 8 or more may also be divided to ensure balance and safety. If your party needs to be divided between two rafts, the tour provider will reach out by phone to discuss the group's preferences for division.

Bottled water and a granola bar are included.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

Layered clothing is always recommended for Alaskan weather. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

Guest Reviews

4.9

122 total

Kevin M

On Sep 2026

The highlight of our Alaskan cruise excursions! Our guide did an amazing job of bringing the local sites and history to life and it finished with a relaxing float to end the day! Definitely deserves the 5-star review!

Cameron F

On Sep 2026

This was just a small group, the guide was super awesome and made the whole experience so much fun!

Catherine S

On Aug 2026

The hike is definitely moderate but good. Our guide was excellent and provided a helping hand along the rough patches. He was very knowledgeable and compassionate about nature - which is what you want on a guided hike. The river paddle was very beautiful also. Highly recommend this trip to get an Alaska experience.

Jamesa C

On Aug 2026

Had an amazing time

Robert H

On Aug 2026

Excellent excursion! If you like to exert some effort and then relax, this is the trip for you. We really enjoyed our time hiking a couple of miles and then floating the river to the pickup point. First, we met our guide. He is a character with decades of experience, significant knowledge, and a fun personality. The tour was small with only six people. It was very friendly and low-key. If you are overweight, out of shape, or have poor balance, you may be challenged with this hike. While you only hike the first 2 miles of the Chilkoot Trail, it is rocky and uneven. However, it is a trail inside a beautiful, peaceful, and temperate rainforest. This was a perfectly sized group. He did a good job of pacing and keeping everyone safe. We arrived at a very small beach. We loaded into a small raft and then floated down the fast-flowing but rapid-less Talya River, enjoying the sights, tranquility, and wildlife. He provided drinks and snacks at the end of the tour. He also offered a number of suggestions on places to see, eat, or shop in town and then dropped each of us off in town as we chose. My wife and I chose the Skagway Brewery - great beer and food! Our guide and team did a great job! We recommend this tour and ASE!

$141.75

Best Price Guarantee!

$141.75

Duration: 4 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4 hours

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Adult (13+): $141.75

Child (5-12): $120.75

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Skagway Hike and Float

Excursion Overview

Hike the infamous Chilkoot Trail and raft down the tranquil Taiya River!

Please note: this hike is moderate to strenuous