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Skagway Shore Excursion Review: Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float & Summit Drive
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
When our Alaska cruise docked in Skagway, we signed up for what was described as a scenic hike along part of the historic Chilkoot Trail, followed by a river float and a drive to the White Pass summit. It sounded like the perfect mix of light adventure and sightseeing, active, but not extreme.
It ended up being the most memorable shore excursion of our Alaska cruise. What we expected to be a moderately active outing turned into a more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience than we anticipated, with forest trails, river crossings, and rugged terrain adding to the sense of adventure.
If you’re considering the Chilkoot Trail hike, float, and summit drive tour from Skagway, this guide walks through exactly what the day looked like, where the tour differed from the online description, and who this excursion is realistically suited for. It’s an incredibly beautiful experience, just know going in that this is more of an adventurous nature trek than a casual stroll.
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Tour Price & What’s Included
We paid $476.82 total for two people, plus a $40 tip given directly to our guide via Venmo at the end of the tour.
For the length of the excursion and how much gear and guidance was involved, we felt this was a fair price, especially compared to cruise-line excursions we saw that were significantly more expensive while offering less activity or adventure.
Included in the price:
Round-trip transportation from the cruise dock in Skagway
A professional local guide for the entire day
Trekking poles for the hike
Waterproof boots for the river float
Life jackets for the float portion
A small bagged lunch
Hot cocoa and cookies after the float
If you’re comparing this to booking through your cruise line, this style of small-group, active wilderness excursion is often $50 or more per person when booked directly through the cruise line.
Logistics & Cruise Timing (Important for Skagway Visitors)
This tour is very cruise-friendly, but there are a few important details to know.
Pickup & Timing
We were picked up right near the cruise terminal, which made the start of the day simple and stress-free. The tour runs on a schedule designed around cruise ship port times, and we returned with plenty of time before all-aboard.
Still, this is an active excursion in a remote area, so:
Wear a watch or keep your phone accessible
Follow your guide’s timing instructions closely
These guides do this every day and know exactly how to keep groups on schedule.
Passport Requirement
You must bring your passport.
The scenic drive portion of the tour briefly crosses into Canada via the White Pass. You won’t spend extended time there, but border regulations require passports for all participants. This surprised some people on our tour who hadn’t realized they’d technically be leaving the U.S., so make sure to bring yours on the day of your excursion.
Bathroom Situation
There is a restroom stop at the trailhead (an outhouse-style facility), and this is your last chance before the float. Plan accordingly before you start hiking.
What the Hike Is Actually Like
This is the section we wish we had read before booking. The tour photos and description online make the hike look like a relaxed forest walk on maintained paths and wooden boardwalks. That is not what this hike is. Our guide was very upfront before we started and told us the trail would be steep, slick, rocky, and root-covered, and she was absolutely right. After a quick safety briefing and being fitted with trekking poles, we began the hike near the Taiya River.
The Uphill Section
The hike began with a steady uphill climb through dense rainforest terrain. The trail was narrow and extremely wet from recent rain. We had to climb over moss-covered roots, navigate slick rocks, and squeeze through tight spots where footing wasn’t always obvious. In a few places, the incline was steep enough that we needed help from our guide to steady ourselves. Good balance and proper hiking shoes are a must, and this part of the trail requires focus.
The Downhill Section (Harder Than Up)
Surprisingly, the downhill portion was even more difficult. The path was muddy, uneven, and sloped toward the hillside in places, meaning we had to move slowly and use the trekking poles constantly for stability. Several sections required us to hold onto rocks or tree roots to safely make our way down. If you have knee issues, balance concerns, or aren’t comfortable hiking in wet, uneven terrain, this part could be very challenging.
The Scenic Middle Section
After the tougher climbing and descending sections, the trail leveled out and became much more enjoyable. We passed small waterfalls, crossed shallow streams on stepping stones, and walked across a river on a log bridge with a side railing. This is where we could finally relax a bit and really take in the scenery. Our guide pointed out plants like devil’s club (which you definitely don’t want to touch) and even let us taste a wild highbush cranberry. We also saw a variety of mushrooms and other native plants along the way. Near the river, we spotted a huge bear print in the mud. Our guide carried bear spray and reassured us she had never seen a bear on this trail, but it was still a reminder that this was the wilderness, and to be cautious of our surroundings. In this moment we were super thankful to be with a knowledgable and prepared guide, in case we saw more than a bear print!
The River Float Experience
The hike ended at the river where our raft and float guides were already waiting. This transition from rugged trail to calm water felt like a reward after the physical effort of the hike. We were fitted with waterproof boots and life jackets, and given another safety briefing on how to get in and out of the raft, what to do if we fell in (unlikely, but covered), and how to stay balanced during the float. All of our shoes and bags were sealed inside a large dry bag, which kept everything completely dry.
Calm, Scenic, and Surprisingly Peaceful
The float portion was the most relaxing part of the entire excursion. The river was slow-moving and gentle, with no rapids or rough sections. Instead of focusing on footing and balance like during the hike, we could finally look around and take in the scenery. We floated past snow-capped mountain peaks, dense forests glowing with fall colors, and wide open riverbanks that made the landscape feel massive and untouched. Wildlife sightings added to the experience, we saw ducks, eagles overhead, and even a curious seal swimming nearby. It felt quiet and remote in the best way, with only the sound of the water and occasional commentary from our guide.
Post-Float Surprise
Once we reached the end of our float, we were greeted with hot cocoa and cookies, which honestly tasted amazing after a cold, damp hike and float. It was a small touch, but one that made the experience feel thoughtful and well organized. The only unexpected part was that we helped the staff carry the raft up from the shoreline toward the van. It was heavier than we expected, but it only lasted a few minutes and felt more like pitching in than a burden. After changing back into our shoes, we loaded into the van for the final part of the tour.
White Pass Summit Drive (And Why We Missed the Views)
The final portion of the tour was a scenic drive up the White Pass, which crosses briefly into Canada before looping back toward Skagway. This is why passports are required for the tour, even though you’re only across the border for a short stretch, it is still an international crossing. After such an active morning, the idea of sitting back for a scenic mountain drive sounded like the perfect ending. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.
Lunch Break on the Way to White Pass
Before we started climbing toward White Pass, our guide handed out boxed lunches to eat in the van. Each of us received a bag with a Caesar wrap, a bottle of water, and a couple of snack bars. After the muddy hike and chilly river float, it was honestly perfect timing. Sitting in a warm vehicle, drying out a bit, and finally refueling made the drive feel like a well-earned break in the day.
When “Scenic” Turns into Fog
As we climbed higher in elevation, visibility dropped dramatically. Thick fog and low clouds rolled in, and at times we could barely see a few feet in front of the van. Our guide explained that on clear days this portion of the drive offers sweeping mountain views, waterfalls, and dramatic alpine landscapes, but on our day, nearly all of it was hidden behind clouds. It was disappointing, but also a good reminder of how unpredictable Alaska weather can be, especially at higher elevations.
Still a Few Memorable Moments
Even with the fog, we did have a couple of standout moments. We stopped briefly at a small pond for photos and pulled over at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign in the no-man’s-land stretch between border stations, which made for a fun and unique photo stop. The most exciting surprise came when a moose crossed the road right in front of our van. Our guide mentioned she had never actually seen one in this area before, which made the sighting feel even more special. Despite missing the big scenic views, the drive still added variety to the day and gave us a chance to warm up and rest after the physical portions of the tour. We were dropped back off right at the cruise dock with plenty of time before departure, which made the logistics stress-free.
Timing & Return to Ship
We made it back to the ship with plenty of time to spare and were dropped off right at the cruise terminal, steps from the ship. Despite the physical challenge and weather, the tour felt well-paced and professionally run from start to finish.
Who This Tour Is (and Is NOT) For
This excursion is incredible, but it’s not for everyone. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming this is a gentle nature walk followed by a scenic float. The hike portion in particular requires real physical effort and comfort with uneven terrain.
This Tour Is Great For…
Travelers who enjoy active, outdoorsy experiences
People comfortable hiking on wet, muddy, and uneven trails
Those who want to experience true Alaska wilderness, not paved paths
Visitors looking for a small-group, guide-led adventure with a mix of hiking, wildlife, and scenery
Anyone wanting a shore excursion that feels memorable and different from typical bus-style tours
If you like the idea of earning your views and don’t mind getting a little dirty, this tour delivers.
This Tour May NOT Be a Good Fit If:
You have knee, balance, or mobility issues
You are expecting a flat or paved walking path
You don’t feel comfortable hiking in rain, mud, or slippery conditions
You prefer relaxed sightseeing over physical activity
You’re traveling with very young kids or anyone who may struggle with steep or narrow sections
The float portion is calm and accessible, but you have to complete the hike to get there. The physical challenge is real, and knowing that ahead of time makes a big difference in how much you enjoy the day.
Final Verdict: Is the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Worth It?
Yes, this tour is absolutely worth it, as long as you go in with the right expectations.
This ended up being one of the most memorable days of our entire Alaska cruise. The combination of hiking through a dense temperate rainforest, spotting wildlife, floating quietly down a remote river, and ending the day with a scenic mountain drive made it feel like we experienced several sides of Alaska in just a few hours.
However, the key to enjoying this excursion is understanding one important thing:
This is not the leisurely boardwalk-style walk the marketing photos might suggest.
The hike is real. It’s steep in sections, muddy, root-covered, and slippery when wet. You’ll need good balance, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to move slowly and carefully in some areas. If you expect a casual stroll, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed. If you expect a wilderness hike, you’ll feel accomplished.
Once we adjusted our expectations, we actually appreciated the challenge. It made the float portion feel even more rewarding, sitting next to the river with hot cocoa after working for those views felt like a true Alaska moment, not just another tourist stop.
Bottom Line
Worth it for: Active travelers who want an authentic, small-group Alaska adventure
Skip it if: You’re looking for an easy walk or have mobility concerns
For us, this tour was a highlight of Skagway and a big part of why our Alaska cruise felt adventurous instead of just scenic.