Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour

If you’re heading to Skagway with a craving for authentic outdoor fun, the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour might just be your perfect half-day getaway. Promising a blend of history, nature, and light physical activity, this tour ticks the boxes for those who want more than just pretty scenery. Expect a scenic van ride, a engaging hike, and a peaceful raft float—all wrapped in about four hours. This tour boasts glowing reviews and a high success rate (97% recommend), making it a popular pick for cruise visitors.

One consideration before booking: it’s an active tour, with moderate hiking involved. If you’re not comfortable on uneven terrain or climbing about 300 feet in elevation, it’s worth thinking twice. However, if you’re generally in decent shape and open to a rewarding outdoor experience, this trip delivers on value and scenery. Travelers love the expert guides and the opportunity to walk through incredible rainforests, but some note wildlife sightings can be fleeting—so don’t expect to see bears or eagles on every trip.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its personal touch—small groups mean you’ll get personalized attention and more stories from guides. Plus, the direct booking options and relatively affordable price tag compared to cruise line excursions mean you can enjoy a premium outdoor trip without breaking the bank. That said, be prepared for potentially damp weather and bring sturdy shoes—this is Alaska, after all!

• Moderate hiking along the historic Chilkoot Trail, with lush forest scenery
• Learn about flora, fauna, and the gold rush history from knowledgeable guides
• Relaxing raft float down the Taiya River, with chances to spot wildlife
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and safety
• All-weather operation with necessary gear, and included snacks for energy

What Makes This Tour Special

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and active outdoor fun. The focus on the Chilkoot Trail is one of the highlights, especially because it retraces part of the legendary path prospectors took during the Klondike Gold Rush. You’re walking on a trail that echoes with stories, surrounded by forests that have remained remarkably untouched. The guided aspect ensures you won’t just be hoofing it blindly—you’ll hear about the wildlife, trees, and historical significance from folks who really know their stuff.

And when you finish your hike, you switch gears to a float in the Taiya River. This rafting experience is more about relaxation and soaking in scenery than white-water thrills. With a maximum of 11 people per raft, you get a cozy and charming journey that offers chances to see local wildlife—though sightings of eagles, otters, and bears are not guaranteed, they are the kind of thing most adventurers keep their eyes peeled for. Recent reviews mention guides doing all the work during the float, making it accessible even for those not experienced with watercraft.

The Itinerary in Depth

The van ride from Skagway to the trailhead spans about 10 miles along the coastline, giving you a chance to appreciate Alaska’s rugged beauty aboard a comfortable vehicle. The scenery here is quite stunning, with mountains, forests, and ocean views setting the stage for your adventure. The drive takes around 40 minutes, which is just enough time to get excited about what’s ahead.

Once at the trailhead, your moderate 2-mile hike begins. Expect to climb a little in the first part—about 300 feet of elevation gain—before descending and finishing on more level ground. Hikers praise the guide’s storytelling, herding your tiny group through towering conifers and dense moss-covered undergrowth. Reviewers often mention how the guide shares engaging tales about Skagway, the Klondike Gold Rush, and local plants, making the walk both informative and enjoyable. Some reviews, like one from Daniel, say, “We learned about plants, history of Skagway, and loved the raft float experience.”

The trail itself is steep and uneven in parts, so decent footwear with good traction is a must. You can choose to take a walking stick if offered—it’s especially useful on the steeper sections. The return to flat terrain provides a breather, and the prominent trees and green canopy give you a true taste of Alaska’s forests.

After the hike, the tour shifts gears with a peaceful raft float along the Taiya River. The boat is boat-shaped and can seat no more than 11—personal attention is the standard. Many reviewers mention how relaxing and scenic the float is; it’s more about gentle drifting than paddling. You might see eagles nesting, or on lucky days, spot a bear or otters—wildlife sightings are not a guarantee, but the potential is there. As one reviewer put it, “The views are amazing!” The float ends with a riverbank snack, providing a quiet moment to appreciate your surroundings before heading back to Skagway.

Guide and Group Size Make a Difference

One reason for the excellent reviews is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Reviewers frequently mention guides like Owen, Erin, and Kennedy as professional, warm, and insightful. With small groups averaging around 11 participants, you’ll enjoy personalized interactions—more stories, more safety, and more attention. Many travelers comment how guides have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of local ecology — Alex even earned a mushroom-mentor title among some reviews!

Price and Value: Breaking It Down

At around $135 per person, this tour is priced fairly competitively, especially considering what it includes—both the hike and the float, plus snacks and port transportation. Some reviews note that booking directly with the operator or through platforms like Viator can be less expensive than cruise line tours, giving you better value for your money. Travelers often mention how the experience is more intimate and personalized than larger, shipped-only excursions, which can feel rushed or crowded.

For those who love active outdoor activities but want a family-friendly option, the downside might be the physical effort involved, especially in inclement weather. But even with some challenging parts, many call the hike “beautiful” and “well-paced,” and the float “relaxing and gorgeous.”

Weather and Preparation

Alaska weather can be notoriously unpredictable. Tour operates rain or shine, so good waterproof gear, sturdy shoes with traction, and layers are essential. Some travelers recommend bringing water-proof boots for the hike and waterproof bags for personal belongings. In reviews, people appreciate the professional gear provided or the advice to come prepared.

This experience is ideal for active families, nature lovers, history buffs, and moderate hikers. Its small-group size and 4-hour duration suit those who want a manageable, fulfilling outdoor adventure without a full-day commitment. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and a touch of Alaskan wilderness right outside the cruise port area.

However, it’s less perfect for those seeking extreme adventure, wildlife guarantees, or minimal exertion. The tour’s focus on physical activity and storytelling is better suited for curious, reasonably fit travelers who enjoy walking through forests and relaxing on water.

You’ll find this tour delivers real value with a nice balance of hiking, history, and river serenity. Guided by locals who know the land like the back of their hand, you’ll love the chance to get outdoors on a trail that’s steeped in gold rush lore and lush greenery. The float down the Taiya River adds a calming, scenic finale that’s perfect for disconnecting from the cruise bustle.

This excursion is a smart choice for those who prioritize authentic experiences and local expertise over cookie-cutter tours. If you enjoy moderate exercise, storytelling, and the thrill of discovery—plus hopefully some wildlife looks—this trip will satisfy that quest. It’s affordable, manageable within your cruise schedule, and offers a taste of the real Alaska you come for.

Is pickup offered from the cruise ship?
Yes, the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free experience.

How long does the entire tour take?
The experience lasts around 4 hours, including transportation, hiking, and floating—perfect for a half-day adventure.

What is the recommended physical condition for this tour?
You should be in good shape with no joint problems or balance issues—it’s a moderate hike with some elevation gain.

What should I wear?
Dress for all weather — layers, sturdy shoes with traction, and waterproof gear are advisable.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, but the float often provides opportunities to see eagles, otters, bears, and seals—sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Can children participate?
Yes, kids as young as age 5 are welcome, but they should be comfortable on uneven terrain and physically active.

How does the boat ride work?
The raft seats a maximum of 11 passengers, and guides do all the paddling, making it easy for passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What if the weather is bad on the day?
The tour runs in all weather conditions; if canceled due to severe weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

This is a well-rounded, rich taste of Alaska that combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and local storytelling—an outing that genuinely enriches your Skagway visit.