Skagway, a charming Alaskan town nestled in a picturesque valley, resonates with the echoes of its Gold Rush history. Its colorful buildings and wooden boardwalks transport visitors back to the late 1800s, when fortune seekers flocked to its streets in pursuit of gold. Today, Skagway’s vibrant culture and natural beauty attract travelers eager to explore its historic sites, engage in outdoor adventures, and soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes that define this iconic Alaskan destination.
The Same
Skagway, with its rich Gold Rush history and stunning natural beauty, offered both The Dinks and The Family a memorable Alaskan experience:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park takes up a large portion of downtown Skagway. It commemorates the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, which brought thousands of prospectors to the Yukon Territory in search of gold. The park spans several locations in Alaska and Washington State, preserving historic sites and artifacts associated with the gold rush era. Key features and attractions of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park include:
- Skagway, Alaska: Skagway served as the gateway to the Klondike gold fields, where prospectors arrived by ship before beginning their arduous journey overland to the Yukon. Visitors to Skagway can explore historic buildings, museums, and exhibits that recount the town’s role in the gold rush.
- Chilkoot Trail: The Chilkoot Trail is a historic hiking route that begins in Dyea, Alaska, and crosses over the Chilkoot Pass into Canada. This challenging trail was one of the primary routes used by prospectors to reach the Klondike gold fields, and hikers can still traverse a portion of it today.
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a scenic narrow-gauge railway that follows the route taken by prospectors during the gold rush. The train journey offers stunning views of the rugged Alaskan landscape as it winds its way through mountains, gorges, and valleys.
- Visitor Centers: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park operates visitor centers in Skagway, Alaska, and Seattle, Washington, where visitors can learn about the history of the gold rush through exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs. The centers also provide information on hiking trails, historic sites, and other attractions within the park.
- We both took advantage of this National Park; visiting it in different ways.
Local Cuisine
Skagway, Alaska, offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its rugged frontier history and coastal location. As always we made sure to try local cusine while in port.
- Alaskan Seafood: Being a coastal town, Skagway is renowned for its fresh seafood. Visitors can indulge in dishes featuring locally caught salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Popular preparations include grilled salmon fillets, crab cakes, and seafood chowder made with creamy broth and chunks of fresh fish. During the summer months, Skagway hosts traditional salmon bakes, where freshly caught salmon is cooked over an open flame and served with sides like roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. This communal dining experience allows visitors to enjoy delicious food while soaking in the Alaskan scenery.
- Wilderness-inspired Dishes: Skagway’s cuisine often incorporates ingredients found in the nearby wilderness. This may include game meats such as moose and caribou, prepared in hearty stews or as grilled steaks. These dishes provide a taste of Alaska’s rugged outdoors.
- Baked Goods and Sourdough: Sourdough bread holds historical significance in Alaska, dating back to the Gold Rush era. In Skagway, bakeries and cafes serve freshly baked sourdough bread, biscuits, and pancakes, often paired with locally sourced honey or preserves.
Note: If you are stopping in Skagway as part of a cruise. Check out our other Alaska blogs: Juneau, AK and Alaska Cruise
The Family
We only had a day in Skagway and wanted to make the most of this Gold Rush town.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake
We booked the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake including a cheesy puppet show which the kids absolutely loved, a treasure hunt type thing with clues you complete and panning for gold. When it’s all done you head over to the salmon bake area across the road.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
After the tour we were given the option to be dropped off in town which we did. We headed to the National Park Service Junior Ranger Activity Center, to do the Junior Ranger program and have the kids earn their badge.
The Dinks
We had two full days in Skagway so we got a variety of things in.
Icy Lake and Upper Reid Falls trails
The Hike was a little more moderate than we were expecting but once we got to the view of the lake, it made it all worth it. The town has to single kayak and a canoe as well as lie jackets out there for visitors to enjoy. We took the canoe out for some peace from the hustle and bustle of the cruise port. It was a hidden gem of peaceful tranquility.
Craft Beer & Breweries
We visited both Skagway Brewing Company & Klondike Brewing Co. Each had their own versions of Spruce Tip beers which were really good. The utilization of Alaskan spruce tips has roots in the practices of the Tlingit tribe, who brewed these Vitamin C-rich tips into tea well before British explorers arrived. Captain James Cook is renowned for crafting a unique spruce-tip beer aimed at warding off scurvy among his crew members.
Red Onion Saloon:
Old brothel that even offers “quicky” tours. The inside is interesting with toilets all over one of the walls. The food was just okay but definitely worth a stop in for a drink & a quicky.
White Pass Bus Ride including Gold Rush Cemetery
This was our inexpensive way to get some of the views of White Pass as the train was $150 and all day. You ride through the mountains into what is pretty much no mans land between the US and Canada. Making stops at several waterfalls, and view points before the final stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery. It was an extremely affordable way to see a ton of amazing views.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
There are several buildings included in this. The old bar required reservations for the tour so we just checked it out from outside. The visitors center has a great video on the gold rush that really helped educate us and shed a lot of light on everything we saw and heard about throughout our trip.
Summary
Exploring Skagway, Alaska, through two distinct lenses reveals the rich diversity of experiences this historic town has to offer. The Family’s journey centered around the immersive Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake, delving into the adventurous spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush through interactive experiences and culinary delights. Their visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offered insights into the region’s storied past, adding depth to their exploration.
In contrast, the Dinks embarked on a scenic outdoor adventure, hiking the picturesque trails of Icy Lake and Upper Reid Falls. Their exploration extended to sampling local craft beers and breweries, capturing the essence of Skagway’s modern-day charm. The White Pass Bus Ride provided stunning vistas of the rugged landscape and a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery offered a poignant glimpse into the hardships faced by early prospectors.
Both experiences underscored Skagway’s unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Whether tracing the footsteps of gold seekers or immersing oneself in the tranquility of its wilderness, Skagway promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Alaska’s frontier spirit.
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