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Skagway
 This
"Gateway to the Klondike" watched as countless fortune-seekers
passed on its streets as they headed to the Chilkoot and White
Pass Trails during the heyday of Alaska's Gold Rush. Today, you
can still feel like a prospector in Skagway, as you walk along its
rustic boardwalks and frontier-style storefronts. With only 750
residents, this cozy town lies at the head of the Lynn Canal and
offers a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of most
cities. The weather is much different - and drier - here compared
to the rest of southeastern Alaska, as it gets an average of just
22 inches of precipitation each year.
View a video about
Skagway, Alaska
 
A LINK TO
HISTORY
More than a century after the Gold Rush, Skagway remains a popular
destination for visitors, young and old. With its classic cars and
one of the oldest narrow-gauge railroads in the world, the city
retains the flavor of days gone by and remains an important link
to Alaska's rich history.
ON
BROADWAY...
Seven blocks on Broadway make up downtown, and a stroll down this
main thoroughfare is a must. Highlights include a stop at the
Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the only remaining example of
turn-of-the-century Alaskan driftwood architecture. Other
buildings like the Trail of '98 Museum, Corrington's Museum of
Alaskan History and the Alaskan Wildlife Adventure and Museum
present different facets of prospecting times.
WELL-MARKED TRAILS
Before hitting the famous Chilkoot Trail, there are other
well-marked trails to try. Hiking to Lower Dewey Lake is an easy,
20-minute climb, and there are more adventurous trails that lead
to remote Sturgill's Landing, Upper Dewey Lake and the Devil's
Punchbowl. Off the trails and away from Broadway, the White Pass
Scenic Railway and Eagle Preserve Wildlife Quest provide
additional options for history and nature lovers alike.
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