
Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 607 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour worth booking?
Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour is a 4-hour experience in Skagway, United States, from $145 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 607 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (607)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $145 per person
The Chilkoot Hike and Float Tour is an active, family-oriented hiking adventure along the world famous Chilkoot Trail. This wilderness hike takes place in the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Learn about the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan, and natural history of the region. Depart Skagway for a 10-mile (16 km) scenic van tour along the coastline to the Chilkoot Trail trailhead and then enjoy 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking and 40 minutes on the raft. The hike is moderately strenuous so please be in good condition. Have your camera ready for occasional wildlife sightings both on land and in the water. Get away from the crowds in Skagway and get immersed in the natural beauty of the Dyea valley during the coastal forest hike and while floating down the peaceful river.
What you get
About this experience
The Chilkoot Hike and Float Tour is an active, family-oriented hiking adventure along the world famous Chilkoot Trail. This wilderness hike takes place in the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Learn about the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan, and natural history of the region. Depart Skagway for a 10-mile (16 km) scenic van tour along the coastline to the Chilkoot Trail trailhead and then enjoy 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking and 40 minutes on the raft. The hike is moderately strenuous so please be in good condition. Have your camera ready for occasional wildlife sightings both on land and in the water. Get away from the crowds in Skagway and get immersed in the natural beauty of the Dyea valley during the coastal forest hike and while floating down the peaceful river.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 607 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
607 verified traveler reviews for Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
Well this is a strenuous trail make no mistake lol. The up hill is intense for unfit humans, and what goes up must come down. Our guide Erin was absolutely wonderful and made the trip not so bad. She would take small breaks to let me catch my breath ( I am out of shape ). Erin was super informative in regard to the nature, and trail history. The float portion was very relaxing and definitely the reward for the hike. I do strongly recommend this tour and this company; I hope you get Erin. Just if you’re unfit like myself, I’d do some soul searching for sure🤣
via Viator
Enjoy hiking and being on a river - this is a great tour
Great hike-and-float excursion! The hike was a mildly technical challenge, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. We were caught in the rain during both the hike and the float, so I also recommend bringing a lightweight rain poncho for the hike. For the float portion, boots and heavier ponchos are supplied by tour vendor. Rachael, our excellent guide, did a great job keeping a comfortable pace for our group of 10. Our group included physically fit guests from their early to late 60s, as well as guests with heavier body types in their 40s and 50s, and she made sure everyone could enjoy the experience. Be prepared for about 2 miles of elevation changes and uneven terrain, including rough, rustic steps going both up and down. Getting into the raft may also be challenging for anyone who has difficulty bending, balancing, or stepping down from an embankment. If you are reasonably mobile and comfortable with uneven terrain, this is an outstanding excursion—an unforgettable way to hike through the rainforest and then relax while floating down the river.
via Viator
Fun hike into the forest
This was a great tour. It starts with an active, leg-stretching hike through beautiful rain forest, followed by a fun and relaxing river raft float. Domenic was a great guide. He was very conscientious, making sure everyone was able to navigate the trickier parts of the trail. He was also very knowledgeable about edible plants. One of the better excursions of our Alaska trip.
via Viator
Great active hike and fun float
This was a great active, leg-stretching hike through the rain forest followed by a fun and relaxing float down the river. Domenic was a great guide. He was very conscientious, making sure everyone was able to navigate the trickier parts of the trail. He was also very knowledgeable about edible plants. One of the better excursions on our trip.
via Tripadvisor
Challenging but worthwhile hike
It is a vigorous and rocky 2 mile hike so be sure you are comfortable with that level of challenge before signing up. Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. The float portion was a nice break back down
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 212
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Skagway.
How much does Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour cost?
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Prices start at $145 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Skagway usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Skagway is not rushed.
Is Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 607 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Skagway, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour?
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Around 212 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Skagway can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Skagway and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Skagway within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Skagway?
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Skagway is a Klondike Gold Rush town built for excursions: White Pass and Yukon Route rail trips, Yukon border drives, glacier flights, dog sledding on ice fields and gold panning. On Outty we rank every Skagway experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon, Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge, Skagway City and Summit Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Skagway?
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May to September, the cruise season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Skagway?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What happens to Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Skagway. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour?
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Across 607 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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