Best Easy Hikes in Skagway, Alaska (A Local’s Guide)
If you’re looking for easy hikes in Skagway, Alaska, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy some of the best views in town!
That’s good news because if you had told teenage me that one day I’d voluntarily spend my free time hiking trails in Alaska, I probably would’ve laughed in your face.
I was never the outdoorsy type growing up. I preferred books, video games, and staying comfortably indoors. In fact, I genuinely could not understand why people voluntarily walked uphill for fun.
Then I moved to Alaska where it’s a part of our everyday life!
One of my goals after moving to Skagway was to spend more time outside, and I’ve come to love exploring the trails around town. The best part is that many of Skagway’s hikes are surprisingly accessible. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, own expensive gear, or dedicate an entire day to enjoy them.
If you’re visiting Skagway and looking for beginner-friendly hikes with incredible scenery, these are three of my personal favorites as a local!
1. Lower Reid Falls
This is probably the easiest hike on this list and one of the most popular trails in Skagway. Located just beyond the historic Gold Rush Cemetery, it ends at one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll find anywhere around town.
One of the reasons I recommend this hike so often is that it offers a huge reward for very little effort. Within a short walk, you’re standing in front of a dramatic waterfall surrounded by steep mountains and lush greenery.
Early in the season is my favorite time to visit. The snowmelt coming down from the mountains in late spring and early summer makes the waterfall especially powerful.
A quick reminder to always be bear aware. Bears do occasionally pass through this area, particularly during quieter evening hours, though it’s usually busy during the day.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Distance: Approximately 1 mile roundtrip
- Location: Gold Rush Cemetery
- Best Feature: Beautiful waterfall
- Notes: Can be muddy after rain
2. Yakutania Point
This is the hike I recommend to people who tell me they “don’t really hike.”
Yakutania Point has one of the best effort-to-view ratios in Skagway. In a relatively short amount of time, you’ll get ocean views, mountain views, rocky coastline, and classic Southeast Alaska scenery.
It’s also one of those trails that feels beautiful regardless of the weather. Sunny days are incredible, but I’ve hiked it under gray skies plenty of times and still loved every minute of it.
I’ve done this trail multiple times and it never gets old.
The trail does require climbing over a few small rocks in places, but most visitors won’t find it difficult. If you’re visiting Skagway on a cruise stop and only have a few hours in town, this is one of the best hikes you can do.
It’s also my personal favorite place to sit on a rock and watch the water on a sunny day.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Best Feature: Coastal views
- Great For: Cruise visitors and casual hikers
- Notes: Be bear aware
Fun Fact: This is one of my favorite spots in Skagway when I need a quiet moment away from town.
3. Lower Dewey Lake
The trail to Lower Dewey Lake starts right near town, which makes it feel less intimidating than some of the area’s longer hikes.
That being said… the incline at the beginning humbles me every single time.
Without fail, I spend the first ten to fifteen minutes questioning whether I’ve somehow become dramatically more out of shape since my last visit. BUT, if you stick with it, this hike is incredibly rewarding.
Once you make it through the rocky switchbacks, you’ll arrive at a peaceful lake surrounded by forest. From there, it’s easy to wander around the shoreline, stop for a snack, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
The trail is roughly 3 to 3.5 miles roundtrip and usually takes us around three hours. That’s mostly because we stop frequently and spend plenty of time enjoying the scenery.
One thing I love about Lower Dewey is that it feels achievable for relatively normal people. You don’t need expensive gear or years of hiking experience to enjoy it.
💍 Fun Fact: My husband proposed on this trail in 2024. It was already one of his favorite places in Skagway, and now it’s one of mine too!
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, but make sure your dog is up for the task.
- Distance: Approximately 3–3.5 miles roundtrip
- Time Needed: Around 3 hours
- Best Feature: Lake views and forest scenery
- Bring: Water and a snack
- Notes: Steep incline & switchbacks at the beginning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest hike in Skagway?
Lower Reid Falls is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in Skagway. The trail is short, beginner-friendly, and ends at a beautiful waterfall.
Are Skagway hikes dog-friendly?
Many hiking trails around Skagway are dog-friendly, including Lower Reid Falls, Yakutania Point, and Lower Dewey Lake. Always keep wildlife safety in mind and ensure your dog is comfortable with the trail conditions.
Are there bears on hiking trails in Skagway?
Yes. Bears occasionally use many of the same trails as people. Make noise, stay alert, and carry bear spray, if possible, especially during quieter times of day.
Can cruise ship visitors hike in Skagway?
Absolutely. Lower Reid Falls and Yakutania Point are excellent options for cruise visitors because both can be reached easily from town and don’t require a large time commitment!
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about Skagway is that you really don’t have to go far to experience something beautiful.
If you’re only in town for a day, I’d recommend starting with Lower Reid Falls or Yakutania Point. Both offer incredible views without requiring a major time commitment.
Even after living here for a few years now, there are still moments on these trails where I stop and think “This is a real place that I actually get to live in.”
I think that’s why I’ve grown to love being outdoors here so much. And if you’re visiting Southeast Alaska, I hope these trails give you a chance to experience a little bit of that feeling too.
