Skagway Overlook
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Skagway valley and mountains, offering a stunning glimpse of Alaska's natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Skagway Overlook
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Skagway valley and mountains, offering a stunning glimpse of Alaska's natural beauty.
"Simply a beautiful view! Part of a fabulous tour!"
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are recommended for exploring.
📸 Bring your camera!
The views are stunning and perfect for capturing memories.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Main Overlook Point
Soak in sweeping vistas of the Skagway valley, mountains, and potentially the town below. A photographer's dream!
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Vista
Visible from Overlook
Catch glimpses of the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway winding through the landscape.
Seasonal Wildflower Displays
Along hiking trails
During summer months, the trails around the overlook can be dotted with vibrant Alaskan wildflowers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting to the Overlook
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are recommended for exploring.
📸 Bring your camera!
The views are stunning and perfect for capturing memories. +1
🚗 Consider e-bike rental
A fun way to explore the area and reach scenic spots like the overlook.
💧 Check weather before you go
Alaska's weather can change quickly; be prepared for rain or wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are recommended for exploring.
📸 Bring your camera!
The views are stunning and perfect for capturing memories. +1
🚗 Consider e-bike rental
A fun way to explore the area and reach scenic spots like the overlook.
💧 Check weather before you go
Alaska's weather can change quickly; be prepared for rain or wind.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Skagway Overlook for its absolutely beautiful and outstanding views, often calling it a highlight of their tours. The area is noted for its scenic beauty, making it a great spot for photography and enjoying the vast Alaskan landscape. Some reviewers mention the terrain can be a bit challenging, recommending good footwear.
"Very nice. Staff is exceptionally kind and friendly. The little things that make all the difference. Actual Kleenex, good toilet paper, bag of microwave popcorn, Bible in the room. The usual; clean, good beds and pillows, plenty of towels, etc."
Frank Vrba
"Simply a beautiful view! Part of a fabulous tour!"
Deano McNeil
"Amazing short hike with scenic overlooks along the way!
Quick easy pace but somewhat challenging terrain- recommend a good tread hiking boot due to high cluster of rocks and roots. Bathrooms available on sight but are stinky.
Bonus: 2 Workout stations spotted on the trail!! Very cool"
Eddie Pascucci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Skagway Overlook can be reached by car, e-bike, or as part of guided tours. Many visitors access it via private tours or rental vehicles for flexibility. Some hiking trails also lead to scenic viewpoints in the area. 
Parking availability can vary, especially during peak cruise ship season. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation if you're visiting during busy times.
Yes, there are hiking trails that lead to various scenic overlooks around Skagway, including areas offering similar views. Be prepared for potentially challenging terrain.
Public transport options directly to the overlook are limited. Most visitors arrive via cruise ship excursions, private tours, or rental vehicles.
Many cruise lines offer shore excursions that include stops at scenic overlooks. Alternatively, consider booking a private tour or renting an e-bike for more freedom. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no specific ticket required to access the Skagway Overlook itself, as it's often a natural viewpoint. However, any tours or specific activities you book to reach it will have associated costs.
The overlook itself is typically free to access. Fees would apply to parking in certain areas, or if you are participating in a guided tour or using specific facilities.
As a natural viewpoint, the Skagway Overlook is generally accessible at any time. However, daylight hours are best for enjoying the scenery and for safety.
Absolutely! Many Skagway excursions, including train tours and private van tours, will incorporate stops at scenic overlooks like this one. +1
Hiking trails leading to or near the Skagway Overlook are typically free to use. However, always check for any local park or trail fees that might be in place.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting beautiful shadows and colors across the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a telephoto lens if you want to zoom in on the White Pass Railway or distant peaks.
Look for designated viewpoints that offer unobstructed panoramas. The main overlook area provides excellent vantage points, and trails may offer unique perspectives.
Drone regulations can be strict in Alaska. Always check local advisories and regulations before flying a drone, as restrictions may apply in national parks or populated areas.
Popular subjects include the sweeping valley, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, distant mountains, and the town of Skagway.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a truly memorable experience, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is often a hit with children, offering a unique mode of transport and stunning scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the most captivating light and shadows. Beyond the main overlook, exploring the surrounding trails can reveal unique perspectives and opportunities to capture the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in motion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Experience
Travelers can choose between different tour options, from a round-trip journey to longer excursions that include stops at the Yukon Suspension Bridge or Bennett Lake. Some opt for luxury train cars with swivel chairs and enhanced service for a more comfortable experience.
While the train ride is highly recommended, some Reddit users ponder if the round-trip might feel repetitive compared to longer bus and train combinations that explore further into the Yukon.
Exploring Skagway's Gold Rush History
Visitors can immerse themselves in this history by exploring the preserved buildings in the historic downtown district, many of which now house shops and museums. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers ranger programs and exhibits that bring the past to life.
Beyond the cemetery, sites like the Dyea Flats and the Chilkoot Trail (though a strenuous multi-day hike) offer a more rugged connection to the gold rush routes. Understanding this historical context enriches the experience of visiting Skagway and its scenic overlooks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit