
Smuggler's Cove
A tranquil, secluded cove accessible by a scenic hike, offering peaceful nature and beautiful coastal views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Smuggler's Cove
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, secluded cove accessible by a scenic hike, offering peaceful nature and beautiful coastal views.
"Great trail, worth the walk, and it’s free."

🚶♀️ Easy Hike from Cruise Ship
A short, scenic 15-30 min walk from the footbridge near the ships. Great views!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Grab food from local markets for a peaceful BBQ at the cove.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cove Itself
Smuggler's Cove
A peaceful, secluded beach with stunning views, perfect for a picnic or quiet contemplation.

Scenic Hike
Trail to Smuggler's Cove
An easy to moderate 15-30 minute walk through a forest, offering beautiful natural scenery.

Picnic and Fire Pit
Smuggler's Cove
Enjoy a meal amidst nature with provided amenities, but always check fire regulations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Smuggler's Cove
Getting to Smuggler's Cove
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Hike from Cruise Ship
A short, scenic 15-30 min walk from the footbridge near the ships. Great views!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Grab food from local markets for a peaceful BBQ at the cove.
👟 Not Stroller/Wheelchair Friendly
The trail has inclines and declines, best for sturdy footwear.
🚻 Well-stocked Restroom
Find a clean bathroom with essentials just before the trail split.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Hike from Cruise Ship
A short, scenic 15-30 min walk from the footbridge near the ships. Great views!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Grab food from local markets for a peaceful BBQ at the cove.
👟 Not Stroller/Wheelchair Friendly
The trail has inclines and declines, best for sturdy footwear.
🚻 Well-stocked Restroom
Find a clean bathroom with essentials just before the trail split.
🚢 Check Cruise Ship Schedule
Avoid peak times when multiple ships are docked for fewer crowds.
☀️ Alaska Isn't Always Cold
Pack layers; Skagway can be surprisingly mild even in shoulder seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smuggler's Cove is widely praised as a beautiful and peaceful natural spot, easily accessible via a short, scenic hike from the Skagway cruise port. Visitors love the tranquility, the lovely views, and the convenience of the picnic area. However, some note that it can get crowded, and the trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
"Great trail, worth the walk, and it’s free.
Tips:
1) Short walk from the cruise ship after passing the Skagway footbridge.
2) The route does have slight incline & decline as you get closer to the cove.
3) Great views, no crowds and very peaceful.
4) Not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
5) They have a picnic table and fire pit but be sure to read the sign before lighting the fire. 🔥
6) There’s bathroom just before the split towards Smugglers Cove. The essentials in the bathroom are nicely stocked for use.
We saw some muscles and seaweed by the cove."
Ashley L
"Amazing place. Grab some food and drinks from the local supermarket. Nice easy 20 minutes hike over the bridge near the ships and you're there. Peaceful and stunning. Enjoy a bbq in nature!"
Joshua “The world traveller”
"Great hike while cruise ship was in port! Took about 30 minutes to do the hike. Beautiful views and super easy to do even if you don’t hike a lot."
Kevin Dederick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smuggler's Cove is accessible via a pleasant hike from the Skagway cruise port. After passing the Skagway footbridge, the trail is about 15-30 minutes long, leading through a forest with some inclines and declines. It's a popular walk for cruise passengers looking for a peaceful spot away from the main town.
Unfortunately, Smuggler's Cove is not stroller or wheelchair friendly. The trail involves inclines and declines, making it unsuitable for those with mobility challenges or for pushing strollers. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Given the trail's terrain, if you have limited mobility, Smuggler's Cove might be challenging. Consider exploring the town of Skagway itself, or look into accessible shore excursions that offer scenic drives or boat tours, like those mentioned for whale watching or fjord exploration.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are not typically available or practical for reaching Smuggler's Cove directly due to its trail-based access. The primary method of arrival is by foot from the cruise port.
The walk to Smuggler's Cove typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes from the footbridge near the cruise ships. The exact time can vary depending on your pace and how crowded the trail is.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee required to access Smuggler's Cove. It's a free natural attraction for visitors to enjoy.
Smuggler's Cove is a natural outdoor area and does not have set operating hours. It is accessible during daylight hours when cruise ships are in port. However, be aware that in October, many shops and services in Skagway may be closed, limiting options.
You do not need to book a tour to visit Smuggler's Cove. It's a self-guided walk from the cruise port. However, booking tours is highly recommended if visiting in the shoulder season like October, as many businesses may be closed.
The main restriction is the trail's terrain, which is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Additionally, if you plan to use the fire pit, be sure to read and adhere to any posted signs regarding fire regulations.
If visiting in the off-season like early October, it's wise to book excursions in advance. If you find yourself with limited options, focus on natural attractions like Smuggler's Cove or the Gold Rush Cemetery, and enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Smuggler's Cove, you can enjoy a peaceful walk, take in the beautiful views, relax by the water, and have a picnic. There's a picnic table and fire pit available, though you must check fire regulations before use. You might also spot muscles and seaweed along the shore.
Yes, there is a restroom located just before the split in the trail that leads towards Smuggler's Cove. The facilities are reported to be well-stocked and clean for visitor use.
While not guaranteed, visitors have reported seeing muscles and seaweed along the cove's shore. The surrounding forest and coastal environment offer opportunities for birdwatching as well.
Absolutely! Smuggler's Cove offers beautiful natural scenery, making it a great spot for photography. The peaceful atmosphere and coastal views provide excellent opportunities for capturing memorable shots.
It's recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, any food and drinks you plan to consume, and perhaps a camera. If you plan to use the fire pit, bring items to start a fire if permitted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food vendors directly at Smuggler's Cove. It's a natural area best enjoyed with a packed picnic. You can purchase food and drinks from local supermarkets in Skagway before heading to the cove.
Skagway offers several dining options. The Skagway Brewing Company is a popular choice for lunch, serving items like king crab lobster rolls. The Skagway Fish Company also offers seafood options.
Yes, there is a fire pit available at Smuggler's Cove, making it suitable for a BBQ. However, it's crucial to read the posted signs regarding fire regulations before lighting any fire.
When in Skagway, consider trying a king crab lobster roll or other seafood dishes. Sweet iced tea is also a popular beverage option.
Dining options may be limited in Skagway during October, as many businesses close for the season. It's advisable to check in advance or plan to bring your own food, especially if visiting during the early part of the month.
📸 📸 Photography
Smuggler's Cove offers picturesque views of the water and surrounding natural landscape. The peaceful atmosphere and coastal scenery make it ideal for capturing serene landscape shots. The trail leading to the cove also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography at Smuggler's Cove. This also coincides with times when crowds are typically lower, allowing for more unobstructed shots.
While Smuggler's Cove itself is the main attraction, the hike through the forest and the footbridge near the cruise port offer additional scenic elements for your photos. The Gold Rush Cemetery is also a nearby historical site that can be photographed.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the beauty of Smuggler's Cove. If you enjoy landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial to capture the expansive views.
Drone usage regulations can vary, especially in port areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and any posted signage regarding drone operation before flying in the vicinity of Smuggler's Cove or Skagway.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the trail is not stroller or wheelchair accessible, so younger toddlers might need to be carried. For longer excursions, consider the White Pass train ride, but be mindful of the 3-hour duration for very young children.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Beyond the cove, Skagway offers more strenuous hiking opportunities and scenic excursions like boat tours through fjords, which are highly recommended for experiencing Alaska's dramatic landscapes and wildlife.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider capturing the journey along the trail, the details of the natural environment, and the expansive views from the cove itself. The nearby Gold Rush Cemetery also presents unique historical photography subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Smuggler's Cove Hike
Many visitors appreciate the peacefulness and lack of crowds, especially if they time their visit strategically. The hike is often completed within 30 minutes, leaving ample time for other Skagway activities. The well-maintained trail and the anticipation of reaching the secluded cove add to the overall enjoyment of this accessible natural attraction.
Picnicking and Amenities at the Cove
While the amenities are basic, they are well-appreciated by those seeking a tranquil escape. It's important to note that before using the fire pit, visitors must read and adhere to any posted signs regarding fire regulations. This ensures the safety and preservation of the natural environment. Additionally, a conveniently located restroom with essential supplies is available just before the trail splits towards the cove, adding to the comfort of visitors.
Skagway's Cruise Port Charm
Beyond natural sites, Skagway offers historical exploration, such as the Gold Rush Cemetery, and opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine. Restaurants like the Skagway Brewing Company and Skagway Fish Company provide a taste of local flavors, including king crab. However, it's worth noting that during the shoulder seasons, like October, many shops and tours may have limited availability, making pre-booking excursions a wise decision.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit