Welcome to Skagway: Alaska’s Gold Rush Gem
Skagway is a tiny but mighty town bursting with frontier history, dramatic mountain scenery, and picture-perfect charm. For cruise passengers docking for just one day, this Skagway travel guide delivers the top experiences and best photography locations, all within reach of the port.
Whether you're here to ride the iconic train, snap glacier-fed waterfalls, or simply wander historic streets, Skagway is a dream for travelers and photographers alike.
What I loved most about Skagway is how small it felt. While the city center was bustling, I could quickly escape to a side street to get out of the hustle and bustle and explore on my own.
Most of the town is within walking distance. If you have all day, I would consider renting bikes and heading out further than the city center. There are elevated vantage points that overlook the city just a short bike ride (yet up a hill) away.
1. Start with a Morning Walk Through Historic Downtown Skagway
Skagway’s Broadway Street is a living postcard of the Klondike Gold Rush era, and it's best experienced in the soft morning light before the crowds arrive. The town’s population hovers around 1,200 residents year-round, but in summer, it buzzes with life thanks to cruise passengers and seasonal workers. Wander past wooden boardwalks and into restored buildings operated by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where costumed rangers share riveting tales of stampeders chasing fortune in 1898. Stop by the Red Onion Saloon, once a rowdy brothel and now a spirited bar and museum. If you have a chance to stop in, I would highly consider it. There’s a tour that they offer that goes upstairs and shows you the historic house.
Local photo pro tip: Frame the Arctic Brotherhood Hall in the early light—the driftwood exterior photographs best when side-lit by the rising sun, revealing textures and shadows that make your photo pop.
2. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
This narrow-gauge railway is more than just a scenic ride—it’s a triumph of engineering that was carved into cliffs in just 26 months during the gold rush. As the train climbs through Dead Horse Gulch and past Bridal Veil Falls, onboard narration tells the dramatic tales of those who risked everything in pursuit of gold. You’ll pass original trestle bridges and glimpse the remnants of the old trail carved into the mountainside, known as the "Trail of '98."
Local photo pro tip: Try switching sides halfway through the ride for a variety of shots. Wide-angle lenses capture the dizzying elevation gains, while zoom lenses let you frame waterfalls, tunnels, and the train’s own vintage cars curling around switchbacks.
3. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls
Nestled in the forest at the edge of town, this peaceful cemetery feels like a step back in time. Look for the grave of Soapy Smith, Skagway’s infamous conman who met a dramatic end in a shootout near the wharf. As you move throughout your day in Skagway, you’ll see that so much of this tiny town centered around Soapy Smith.
His story is a favorite among local guides, often told with a mix of disdain and theatrical flair. From the cemetery, continue up a short wooded path to reach Lower Reid Falls, where glacial melt tumbles 40 feet into a rocky gorge lined with moss and wildflowers.
Local photo pro tip: Bring a mini tripod or use a rock to stabilize your camera for a longer exposure at Reid Falls—this will blur the motion of the water and give you that silky waterfall effect.
4. Hike to Yakutania Point or Lower Dewey Lake
For a quiet escape into nature just minutes from town, head across the Skagway River pedestrian bridge to reach Yakutania Point. Along the way, you might spot bald eagles soaring above or harbor seals in the inlet below. The point offers sweeping views of Lynn Canal and the mountains of British Columbia on clear days. If you're up for more of a challenge, Lower Dewey Lake Trail is a moderately steep climb that rewards you with a tranquil lake surrounded by forest, often still enough for mirror-like reflections.
Local photo pro tip: Yakutania Point is perfect for golden hour shots of cruise ships lit against towering peaks. Dewey Lake is ideal around midday when the light penetrates the tree canopy and creates shimmer on the water’s surface.
5. Grab a Bite at a Local Favorite
Skagway has a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene for such a small town. Skagway Brewing Company is a must-visit—not only for its food and beers, but for its sustainability efforts, including hydroponic greens grown in-house. Try the Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, a local favorite brewed with hand-harvested Sitka spruce tips, giving it a citrusy, forest-forward taste. For coffee and pastries, Glacial Coffeehouse is a cozy stop with locally roasted beans and house-made treats.
Local photo pro tip: Order your drink and sit at the window seat or patio table for a relaxed lifestyle shot with a mountain backdrop. Food photography here tells a story of place—especially when you include natural textures like wood, slate, and the town’s alpine surroundings.
6. Don’t Miss These Quick Photo Ops Near the Port
Right by the cruise docks, the Ore Dock Lookout gives you a commanding view of Skagway’s dramatic fjord setting. This is one of the best places to capture the contrast between human-made marvels—massive cruise ships—and the raw scale of surrounding nature. Don't leave without a shot by the Skagway Welcome Sign, located conveniently near the main terminal. Behind it, you’ll often spot local fishing boats bobbing in the small boat harbor, adding an authentic touch.
I absolutely love aerial shots - whether from a drone or a helicopter. One of my favorite tour operators is Temsco - and they operate out of Skagway!
Check out Temsco’s website here. The views that you will see along the way - snow capped, jagged mountain tops, beautiful teal and blue glacier pools,
Local photo pro tip: Cloudy skies often roll in by afternoon—use them to your advantage for moody harbor shots with deep contrast and layers. If you have a drone and it’s permitted, this area gives you cinematic overhead views of the entire valley.
Final Photography Tips for Skagway
Golden hour: Around 8–9 AM or 6–7 PM depending on the season—plan your downtown and harbor shots accordingly.
Cloudy days = great texture. Skagway’s mist and overcast skies create moody, dramatic tones that work beautifully in photos.
Bring a waterproof bag. Waterfalls and misty trails can get your gear damp!
One Perfect Day in Skagway: Sample Itinerary
8:00 AMWalk downtown, coffee, photo ops
9:00 AMWhite Pass & Yukon Train Ride
12:30 PMLunch at a local spot1:30 PMGold Rush Cemetery + Reid Falls
3:00 PMHike to Yakutania Point or Dewey Lake
4:30 PMPortside photos + final souvenirs
5:00 PMBack onboard your cruise ship
Wrapping Up: Why Skagway is a Must-See Port
Skagway’s blend of history, wilderness, and stunning photo opportunities makes it a highlight of any Alaska cruise itinerary. With a little planning and a good pair of walking shoes, you can experience the best this charming town has to offer—all in one unforgettable day.
