Scenic Hike & Taiya River Raft Float Tour in Skagway, Alaska

Setting out from downtown Skagway toward your Scenic Hike and Float Excursion, you will drive 10 eye-popping miles along the coastal road to the Dyea valley to visit an abandoned Gold Rush town, now returned to nature and part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

On your walk through nature and history, you will retrace the steps of the gold rush stampeders through the Dyea townsite, hiking through a green, moss-covered northern temperate forest. You will learn about the boomtown times of the Gold Rush of 1897-98 as well as the cultural Tlingit history of the valley and the Chilkoot trail, and the native flora and fauna. Capture some beautiful family and nature photos along the way.

At the end of the hike, you will drive to meet with the raft and suit up for a relaxing river float on the tranquil Taiya River. Along with your group of at most 11 guests, you will sit back and let your guide do the work at the oars. As you float along, your guide will watch for any wildlife (like Bald Eagles) and point out natural features while you relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the glacially fed river and the mountain views. The float time on this Skagway rafting excursion is approximately 40 to 45 minutes on the river. After the rafting, enjoy a riverside snack. You will feel rejuvenated after your engaging time spent with Alaska's natural beauty.

Please Note: The hike itinerary has been altered slightly for the 2023 season.