Skagway is located in the southeastern area in the coastal mountain range. It can be reached by auto, bus, scheduled and chartered aircraft, cruise ship, and Alaska State ferry. City of Skagway Visitor Center: Arctic Brotherhood Building, Broadway. National Park Service Visitor Center: Second and Broadway, Skagway. Seattle Visitor Center: 117 South Main Street, Pioneer Square.
WHEN TO VISIT
Peak visitor time is during Summer months. Skagway Visitor Center open only in Summer. Seattle Visitor Center closed on holidays. Climate: January, -8 to 32 degrees F; July, 48 to 63 degrees F. Precipitation: January, 5.1; July, 4.9; August, 7.7. Weather conditions in the mountains, including the Chilkoot Trail, vary and may change from hour to hour. Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, rain, or fog.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Historic buildings in Skagway and portions of Chilkoot and White Pass Trails, all prominent in the 1898 gold rush, are included in the Park. The Chilkoot Trail is forty miles long and accessible only by hiking.Seattle was the staging and jumping off area for gold miners heading for the Klondike.
ACTIVITIES
Skagway Visitor Center includes displays, interpretive programs, guided walks, and films; museum; NPS guided tours; self-guiding tours/walks; guides for hire; picnic area; campgrounds; hiking; fishing; hunting.The Seattle Visitor Center includes interpretive displays, special tours, and films.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Be properly outfitted when embarking on a hike over Chilkoot Trail. Take warm wool clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, emergency rations and first-aid kit, tent, camp stove, and adequate fuel (wood is not available, fires are not permitted in the Canadian portion). Obtain current trail information from the Visitor Center. Never feed wild animals. Make noise when walking. Never approach a dangerous animal. Keep campsite clean and store food in airtight containers. Do not take pets on the Chilkoot Trail.
