Skagway tour spotlight

Hike and Float Tour

Floating on the Skagway Hike and Float Tour. Not shown: Hiking

Many years ago, tourists had two choices. You either went on a hike or you went on a float. That was it. One day, in a crowded bar late at night. Two wily entrepreneurs got to talking. One was a Hiking Tour Company owner and the other was a Float Tour Company owner. They were drowning their sorrows in a mug of frosty brew because each person’s tour was struggling. Somewhere around midnight, inspiration struck and one of the owners said to the other, “Why don’t we combine our tours! We can call it a Hike and Float Tour.” At that moment, the future would be forever changed.

Two tours for the price of one

Many years have passed since that late night saloon conversation, but Skagway Float Tours still carries on the proud tradition that the two wily entrepreneurs developed. The Skagway Hike and Float tour is a chance to do something both physically active and quietly relaxing. It’s the perfect way to see Alaska’s most famous trail – The Chilkoot Trail. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing trip into the wilds of Skagway’s backcountry.

First, you hike, then you float. Not the other way around

The flow of the river determines the direction you float down the Taiya River. Fortunately, the river flows back to where you start the hike, which means you get the exercise out of the way so you can fully enjoy the relaxing float trip. I like that. You will too. If you had to float first and then do the hike, I don’t think I could get into that. Thanks, nature.

The hike is 1.8 miles through lush temperate rainforest. There’s a few hundred feet of elevation gain before descending back down rugged terrain. This is the Chilkoot Trail, which was made famous during the Klondike Gold Rush. You are literally walking in the footsteps of Stampeders who came to Alaska to seek their fortune. Pretty neat. You should be in relatively good physical condition for the hiking part of the tour or you may not have a good time.

Floating is relaxing and the scenery is lovely

You don’t have to float down the river in water wings or any such nonsense. You have a guide that will direct you downriver in a big raft. You and your friends will all be in the raft taking selfies and having a few laughs. Your tour guide will tell you all about the scenery and history and it will be very informative. That’s what a tour is supposed to be. Fun AND informative.

When you’re done with the float, you will have some delicious snacks and cold drinks because you earned it. At any point during the tour, you could see a bald eagle, harbor seal, or possibly even a bear. Eagles and seals are a lot more common, though, so just enjoy things when they happen and don’t ruin the reality of the trip with unrealistic expectations.

Skagway Float Tours is a great company

The company that runs the Hike and Float Tour is Skagway Float Tours. They are a great local company and do a lot for our community. Last year they donated free tours to wounded veterans visiting Skagway for the first time because they are good people. If you’re into hiking and floating, go on your Hike and Float tour and experience the best of both worlds.