Skagway’s Secret Places – Shhhhh!

Today’s blog is all about places in Skagway that many people, even locals, don’t know about. I call them Skagway’s secret places because it sounds very mysterious. If you go around blabbing about Skagway’s secret places then they won’t be a secret anymore, so shhhhh!

What qualifies a secret place for this list?

First of all, I have to know about it. I suppose it’s possible someone else knows about a secret place in Skagway that I don’t, but that place won’t be on my list. Second, it has to be a place that few people know about. For example, Lost Lake sounds like a secret place but there is nothing “lost” about it. You can find it on a trail map. Lastly, it has to be a place you can find but only if you do your own research. I am not supplying anyone a roadmap to my secret places so don’t ask!

These are Skagway’s secret places

Let’s get down to business and discover some of Skagway’s secret places. This is going to be a real hoot!

The three secret caves 

This is just one of the three secret caves. This one is relatively easy to find but the other two will be tougher. Just remember bring bear spray.

There are three secret caves around Skagway. One of them is not too difficult to find if you go to Lower Reid Falls. However, the other two are a bit tricky. To locate these two secret caves, you have to hike north along the tracks from the Gold Rush Cemetery about a mile. One cave is right by the tracks and the other is hidden a little ways up the mountain. If you plan on peeking into a cave, remember that bears and other wild animals like caves. Crazy people also like caves. Just take a picture, move along, and remember to keep our little secret.

Mysterious building and scenic overlook 

The old Steam Donkey building is one of Skagway’s well kept secrets and something that you…… hey… what is that in the window? Is that Kirmse’s ghosts! I am outta here!

There is a weird building with some old-looking machinery located inside. It’s dilapidated but pretty neat to see with your own eyes. It’s situated close to a cliff overlooking downtown Skagway, so you really get some bang for your buck on this one. The building houses machinery called a “steam donkey.” It was used to haul logs up the mountain, probably to help with a Lower Dewey Lake Hydro project and Kirmse’s Castle. About 100 feet further south is the overlook, which is just above Kirmse’s Clock. Coincidence? I think not. Some say Kirmse’s ghost haunts the steam donkey building. You can find this side trail as you hike the Icy Lake Trail. If you dare!

The gnomes doorway

The gnomes doorway. You don’t mess with an angry gnome. Trust me on this.

 You may think that gnomes only live in gardens but that’s only their part time gig. Gnomes live in the forest but they are very good at hiding. The secret Skagway gnome bungalow is located about 150 above the railroad tracks just south of the creek about ½ mile from the Gold Rush Cemetery. It is difficult to find. If you do find the 3-foot tall doorway, do not go inside because gnomes are evil and will cast a dark spell on you that will make you have terrible diarrhea. 

The beautiful north Skagway overlook

The beautiful north Skagway overlook. If you survive the hike and the angry goats, you can get one heck of a picture.

I named this secret spot because I’m pretty sure I’m the only person that’s ever been there. It’s easy to see this overlook from town. It’s situated just above the White Pass train shops. Finding a way to access this spot is very difficult. I tried three times before I figured it out. The only route that doesn’t involve climbing gear is to hike almost all the way to Lower Reid Falls and then turn west. When you see an incline to your left, follow it up all the way to the overlook. A cell phone hiking app helps a lot. I have the route pinned on my app but that’s not going to help you one bit. When you arrive, watch out for angry mountain goats. 

That’s about all the Skagway secret places we have time for today

Thanks for joining us on this tour of four Skagway secret places. I know some more secret places and maybe I will share them in another blog – if you’re lucky. Until then, remember to shhhhh!  It’s a secret!