Alaska’s White Pass and Yukon Railway
Hiking the Laughton Glacier - Skagway, Alaska
WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILWAY + Laughton Glacier Hike
Far and away the most memorable excursion on our Alaskan Cruise was our trip onboard the White Pass & Yukon Railway, coupled with our 7-mile Laughton Glacier hike. From our cruise ship terminal, we board a bus and are taken to the White Pass Railroad for the first part of our journey deep into Alaska’s wilderness. One of the most difficult aspects of traveling on an Alaskan cruise is deciding what to pack, since weather can run the gamut from warm and sunny to freezing snow and rainy. This hike was particularly hard to pack for, but luckily, Packer Expeditions, the operator of our tour, provided us with everything we needed - waterproof clothing, hiking gear, and even food. We were free to set out on our voyage in search of nothing but excitement and discovery!
While today the White Pass & Yukon Route operates merely as a tourist attraction, the story of the this railroad is the story of gold. In July 1897, miners arrived in Seattle with tons of it. The news electrified the nation and within weeks, tens of thousands of men & women steamed north towards Skagway. Once there, they would start their harrowing 600 mile journey to the Klondike gold fields. Construction of this 110 mile narrow gauge railroad began in 1898 to make the journey to through White Pass easier. Construction of the White Pass Railway was finally completed in 1900. Unfortunately, that timeline coincided with the faltering tail end of the gold rush. For 70 years, the railroad hauled ore and concentrates to Skagway. In 1982, it closed down completely. Then, in 1988, with the cruise line industry bringing larger crowds to Skagway, the railroad was refurbished and has been hauling passengers ever since. Nowadays, this train more of a leisure experience than a practical one, and while onboard you’re invited to simply enjoy the spectacular views.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad
We are doing just that when, seemingly out of nowhere, in the middle of the vast expanse of Alaskan wilderness and mountains, our merry little cohort of hikers are told to get off the train. To say we we’re feeling trepidatious about what we’ve gotten ourselves into would be an understatement. But once we are geared up and on the trail, with the fresh forest air deep in our lungs, we know this is going to be an experience we will never forget.
We begin our hike, and verdant forests slowly give way to snowy trails. About halfway up the mountain, we find a flat spot and stop for a lunch break. We are then supposed to turn around and begin our trek back. But, we aren’t ready to head back yet, and we persuade a few of the guides to take a small group of us further up the mountain. So while some of the group turn around and head back after lunch, a few of the more adventurous explorers continue on up the face of the mountain to get a closer look at the awe-inspiring glacier. The terrain becomes more treacherous, more rugged, and steeper, but the views it affords are well worth the effort.
The phrase “breathtaking views” is far overused by travel writers. Everything from the rolling hills of Ireland to a highway overpass in Toledo seems to offer “breathtaking views”. However, in this instance I can assure you, there is no better phrase to encapsulate the views we find on this hike. And did I mention it was 7 mile hike? That means not only was it breathtaking, but it was indeed “breath taking”.
This hike takes place within the in the Tongass National Forest - the largest national forest in the country, covering over 17 million acres of rugged southeast Alaska. Scattered throughout this temperate rain forest you’ll find dozens of cabins, perfect for campers and backpackers to provide some shelter from the elements. The accommodations vary depending on the cabin, but they all come with a few things in common - spectacular views, fresh air, and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
We make our way back to the train tracks, and before we’re ready to leave this spectacular slice of paradise, as the song says - “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain When She Comes”! the train rounds the corner. We load up and head back into Skagway.
Of all the things we did in Alaska this trip, this was my favorite. Nothing I show you here can begin to compare to being there. Everyone should experience this kind of hike at least once in their life. You won’t regret it.
Watch the Video
Photos
Links
Please note - some of these may be affiliate links, meaning that if you book through them, I may make a commission. That has no bearing on my reviews, recommendations or suggestions.White Pass & Yukon Route Official Website
Packer Expeditions - Operator of Our Tour
Skagway Tours & Experiences - Viator
Skagway Tours & Experiences - Project Expedition
Tyler’s Alaska | My Curated Activities & Tours List (Viator - Link will open on new website)
Heading to Alaska?
Check out my Alaska Destination Page for travel tips, must-see sights, and hidden gems in the Last Frontier. You can also check out my Curated Tour & Activity List for Alaska on Viator. Start your Alaskan adventure today!
Travel Store
Visit my travel store for my travel essentials!
People Mover Travel Agency
Work with the incredible travel advisors at my travel agency, People Mover Travel. For 10 years, we've been making traveler's dreams come true. We are experts in destinations worldwide including Alaska, Disney Parks, Europe, Cruises, All-Inclusive Resorts, Hawaii, Asia and more! Find out how we can personally help you plan & book your next trip for FREE!
Related Blog Posts
Recent Blog Posts
Check out my travel essentials for heading to Alaska!