Greetings! - This information will be edited later today as more information about walks around Sitka is gathered.
Sitka National Historical Park Trail - National Park Service trail
This trail is located at the east end of Lincoln Street at the Sitka National Historical Park. It begins and ends at the National Park Service Visitor Center with numerous loop trails that are popular with walkers and joggers. This is an easy well-maintained, dry, level trail about 1.5 miles in length that is available year round. This trail is made to order for the stroller who wants a taste of southeast Alaska's forests and waters in a non-strenuous setting. The well-maintained trail is in Sitka spruce-western hemlock forest and parallels the shoreline of the Eastern Channel. There are numerous spur trails to the adjacent pebble and sand beach. At the southwestern end of the park there are a series of paths running through the beach meadows and grass flats. The main trail leads along Indian River where pink, chum, and coho salmon return to spawn during late summer and early fall. The best fish-watching viewpoint is the arched bridge. Cross the bridge and follow another loop trail southeast along the river past the Russian Monument or northwest through the forest back to the bridge. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail.
Carved History - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
The totem poles in the park are exhibited along a scenic coastal trail. Traditionally, the totems would not have been arranged in such a neat line. Where would the totem poles have stood? Just for a moment, imagine that you are an explorer in the early 19th century, sailing through southeast Alaska. As you come around a point, a native village comes into view. Close by the water are numerous single story rectangular houses. And towering above the houses, at the corners and in front of them, are carved poles with striking designs and colors.
With their striking designs and colors, totem poles are bold statements of the identities and stories of the people who carved them. A totem pole generally served one of four purposes.
Crest poles give the ancestry of particular family. - History poles record the history of a clan. - Legend poles illustrate folklore or real life experiences. - Memorial poles commemorate a particular individual.
Many poles exhibited along the park's wooded pathways are copies of deteriorating originals now in storage. Alaska's District Governor John G. Brady brought a sizable collection of totem poles to Sitka in 1905. These histories carved in cedar were rounded up from villages throughout southeastern Alaska. Only a few poles are originally from Sitka, although this art form is very much a part of Tlingit tradition.
Operating Hours & Seasons - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
Mid-May through September 30: The visitor center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October through Mid-May: The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open by appointment only.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
How to Pass the Time of Day in Skagway
If you can't find enough to do for free around Skagway they have a dazzling array of awesome activities to choose from. I have only highlighted a few in this blog so for the complete list and booking click on the BOOK SHORE EXCURSION link to the right, then click on the EXTRAS tab and then on the SHORE EXCURSIONS button. From there go to the list of Shore excursions for Skagway.
1. CHILKAT BALD EAGLE PRESERVE & RAFT ADVENTURE - 5 hours - $169 -
One of the most popular trips in the Alaskan wilderness it begins with a scenic boat cruise across Lynn Canal on a Fast shuttle, high speed boat to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. There your river guide will take you on a float down the Chilkat River Valley. Be prepared to see the natural wonders of the magnificient Chilkat Valley of the Eagles with its stunning mountain peaks and icy blue glaciers.
Since there is no white water, this float can be experienced by everyone aged 5 and over. Rubber boots, life jackets and rain ponchos are provided. Be sure to bring extra socks, gloves and layered clothing.
2. GLACIER FLIGHT SEEING AND CHILKAT EAGLE PRESERVE RAFT TRIP - 5.5 Hours - $308
You will meet your representative at the cruise ship pier and transfer to the airport where you will take a 1 hr spectacular scenic glacier flight over the Lynn Fjord and the northern escarpment of Glacier Bay National Park. You will land at the Haines Airport where you will be transported to the raft put in in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Your rower/guides will position your raft to assist you in your effort to capture that "once in a lifetime" wildlife photograph. Expect to view the scenic grandeur of glacier-laden peaks rising 7,000 feet directly from the river valley and possibly spot a bear, wolf or moose along the river banks.
After a snack at the take-out site you will be shuttled by van to a catamaran ferry for a 35 minute crossing back to the Skagway Harbor.
3. THE GREAT FRONTIER - Skagway and Summit bus excursion - 2. 5 hours - $46
Included is a historic downtown tour with full narration, a trip the the Gold Rush Cemetery, and a drive up the Klondike Highway to the summit with the famous "moonscape" of the "Tormented" Valley with its crystal blue Summit Lake. The return trip takes you to the Skagway overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the town, harbor and cruise ships.
4. SUMMIT BUS & RAIL/GOLD PANNING - 4. 5 hours - $158
The White Pass Railway, completed in 1900, has a narrow gauge track that takes the visitor into the White Pass. Your eyes will follow the spectacular views while you listen to historic narration as you make your way up to the summit.
Upon your arrival at the summit you will climb into a step-on van for a more personal view as you drive down the mountainside with stops along the way for fabulous photos of scenic vistas.
The best stop is at the interactive Gold Dredge where you can try your hand at Gold Panning. You won't walk away without gold.
ABOVE are the highlights of a trip to Skagway. For even more adventure click on the BOOK SHORE EXCURSION link for more ways to see and enjoy Skagway that include:
5. LIARSVILLE GOLD RUSH TRAIL CAMP & SALMON BAKE - 2 HOURS - $48
6. SKAGWAY RIVER FLOAT - 3 hours - $89
7. WHITE PASS RAIL AND YUKON EXPLORATION TOUR - 7 HOURS - $186
8. YUKON & SLED DOG TOUR - 6 HOURS - $189
9. YUKON ADVENTURE BY 4 X 4 - 6 HOURS - $209
10. YUKON ATV/YUKON TOUR - 6 HOURS - $229
11. YUKON HORSEBACK ADVENTURE - 6 HOURS - $179
12. YUKON JEEP STAMPEDE - 4 HOURS - $118
Click on BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS to read all about the above excursions.
1. CHILKAT BALD EAGLE PRESERVE & RAFT ADVENTURE - 5 hours - $169 -
One of the most popular trips in the Alaskan wilderness it begins with a scenic boat cruise across Lynn Canal on a Fast shuttle, high speed boat to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. There your river guide will take you on a float down the Chilkat River Valley. Be prepared to see the natural wonders of the magnificient Chilkat Valley of the Eagles with its stunning mountain peaks and icy blue glaciers.
Since there is no white water, this float can be experienced by everyone aged 5 and over. Rubber boots, life jackets and rain ponchos are provided. Be sure to bring extra socks, gloves and layered clothing.
2. GLACIER FLIGHT SEEING AND CHILKAT EAGLE PRESERVE RAFT TRIP - 5.5 Hours - $308
You will meet your representative at the cruise ship pier and transfer to the airport where you will take a 1 hr spectacular scenic glacier flight over the Lynn Fjord and the northern escarpment of Glacier Bay National Park. You will land at the Haines Airport where you will be transported to the raft put in in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Your rower/guides will position your raft to assist you in your effort to capture that "once in a lifetime" wildlife photograph. Expect to view the scenic grandeur of glacier-laden peaks rising 7,000 feet directly from the river valley and possibly spot a bear, wolf or moose along the river banks.
After a snack at the take-out site you will be shuttled by van to a catamaran ferry for a 35 minute crossing back to the Skagway Harbor.
3. THE GREAT FRONTIER - Skagway and Summit bus excursion - 2. 5 hours - $46
Included is a historic downtown tour with full narration, a trip the the Gold Rush Cemetery, and a drive up the Klondike Highway to the summit with the famous "moonscape" of the "Tormented" Valley with its crystal blue Summit Lake. The return trip takes you to the Skagway overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the town, harbor and cruise ships.
4. SUMMIT BUS & RAIL/GOLD PANNING - 4. 5 hours - $158
The White Pass Railway, completed in 1900, has a narrow gauge track that takes the visitor into the White Pass. Your eyes will follow the spectacular views while you listen to historic narration as you make your way up to the summit.
Upon your arrival at the summit you will climb into a step-on van for a more personal view as you drive down the mountainside with stops along the way for fabulous photos of scenic vistas.
The best stop is at the interactive Gold Dredge where you can try your hand at Gold Panning. You won't walk away without gold.
ABOVE are the highlights of a trip to Skagway. For even more adventure click on the BOOK SHORE EXCURSION link for more ways to see and enjoy Skagway that include:
5. LIARSVILLE GOLD RUSH TRAIL CAMP & SALMON BAKE - 2 HOURS - $48
6. SKAGWAY RIVER FLOAT - 3 hours - $89
7. WHITE PASS RAIL AND YUKON EXPLORATION TOUR - 7 HOURS - $186
8. YUKON & SLED DOG TOUR - 6 HOURS - $189
9. YUKON ADVENTURE BY 4 X 4 - 6 HOURS - $209
10. YUKON ATV/YUKON TOUR - 6 HOURS - $229
11. YUKON HORSEBACK ADVENTURE - 6 HOURS - $179
12. YUKON JEEP STAMPEDE - 4 HOURS - $118
Click on BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS to read all about the above excursions.
Skagway for Free
Skagway is a National Historic Park as the Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. The entire town is a Museum with many Free Attractions.
1. BEGIN WITH THE WALKING TOUR. Click on the Skagway Walking Tour link to have a look at the map of the walking tour.
The tour starts at the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Depot which houses the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VISITOR CENTER. You can enjoy the film, "Days of Adventure/Dream of Gold", a walking tour with a National Park Service ranger, and other activities. You will also find the NPS GOLD RUSH MUSEUM in the fancy yellow colored building.
Skagway, during the goldrush era, was known for its "characters" and you will find out more about one of its most famous, Soapy Smith, in his saloon, Jeff Smith's Parlor, which is still looking much as it did during gold rush day. Continue up broadway past many of Skagway's original buildings which were constructed between 1897 and 1900. Continue on to one of Skagway's best-known watering holes, The Red Onion Saloon.
Next you'll come to the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the facade, which has been called a prime example of Victorian Rustic Architecture. You'll find the Skagway Convention & Visitor's Bureau housed in this historic treasure.
Your tour will continue with stops at the Golden North Hotel, Mascot Block, many more of Skagway's oldest structures,the Skagway Museum and City Hall, Skagway's once thriving Red Light District, and ending with the scene of the infamous Reid-Smith Gun Battle.
2. VISIT THE MUSEUMS
CORRINGTON MUSEUM OF ALASKAN HISTORY - Free
MASCOT SALOON EXHIBIT AND MOORE HOUSE - Free
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER - Exhibits, films, guided walks and programs - Free
SKAGWAY MUSEUM - Adults $2 - Children $1
TRAIL OF '98 MUSEUM - ??
3. WONDERFUL WALKS AROUND SKAGWAY
Take the two mile walk to Gold Rush Cemetery, a delightfully creepy place just north of town beyond the rail yards. You will find hundreds of graves beside the Skagway River deep in the forest. Look for the restored graves of the villinous "Soapy" Smith and Frank Reid, the town hero. They both died in a shootout on Broadway.
About 1/4 mile beyond the cemetery you will find Reid Falls. Trail maps are available at the Skagway Visitor Center and if you feel like a less strenuous day you can take the city bus to the 23rd Avenue stop near the cemetery.
LOWER DEWEY LAKE is a short 20 minute wak from Skagway starting at 4th Avenue and Spring Street where you will head toward the mountain, cross the foot bridge over Pullen Creek and follow the trail uphill to the lake.
HIKE THE A.B. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - A difficult all day hike of 10 miles and 4,900 feet of elevation gain it takes you from Dyea Road to the ridgeline. You can hike this trail for about 30 minutes to a large rock off the trail to the right for a good view of Skagway.
STROLL out to Yakutania Point. The Yakutania Point Trail begins at the footbridge over the Skagway River at the southwest corner of town and winds for half a mile to Yakutania Point. This well traveled trail is one of the easiest hikes in Skagway and it is a good spot to look for harbor seals, ducks, and shorebirds. Look for the gray headed seals from the point, while standing on the footbridge over the river.
The small MOLLY WALSH PARK on 7th Avenue is a great play park for kids and in nearby PULLEN CREEK PARK at the boat harbor you can see spawning silver salmon.
Take Dyea Road to the SKAGWAY OVERLOOK at Mile 2. There is a wooden bench and a wonderful view of the downtown Skagway District and Waterfront, and the peaks above Skagway.
HIKING INFORMATION
The National Park Visitor Center at 2nd and Broadway is the best place to find more information about hiking trails and walks as well as ranger led tours.
1. BEGIN WITH THE WALKING TOUR. Click on the Skagway Walking Tour link to have a look at the map of the walking tour.
The tour starts at the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Depot which houses the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VISITOR CENTER. You can enjoy the film, "Days of Adventure/Dream of Gold", a walking tour with a National Park Service ranger, and other activities. You will also find the NPS GOLD RUSH MUSEUM in the fancy yellow colored building.
Skagway, during the goldrush era, was known for its "characters" and you will find out more about one of its most famous, Soapy Smith, in his saloon, Jeff Smith's Parlor, which is still looking much as it did during gold rush day. Continue up broadway past many of Skagway's original buildings which were constructed between 1897 and 1900. Continue on to one of Skagway's best-known watering holes, The Red Onion Saloon.
Next you'll come to the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the facade, which has been called a prime example of Victorian Rustic Architecture. You'll find the Skagway Convention & Visitor's Bureau housed in this historic treasure.
Your tour will continue with stops at the Golden North Hotel, Mascot Block, many more of Skagway's oldest structures,the Skagway Museum and City Hall, Skagway's once thriving Red Light District, and ending with the scene of the infamous Reid-Smith Gun Battle.
2. VISIT THE MUSEUMS
CORRINGTON MUSEUM OF ALASKAN HISTORY - Free
MASCOT SALOON EXHIBIT AND MOORE HOUSE - Free
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER - Exhibits, films, guided walks and programs - Free
SKAGWAY MUSEUM - Adults $2 - Children $1
TRAIL OF '98 MUSEUM - ??
3. WONDERFUL WALKS AROUND SKAGWAY
Take the two mile walk to Gold Rush Cemetery, a delightfully creepy place just north of town beyond the rail yards. You will find hundreds of graves beside the Skagway River deep in the forest. Look for the restored graves of the villinous "Soapy" Smith and Frank Reid, the town hero. They both died in a shootout on Broadway.
About 1/4 mile beyond the cemetery you will find Reid Falls. Trail maps are available at the Skagway Visitor Center and if you feel like a less strenuous day you can take the city bus to the 23rd Avenue stop near the cemetery.
LOWER DEWEY LAKE is a short 20 minute wak from Skagway starting at 4th Avenue and Spring Street where you will head toward the mountain, cross the foot bridge over Pullen Creek and follow the trail uphill to the lake.
HIKE THE A.B. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - A difficult all day hike of 10 miles and 4,900 feet of elevation gain it takes you from Dyea Road to the ridgeline. You can hike this trail for about 30 minutes to a large rock off the trail to the right for a good view of Skagway.
STROLL out to Yakutania Point. The Yakutania Point Trail begins at the footbridge over the Skagway River at the southwest corner of town and winds for half a mile to Yakutania Point. This well traveled trail is one of the easiest hikes in Skagway and it is a good spot to look for harbor seals, ducks, and shorebirds. Look for the gray headed seals from the point, while standing on the footbridge over the river.
The small MOLLY WALSH PARK on 7th Avenue is a great play park for kids and in nearby PULLEN CREEK PARK at the boat harbor you can see spawning silver salmon.
Take Dyea Road to the SKAGWAY OVERLOOK at Mile 2. There is a wooden bench and a wonderful view of the downtown Skagway District and Waterfront, and the peaks above Skagway.
HIKING INFORMATION
The National Park Visitor Center at 2nd and Broadway is the best place to find more information about hiking trails and walks as well as ranger led tours.
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