Emerald Lake
1 / 10

Gold Rush Cemetery

4.5
·48 reviews·Skagway, United States

Step back in time at Skagway's Gold Rush Cemetery, a historic resting place filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier legends.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Emerald Lake

Gold Rush Cemetery

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Skagway's Gold Rush Cemetery, a historic resting place filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier legends.

4.5
(48 reviews)

"This is the most interesting cemetery I have ever been to."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Walk to the Cemetery

Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:

🚌 Shuttle Service Available

Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gold Rush Cemetery

Gold Rush Cemetery

Skagway, Alaska

Step back in time at this historic resting place, filled with tales of fortune seekers and frontier life.

Lower Reid Falls

Lower Reid Falls

Adjacent to Gold Rush Cemetery

A beautiful, cascading waterfall offering a refreshing natural spectacle after exploring the cemetery.

Soapy Smith's Grave

Soapy Smith's Grave

Gold Rush Cemetery

Discover the final resting place of the infamous con man, Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a key figure in Skagway's history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Gold Rush Cemetery

To avoid crowds and experience the cemetery's atmosphere, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Many cruise ship excursions depart mid-morning, so arriving before or after these peak times can offer a more peaceful visit. Consider the weather; Alaska's summer offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring.

Getting to Gold Rush Cemetery

While a scenic walk from downtown Skagway is possible (about 45 minutes), many visitors opt for the convenient shuttle service. This is especially recommended if you have limited mobility or time. The shuttle is a cost-effective way to reach the cemetery and nearby Reid Falls.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late summer afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Pettysetg0 my goal is to travel all over the world trying food 🥹🤍 #alaska #cruise #alaskancruise #juneau #skagway #juneaualaska #skagwayalaska #skagwaybrewingcompany
@tallzz_
538.6K likes • 6.3M views

🚶 Walk to the Cemetery

Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:

🚌 Shuttle Service Available

Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:

Eyyy - living here basically wrote my college essays for me. #skagway #goldrushparanormal #alaskatok
@lemontattoos
25.6K likes • 214.8K views
This cemetery has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Getting to experience it in person was unlike anything else. During the silver and gold rush, Goldfield became that largest town in all of Nevada. Yet seemingly overnight, many of it’s residents left due to better opportunities out in California as well as disease, a flood, a fire, and lots of violence. Today, Goldfield is a t...
graveswithgrace
2.2K likes • 59.6K views

📜 Hear Soapy Smith's Stories

Take a tour to learn fascinating tales of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. :microphone:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The cemetery and falls offer unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Gold Rush Era Cemetery. 2001 Found Footage #reels #shorts #vhs #foundfootage #aesthetic #film #cemetery #nostalgia #memories #travel #train #forest #woods #alaska #analog #goldrush #graveyard #creepy #vhsedit #vhstapes #tapes
studiocrump
11 likes • 582 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Walk to the Cemetery

Enjoy a scenic 45-min walk from downtown Skagway to the cemetery and Reid Falls. :athletic_shoe:

🚌 Shuttle Service Available

Opt for the $5 shuttle for a quick ride to the cemetery if walking isn't ideal. :bus:

📜 Hear Soapy Smith's Stories

Take a tour to learn fascinating tales of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. :microphone:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The cemetery and falls offer unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

💧 Visit Reid Falls

A short walk from the cemetery leads to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls. :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Gold Rush Cemetery to be a historically rich and free site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Skagway's past. The adjacent Lower Reid Falls adds natural beauty, making it a worthwhile stop. While some mention minor upkeep issues, the overall experience is highly positive, especially when combined with local stories.

"We enjoyed the history of this cemetery. It was filled with historical information. The protective fences are in need of repair- but it’s a free site and next to the beautiful Reid Falls. A five minute walk so glad we stopped by to check it out.
We took the shuttle - picked up across from the visitors center on the Main Street - cost $5 one way. We went late in the day so they suggested we call when we were ready to leave and a shuttle arrived shortly. There were a handful of visitors taking the shuttle. Some people walked."

Rita Loeding

"A very cool experience if you have some extra time in Skagway. The local transportation has shuttles to and from the cemetery. The short hike to the falls is worth it!"

Krystal Weiss

"Interesting spot, path continues to the falls. We walked from the cruise terminal took about 45 mins as an easy walk."

VN

What People Like

Rich historical context
Free admission
Beautiful Reid Falls

What People Dislike

Minor fence repairs needed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can walk from downtown Skagway, which takes about 45 minutes and is a pleasant stroll along the river and train tracks.Instagram+1 Alternatively, a shuttle service is available for around $5 one-way, picking up near the visitor center.Reddit Some cruise ship excursions also include transportation.

The walk is generally considered easy, approximately 2 miles from downtown. The path is relatively flat, though it can be uneven in places. It's a scenic route that many visitors enjoy.Instagram+1

While taxis might be available, the shuttle service is more commonly recommended and cost-effective for reaching the cemetery and Reid Falls from Skagway.

Yes, many local tours in Skagway include a stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery, often focusing on the history of figures like 'Soapy' Smith.InstagramReddit The White Pass train excursion also offers a glimpse of the area.

The distance varies depending on which dock your ship uses. From the Railroad Aft Dock, it's a shorter walk. Generally, it's about a 45-minute walk from downtown, which is accessible from most cruise terminals.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a free site to visit. This makes it an accessible and popular attraction for visitors to Skagway.Reddit

The cemetery is an outdoor historical site and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.

No advance booking is required for the cemetery itself, as it is a free public space. If you opt for a shuttle or guided tour, booking those in advance might be advisable during peak season.

Visitors are asked to be respectful of the historical site. While there are protective fences, it's important not to disturb the graves or historical markers.

Many visitors find taking a guided tour enhances the experience by providing historical context, especially regarding figures like 'Soapy' Smith.InstagramReddit Alternatively, a self-guided walk allows for personal reflection.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The cemetery features numerous historical tombstones from the Gold Rush era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought fortune in Alaska. Key figures like 'Soapy' Smith and Frank Reed are buried here.Instagram+1

Absolutely! A short, five-minute walk from the cemetery leads to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls, which many visitors find to be a stunning natural complement to the historical site.Instagram+1

Notable figures include Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con man, and Frank Reed, a hero of Skagway. Their graves are often points of interest for visitors.Instagram+1

There are limited facilities directly at the cemetery. Restrooms are typically available in downtown Skagway or at nearby attractions. The shuttle service can also assist with return trips.

While the cemetery is a free and historic site, some reviews mention that protective fences may be in need of repair. However, the historical significance and natural beauty remain intact.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The weathered tombstones, the surrounding Alaskan wilderness, and the cascading Lower Reid Falls offer unique photographic subjects. The historical atmosphere itself is very photogenic.Instagram+1

As long as you are discreet and respectful of the site and any ongoing services or visitors, photography is generally accepted. Focus on the historical markers and natural beauty.Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the cemetery and falls, and a tripod if you plan to shoot in lower light conditions.

The area around Soapy Smith's grave and the path leading to Reid Falls offer particularly scenic vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture the mood.

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories and ensure you are not disturbing other visitors or the historical integrity of the site.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gold Rush Cemetery can be an engaging historical site for families. The walk to the cemetery is a good opportunity for kids to burn energy, and the stories of 'Soapy' Smith can capture their imagination.Instagram The nearby Lower Reid Falls offers a natural wonder that kids often enjoy exploring. Keep an eye on younger children, as the terrain can be uneven, and it's important to be respectful of the burial sites.

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Gold Rush Cemetery is a free attraction, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.Reddit The walk from downtown is also free, saving on transportation costs. If you choose the shuttle, it's a minimal expense. Pack snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at higher prices near tourist spots.

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

For cruise ship passengers in Skagway, the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls are easily accessible excursions. Many choose to walk from the port or utilize the local shuttle service.InstagramReddit Some cruise lines offer specific tours that include this area, but independent exploration is also very popular and cost-effective. It's a great way to experience local history without a costly cruise excursion.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Gold Rush Cemetery

The Gold Rush Cemetery in Skagway, Alaska, is a poignant reminder of the Klondike Gold Rush era. This historic burial ground served as the final resting place for many prospectors, adventurers, and residents who passed through Skagway during the late 19th century. The harsh conditions, diseases, and dangers of the time meant that many lives were cut short, and this cemetery became a testament to their struggles and dreams.

Among the notable figures interred here is Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con man and gambler who wielded significant influence in Skagway before his violent death in 1898. His grave is a popular point of interest for visitors seeking to understand the lawless and colorful history of the town.Instagram+1 Another significant grave is that of Frank Reed, a hero of Skagway who was killed in the same shootout that claimed Soapy Smith's life. The cemetery's stones, though weathered by time and elements, tell stories of ambition, hardship, and the transient nature of life during the gold rush.InstagramReddit

Today, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a protected historical site, offering a quiet space for reflection on Alaska's pioneering past. Its proximity to the beautiful Lower Reid Falls adds another layer of natural beauty to the historical significance, making it a unique and memorable stop for visitors.Instagram+1 The cemetery's preservation efforts ensure that these stories continue to be told for generations to come.

Exploring Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls

Visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery is a straightforward yet deeply evocative experience. Many travelers choose to walk from downtown Skagway, a journey of about 45 minutes that offers scenic views along the river and past the railway tracks.Instagram+1 This walk allows for a gradual immersion into the area's history and natural beauty. For those with limited time or mobility, a convenient shuttle service operates, providing a quick and affordable ride to the cemetery entrance.Reddit

Once at the cemetery, take your time to wander among the headstones, many of which bear inscriptions telling tales of lives lived during the gold rush. Pay special attention to the graves of prominent figures like 'Soapy' Smith and Frank Reed, whose stories are central to Skagway's lore.Instagram The cemetery itself is a peaceful place, offering a stark contrast to the bustling activity of the town and cruise ships.

Just a short, five-minute walk beyond the cemetery lies Lower Reid Falls. This picturesque waterfall is a delightful natural reward after exploring the historical grounds. The combination of the cemetery's rich history and the falls' natural beauty makes this area a must-visit for anyone exploring Skagway.Instagram+1 The entire experience, from the walk to the historical insights and the natural scenery, is highly recommended by visitors.

You may also like