Yakutania Point Skagway
A breathtaking coastal walk from Skagway, offering stunning mountain vistas and a chance to connect with nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Yakutania Point Skagway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal walk from Skagway, offering stunning mountain vistas and a chance to connect with nature.
"Yakutania Point is an absolute gem for anyone visiting Alaska!"
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The trail is rooty and rocky, not paved. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable walk.
⏰ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and return to your ship without rushing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yakutania Point Views
Coastal viewpoint
Panoramic vistas of rugged mountains, pristine waters, and the Chilkoot Inlet. A true gem for nature lovers.
Skagway Footbridge
Crossing the Skagway River
A fun and scenic bridge that marks the start of the trail to Yakutania Point. Offers unique perspectives.
Smuggler's Cove
Trail extension from Yakutania Point
A charming, less-traveled spot offering a more secluded natural experience. Perfect for quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hike to Yakutania Point
Timing is Key for Yakutania Point
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The trail is rooty and rocky, not paved. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable walk.
⏰ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and return to your ship without rushing.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Ship
Yakutania Point is a short, scenic walk from the cruise ship terminal. 
🗺️ Trail Maps Available
Follow yellow signs to Yakutania Point and red signs to Smuggler's Cove for a clear route.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The trail is rooty and rocky, not paved. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable walk.
⏰ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and return to your ship without rushing.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Ship
Yakutania Point is a short, scenic walk from the cruise ship terminal.
🗺️ Trail Maps Available
Follow yellow signs to Yakutania Point and red signs to Smuggler's Cove for a clear route.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Bring your camera! The coastal and mountain scenery is breathtaking and perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Yakutania Point for its stunning natural beauty and accessibility. The hike is described as a 'beautiful walk' with 'absolutely incredible' air and scenery, offering panoramic views of mountains and water. It's a highly recommended, free activity perfect for maximizing a port day in Skagway.
"This is such a beautiful walk out to the point. The bridge going out there is really fun and they have beautiful stairs made of rocks on this little walk. The air is absolutely incredible. So thick with oxygen and humidity from the growing plants. The dirt has Give to it. It’s like walking on memory foam. Such a great little hike."
MKB
"Yakutania Point in Skagway is an absolute gem for anyone visiting Alaska! My husband and I had an hour and a half left before needing to be back to our cruise ship so we crossed the footbridge and did this short hike. The scenery is simply stunning, with rugged mountains framing the pristine waters below. It's an ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature's beauty and capture unforgettable moments."
Amy S
"This is a great little hike, esp. if you're just pulling into Skagway from a cruise. The hike over to Yakutania Point from the cruise ships is about 25 min. Another 15 to Smuggler's Cove. The trail is full of roots and rocks, so if you need a paved walkway, you won't find it here. Instead, this path offers a less traveled space in nature to explore. Air is as pure as it gets, and the rocks at Yakutania Point extend like a massive bear paw into the water."
Tom Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yakutania Point is easily accessible by foot from the Skagway cruise ship terminal. Follow the sidewalk past the airport terminal to the footbridge across the Skagway River. After crossing, turn left and follow signs for Yakutania Point.
While there's a parking area, most visitors arrive via a short walk from the cruise ship terminal, making parking less of a concern for day-trippers.
The trail is rooty and rocky, which might be challenging for strollers. However, it's a manageable walk for toddlers who are comfortable with uneven terrain.
No, the hike to Yakutania Point is relatively short, typically taking about 25 minutes one way from the cruise ships. The loop can take up to 2 hours if you explore further.
Walking is the most direct and scenic way. It's designed for quick visits, allowing you to enjoy the views and return to your ship within a couple of hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Yakutania Point is free. It's a public natural area and does not require any admission fees.
The trail and access to Yakutania Point are completely free. The trails are well-maintained thanks to funds like the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Yakutania Point is a natural outdoor area and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
While many visitors opt for a self-guided walk, some tours might include Yakutania Point as part of a broader Skagway exploration. However, it's easily accessible independently.
While not strictly necessary, local guides or charter services might offer tours that include Yakutania Point, providing historical context and local insights.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of the mountains and water are spectacular. Look for shots of the rugged coastline, the footbridge, and any wildlife you might spot.
Yes, visitors have reported spotting seals and even whales near Yakutania Point, making it a potential spot for wildlife photography.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the natural beauty. Mornings can also be stunning with clear, crisp air.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local Skagway and Alaska drone laws before flying, especially near populated areas or sensitive natural sites.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful if you're hoping to spot and photograph wildlife.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
Expect lush forests, diverse plant life like moss and lichen, and stunning views of the Chilkoot Inlet and surrounding mountains.
Yes, visitors have reported seeing seals and even whales near Yakutania Point. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and various birds as well. +1
The natural setting with coastal and forest environments makes it a good spot for birdwatching, with various species likely present.
The name 'Yakutania' is derived from the Tinglit language, meaning 'place to pack a canoe,' reflecting the area's historical use.
While wildlife is present, encounters are generally rare. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from any animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The relatively short distance and the engaging natural environment, including the fun footbridge, keep children entertained. The trail's natural features, like roots and rocks, can add an element of adventure. It's recommended to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours to allow for a relaxed pace, ensuring kids don't feel rushed. The opportunity to spot wildlife like seals can be a major highlight for younger visitors.
Remember to bring snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
By opting for this hike, you can immerse yourself in the Alaskan landscape, enjoy stunning views, and potentially spot wildlife, all without spending a dime on organized tours. It's a perfect example of how to 'travel on a budget' while still having a memorable port day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yakutania Point Trail Experience
As you follow the well-marked trails, you'll encounter interpretive boards that provide insights into the local flora and fauna, thanks to initiatives like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The forested sections offer a cool respite, even on warmer days, and are rich with mushrooms, berries, moss, and lichen. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and listen for the songs of various birds. The journey culminates in stunning views of majestic mountains and the tranquil Chilkoot Inlet, making the entire experience a feast for the senses.
For those looking to extend their exploration, the trail system connects to Smuggler's Cove and offers further options to explore Alberta Mountain or the pet cemetery. This interconnectedness allows visitors to tailor their hike to their available time and energy levels, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Even more thrilling are the occasional sightings of whales in the Chilkoot Inlet, a testament to the rich marine ecosystem of the area. Beyond marine life, the natural habitat supports a variety of other creatures. Red squirrels are commonly seen darting through the trees, and the diverse birdlife makes it an appealing spot for birdwatchers. The Tinglit name for the area, 'Yakutania,' meaning 'place to pack a canoe,' hints at its historical significance as a point of access and interaction with the natural environment, which continues to thrive today.
While these sightings are a wonderful bonus, it's important to remember that these are wild animals. Visitors are advised to observe them from a safe distance and avoid any actions that could disturb their natural behavior. The presence of such wildlife underscores the importance of preserving these pristine natural areas for future generations to enjoy.
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