After meeting your experienced raft guide at the pier in Skagway, we’ll enjoy a beautiful 10-mile drive along the rugged coast of the fjord to the Dyea valley, an old Gold Rush settlement, and starting point of the historic Chilkoot Trail, now returned to nature. During the drive, we may spot bald eagles or seals feeding near the shoreline. We’ll stop to see the start of the Chilkoot Trail, where thousands journeyed in pursuit of gold during the turn of the century.
Once we arrive at the rafting portion of the tour, your professionally trained river guide will outfit you with a life jacket and rubber boats. As you float down the gentle Taiya River, your guide will point out any wildlife, talk about the local natural history, and tell stories of the area’s fascinating Gold Rush history while you enjoy the gorgeous river and mountain views. Once at the take out, you’ll enjoy a riverside snack after the float.
This tour to Dyea is a peaceful getaway from bustling Skagway and a perfect opportunity to feel part of the great Alaskan outdoors.
(~10 minutes) – Your friendly tour guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~30 minutes) – From the small boat harbor we’ll board a van and begin the tour with a drive out to Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Along the way you’ll enjoy a driving town tour of Skagway and the scenic coastal gravel road to Dyea.
(~15 minutes) – Once we arrive in Dyea, your excursion guide will get you outfitted with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and rubber boots and provide an orientation and safety briefing as we prepare for the scenic float down the Taiya River.
(~35 minutes) – Sit back and enjoy as your experienced river guide rows you down the scenic Taiya River. The stable 18’ raft provides a great platform for photography and taking in the sweeping mountain, ocean and rainforest views.
(~15 minutes) – Once we reach the riverside raft take-out, following the rafting portion of the tour, you’ll be treated to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa and hot tea and some free time to take in the dramatic landscape with the supplied spotting scope.
(~30 minutes) – From here we’ll load back into the van to enjoy the comfortable ride back to Skagway stopping for photo stops along the way.
