Some days just line up perfectly – and in Skagway, that meant clear skies (a minor miracle), snow-draped mountains, and a camera that didn’t get a moment’s rest.
Our three-hour Skagway in Focus Photography Tour kicked off by splitting our group of 12 into two smaller crews – always a good sign when photography is involved. Fewer elbows, more space, better shots. We piled into our van with our guide and set off with no rigid plan, just a shared mission: follow the light and stopping now and again for the WOW factors.
Our first stop took us on a short, easy hike through the Gold Rush Cemetery – which, as it turns out, is anything but ordinary. This quiet, mossy resting place is home to one of Skagway’s most colorful (and infamous) characters, Soapy Smith. We got the story – equal parts Wild West drama and cautionary tale – along with the tale of the local hero who stood up to him and paid the ultimate price. Not your typical “peaceful cemetery stroll,” but definitely memorable.
From there, we continued on to Lower Reid Falls – and now we were firmly in photographer heaven. The falls tumbled down in silky ribbons, framed by lush greens and damp rock, the kind of scene that begs for a slow shutter and a steady hand. We spread out, each finding our angle, stepping carefully over rocks, and doing that familiar photographer’s dance of “just one more shot.”
Then it was back into the van and onward – this time crossing into Canada and climbing up to White Pass Summit. And wow. The mountains up there felt almost unreal – layered, dramatic, and still mostly blanketed in snow. Even better? Blue skies. Actual blue skies. In Alaska. We took full advantage, hopping out again to capture wide-open vistas that made you feel very small in the best possible way.
By the time we made our way back to Skagway, Alan and I opted to dropped in town instead of heading straight to the ship. Because… lunch. Priorities.
We tried to get in at our guide’s recommended restaurant, but it was packed with a line out the door and down the sidewalk. There were three cruise ships in port, which meant every restaurant was packed. We walked a few blocks and decided to wait a half-hour for a table at The Station. The food was worth the wait. We had fish and chips, with an amazing starter of HUGE crab cakes. We agreed that we should have just shared a plate of fish and chips after those goodies.
Skagway itself is charming in a slightly kitschy, “yes, you can buy another souvenir here” kind of way – but it’s also done a beautiful job preserving its Gold Rush-era look. Boardwalks, historic storefronts, and just enough polish to make it welcoming without losing its character.
We wandered, browsed, and eventually made our way to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center – because if there’s a passport stamp (or in this case, a park stamp), I’m getting it. We picked up a few small souvenirs and watched the short film on the area, which added even more context to everything we’d seen earlier in the day.
From there, we took a peaceful stroll along a nearby riverside trail back toward the ship – a quiet, lovely way to wind down after a day of chasing waterfalls and mountain views.
But the day wasn’t done yet.
Back onboard, we attended a talk about sled dogs and the legendary Iditarod – and not just any talk. The speaker was Ryan Redington, the 2023 winner and grandson of Joe Redington, the race’s founder. Nineteen races under his belt – and the first in his family to actually win one. That alone is impressive.
And then… they brought out puppies.
Honestly, you could’ve ended the day right there and it would’ve been perfect.
So there you have it: waterfalls, wild history, mountain views, a charming town, and a handful of very adorable sled dog puppies. Skagway, you showed off – and we were more than happy to keep up.