In July 2025, Debra and I embarked on a grand voyage along the coast of Alaska, a two-week cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. We sailed from Vancouver to Seward and back, with port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point, with a transit through the wild landscape of Hubbard Glacier. We had the time of our lives!
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is an introduction to our day in Skagway.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is an introduction to our day in Skagway.
Debra and me aboard the Serenity in Skagway Harbor
Skagway, Alaska (July 12, 2024) Our cruise had an out and back itinerary, and we visited several ports twice—Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait—once as we sailed northwest from Vancouver to Seward and again as we sailed southeast from Seward to Vancouver. So, I wasn’t surprised when Debra said, “You’re on your own in Skagway the first week, and we’ll do something together when we’re there the second week.” Debra, you see, was just as happy to relax aboard the Serenity.
Well, with that I booked an excursion that promised I would “step into the footsteps of gold rush pioneers as you hike the legendary Chilkoot Trail, a symbol of the Klondike Gold Rush era,” after which I would “hop aboard our comfortable 18-foot inflatable raft for a scenic float down the majestic Taiya River.” This excursion was right up my alley—an adventure on which I would connect with nature and relive a piece of North American history.
Well, with that I booked an excursion that promised I would “step into the footsteps of gold rush pioneers as you hike the legendary Chilkoot Trail, a symbol of the Klondike Gold Rush era,” after which I would “hop aboard our comfortable 18-foot inflatable raft for a scenic float down the majestic Taiya River.” This excursion was right up my alley—an adventure on which I would connect with nature and relive a piece of North American history.
I was stoked!
“Have fun,” Debra said as I left the cabin early on the day we docked in Skagway.
And fun was what I had.
Please join me as I hike the Chilkoot Trail and raft down the Taiya River. I promise: You’ll have (almost) as much fun as I had!
And fun was what I had.
Please join me as I hike the Chilkoot Trail and raft down the Taiya River. I promise: You’ll have (almost) as much fun as I had!
https://www.itmustbewanderlust.com/in-the-footsteps-of-gold-rush-pioneers/skagway-in-the-footsteps-of-gold-rush-pioneers
Part 1: Hiking the Chilkoot Trail
Part 2: Rafting Down the Taiya River
