Couple of questions

[TMS9539]

Has anyone ever gone hiking in Skagway? I found a trail map where you can (I think) walk to the trailhead from the ship. Is the hiking good? By good, I mean great views, scenery etc. I'd hate to spend my one day in Skagway hiking through forest. We have lots of forest here on the east coast - I can do that here.

 

I'm trying to decide between renting a car and driving to Emerald Lake, hiking, and the Eagle preserve. I like the idea of driving into the Yukon, but we are pretty active and like to be out in nature rather than just viewing it from the car. Are there little walks or hikes we can do along the highway or something?

 

Also, just how cold is it out on those balconies when the ship is moving? I'm trying to decide between a window and a balcony cabin. I think I really want the balcony, but if it's going to be too cold to sit out there then I don't want to waste the money on it.

 

We'll be on the Diamond Princess August 16th - 22nd in 2008.

[relo854]

I too am wondering if we should get a balcony or ocean view. We are planning on an Alaskan cruise early June. We were wondering if at that time of year would a balcony be worth it or would it be too cold to get our moneys worth? Thanks

[jmk22574]

My husband and I went on our first Alaskan cruise this past September. We had a balcony, and yes we have nothing to compare it to, but even with the cooler weather we spent a LOT of time out there (especially when viewing the glaciers and on port days). It is much cooler when the ship is sailing, but I love being cold, so that didn't bother me. What was a little tough to deal with was how windy it was when you're out on the open ocean. It literally took my breath away. In the early mornings, when docking in port, it was so relaxing to sit on the balcony, wrapped in a blanket while drinking coffee and just watching the residents of the town go about their morning routines (such as stores opening up, traffic increasing while people head to work). I give two thumbs up to booking a room with a balcony.

 

Ultimately it comes down to your budget...I wouldn't necessarily give up any short excursions just to have a balcony, but if you can afford both, I say go for it. :)

 

***We didn't go to Skagway, so I'm sorry that I can't be of any help there.

[Yukon]

The hiking in Skagway is excellent, though on the great trails such as Upper Dewey Lake, you only get sporadic views until you reach treeline, and only the hard-core hikers get that high. Renting a car and coming up into the Yukon may work better for you, as there is a superb trail at Kilometer 88.8 of the South Klondike Highway - you have views virtually all the time and can do enjoyable short or long hikes. It and several other possibilities are briefly described at http://***** (no good trail guide has been published yet).

 

Murray

[relo854]

If it was cold in September, it'll probably be too cold in June. My husband would rather go to the Carribean..he is looking forward to Alaska but doesn't like the cold. I think for us, we'll pass on the balcony....thanks

[fti]

I found that when the ship was moving it was cool but comfortable on the balcony most of the time. However sometimes it did get downright chilly on the open decks like when we were approaching glaciers (once the ship stopped near the glacier it was actually much more comfortable).

 

When I was in Skagway in August I hiked the Upper Reid Falls hike and really enjoyed it. There were some views, but as Murray said about the Upper Dewey Falls hike, it was also limited. However, between the lake and the falls once you got there, it was a great hike.

 

"Hiking in Alaska" is a great book that I have used more than once since buying it.

 

John

[qiangf2]

If it was cold in September, it'll probably be too cold in June. My husband would rather go to the Carribean..he is looking forward to Alaska but doesn't like the cold. I think for us, we'll pass on the balcony....thanks

 

Once you pass the summit, the other side of mountain is actually very sunny weather-wise. We got lower 60s when we went last September. I agree with Murray, renting a car might be a better option for you.

[jmk22574]

Oh no....please don't pass up a chance to cruise to Alaska simply because it might be a bit chilly. I always try to post cautiously because my ideal weather is below 40 degrees - I am simply happiest when I'm cold (strange but true). You might still consider a cruise to Alaska, just not pay the extra money for a balcony. You can venture outside only when viewing the glaciers if you'd like. I sincerely wasn't trying to talk you out of an Alaskan cruise.

 

Jill

[alliesma]

Murray,

 

Thanks for the great guide - is it you that put it together? We will be visiting next July and I would like to take our group out to Emerald Lake. It looks like a great drive. How much time would you alot for this? I know it varies depending on how much time you spend stopping and doing things, but a rough idea? I always get a little nervous venturing far from the ship and would want to be sure we had plenty of time to get back. Are the driving conditions good and what is the speed limit etc.? Thanks for any info.

 

Chris

[fti]

Murray,

 

Thanks for the great guide - is it you that put it together? We will be visiting next July and I would like to take our group out to Emerald Lake. It looks like a great drive. How much time would you alot for this? I know it varies depending on how much time you spend stopping and doing things, but a rough idea? I always get a little nervous venturing far from the ship and would want to be sure we had plenty of time to get back. Are the driving conditions good and what is the speed limit etc.? Thanks for any info.

 

Chris

 

Murray is the one who created the guide. I would plan on 5-6 hours round trip. I am not sure what the speed limit is but if you are as fascinated with the scenery as we were, you won't be driving anywhere near the speed limit :) .

 

Excellent road condition, paved all the way. You will probably end up stopping to absorb the scenery, perhaps do some hiking if you are interested in that, lingering in Carcross or at Emerald Lake, etc.

 

John

[fti]

Oh no....please don't pass up a chance to cruise to Alaska simply because it might be a bit chilly. I always try to post cautiously because my ideal weather is below 40 degrees - I am simply happiest when I'm cold (strange but true).

 

I think you and I would get along great. I too much enjoy the cooler weather. Winter is my favorite season (and I say that in the middle of MN winters!). Maybe that is why I like AK so much?!

 

John

[alliesma]

Thanks for the info John. This sounds perfect. I just wanted to know that the roads were good so that we can enjoy the trip without rushing. It sounds like the perfect daytrip!!! I think it will also allow some time to explore Skagway as we are in port for 13.5 hours. I get so excited planning this out for my family!!!

[GMoney]

Hiking to Upper Dewey Lake was the highlight of my trip to Skagway, which in general was one of the less spectacular Alaska stops for me - it's just too commercial.

 

Below are the comments from my Alaska trip review, which you can read by clicking the link in my signature. I also have some good pictures of the hike, which I highly recommend.

 

Upper Dewey Hike Review

 

I did a daylong hike to Upper Dewey Lake, which I had actually started on my first visit but was unable to finish due to time constraints. There are actually two Dewey Lakes, but they are very different places. Lower Dewey Lake lies in the trees 500 feet above downtown Skagway, and the hike is easy if a bit steep. Upper Dewey Lake, in a sub- alpine basin at 3,100

feet elevation, is a long, very steep haul up the mountain slope above the lower lake. It’s worth the effort though because the lake and the views are incredible.

 

The trailhead is next to the railroad, and just a short distance from where the cruise ships dock. It is well signed, and some literature about the various trails in the areas is available here. Both times, I saw people along the way (but a lot fewer on the way to the upper lake), most of them either cruise ship passengers or crew.

 

Tips for this Hike: If you give this hike a try, keep the following in mind:

 

• Good, sturdy hiking shoes are a must

 

• Plenty of water, and preferably something electrolyte-enhanced, is a must. Bring snacks as well.

 

• There really aren’t any views to speak of on the way to the Upper Lake until you actually get there.

 

• You will cross a footbridge on your way up (where you’ll find a makeshift bench)

 

• The closer you get to the Upper Lake, the muddier it gets.

 

• I had cell phone reception about half of the way up past the lower lake, and 5 bars at Upper Dewey.

 

• Total hiking time for me was about 6 hours.

 

Once you get to Upper Dewey, you’ll see the lake itself in a beautiful green meadow filled with wildflowers, 2 cabins, a couple of picnic tables, and stunning 360 views of the surrounding peaks. It’s like being in a scene from the Sound of Music. Apparently, continuing on to Devil’s Punchbowl

(another 2 hours and 600 feet up) is an even better experience, but unfortunately, I did not have time for that. I did not encounter any wildlife on the hike.

[fti]

Hiking to Upper Dewey Lake was the highlight of my trip to Skagway, which in general was one of the less spectacular Alaska stops for me - it's just too commercial.

 

Below are the comments from my Alaska trip review, which you can read by clicking the link in my signature. I also have some good pictures of the hike, which I highly recommend.

 

This is high on my list to do next time I am in Skagway. I agree with you about the commercialism in Skagway - I so much preferred Haines for that reason. But more ships stop in Skagway than Haines.

 

John

[Yukon]

Apparently, continuing on to Devil’s Punchbowl

(another 2 hours and 600 feet up) is an even better experience, but unfortunately, I did not have time for that.

 

On your next trip, see if you can make the Devil's Punchbowl - as you've heard, it's a very different experience, partly due to the astounding 360-degree scenery, but also due to the views of Skagway, and to the trail itself, which is less "cultured" than the lower section - more of a route than a trail.

[GMoney]

On your next trip, see if you can make the Devil's Punchbowl - as you've heard, it's a very different experience, partly due to the astounding 360-degree scenery, but also due to the views of Skagway, and to the trail itself, which is less "cultured" than the lower section - more of a route than a trail.

 

Thank you for the suggestion; I will absolutely try! I was disappointed to not have gone all the way, but that just leaves a reason to go back. :)

[GMoney]

This is high on my list to do next time I am in Skagway. I agree with you about the commercialism in Skagway - I so much preferred Haines for that reason. But more ships stop in Skagway than Haines.

 

John

 

I think you will really like it. If it matters, the city of Skagway has a cabin for rent at Upper Dewey. It looked very nice.

[jmk22574]

Hi John.....I'm glad to hear that someone else out there LOVES cold weather. I understand Minnesota winters due to growing up with Michigan winters. I'm working on convincing my husband that he too should enjoy the cold as much as I do. Luckily, he's very laid back and just knows now to wear a sweatshirt at all times in our home. :)

[tee_harbor]

I'm trying to decide between renting a car and driving to Emerald Lake, hiking, and the Eagle preserve.

 

I think you're thinking of the eagle preserve in Haines. You may have seen some information about taking the ferry over from Skagway to Haines.

[relo854]

JMK - we're planning on the cruise to Alaska...just not sure if it will be too cold for the balcony...you didn't scare us away!!

[Gogetters17]

Hi relo854, we're Queenslanders and we're taking our first cruise ever and it's to Alaska in May. We were told we should have a balcony for such a cruise and so we thin blooded people have booked it and will just have to find enough clothes to throw on while out there. I believe the scenery is wonderful and I would just like to have the opportunity to look out and walk out whenever I like.

 

Go for it - you only have one life to enjoy (even if you do freeze!!)