I’ve received numerous questions on my Instagram page (give me a follow: @profcruise)from those curious about the hikes I’ve taken in Alaska on my many cruises there. The purpose of this guide is to share my experience. But know that, while I’ve never had any issues on my many, many hikes in Alaska, you should gage your own skill level and risk tolerance and not attempt anything you’re not totally comfortable with. Always pack the right gear, take safety precautions, and make sure to give yourself a wide cushion of time to get back to the ship. For any hikes you are interested in, I suggest doing a search for very recent reviews (as trail conditions change frequently).
As an avid hiker, I’ve hiked all over the world, from Utah (where I grew up) to Washington State (where I currently live and hike 1-2 times every week, rain or shine) to the Alps in Europe to the Great Wall in China. But some of the most spectacular hikes I’ve taken have been in Alaska.
I’ve hiked dozens of different trails on my cruises to Alaska, sometimes with my husband, young son (he’s been hiking in Alaska since he was 4), or elderly mother and often solo. I’ve hiked everything from beginner trails that felt like a leisurely walk through the forest to expert trails that required repelling cliff-edged waterfalls and a call home to my mother reassuring her that I didn’t die: “Hi mom, just letting you know I’m back on the ship stuffing my face full of buffet dessert and not dead at the bottom of Mt. Juneau.”
Because you’ve been sharing a small stateroom with your partner and you’re starting to get on their nerves: “Take a hike!”
Because when you tried to log all the food you ate on your first sea day into myfitnesspal, the following warning popped up: Based on your total calories consumed for today, you are likely going to drop dead any second now.
Because you’re too cheap to pay for an excursion.
Or, because you love hiking and want to see some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.
As for me, I hike in Alaska for all the reasons above. Plus I’ve cruised to Alaska so many times (I live in downtown Seattle and hop on 3-4 cruises to Alaska each season) that I’ve already done most of the excursions and touristy things at each port and the tour operators have all banned me because I kept giving away the punchlines to their cheese-filled jokes.
So, with that, here are my favorite hikes at each popular cruise port in Alaska (Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Seward, Sitka, and Skagway) that are within walking distance of your cruise ship. I’ve provided directions to the trail head, an indication of how difficult the trail is (and if it’s appropriate for children), some photos, and any additional information I thought would be helpful. Feel free to ask questions in the comments, share your experience hiking in Alaska, or suggest any trails I may have missed (Thanks in advance – I always LOVE discovering a new trail to try).
While I don’t consider either of these actual hikes (although one of them technically is, it’s just really, really short and flat), they are both gorgeous options if you want to get your legs moving in Icy Strait Point.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Miles FOR THE FULL LOOP from Adventure Landing: .5 miles (it’s a bit longer if you start out at the new NCL pier).
My favorite thing about this trail is that in only a few steps you can go from your cruise ship to a rain forest. It’s also doable for most people (including young kids), even those without any hiking experience. Watch for moss covered trees, ferns, and interesting mushrooms.
Directions to the Trail from your Cruise Ship (for all lines EXCEPT NCL): You can access the trail at the end of the pier to your left. It starts out with a brief section along the water, but will quickly cut up into the forest. Stay to the right when the trail forks unless you want to extend out your hike by hiking over to the new NCL cruise pier.
Directions to the Trail from your Cruise Ship (for NCL ONLY): Turn right at the end of the pier and keep walking until you see the trail.
Difficulty Level: Easy (paved and flat – suitable for anyone with the endurance to walk around 3 miles roundtrip)
Miles ONE WAY from Adventure Landing to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Hoonah: 1.3 miles (it’s a bit longer if you start out at the new NCL pier).
This isn’t actually a hike, it’s a totally paved walk, but I’ve included it because it’s accessible to anyone who feels comfortable walking for about 3 miles on a flat, paved sidewalk/shoulder and because it’s one of the most beautiful walks I’ve taken in Alaska and I don’t want anyone to miss out on it. If you want more details on exactly what you’ll see, go HERE to a prior write-up I did on Icy Strait Point (skip to #10 or read the whole thing for some history of the area and a bunch of other things to do there).
Directions from your cruise ship (for all lines EXCEPT NCL): Basically at the end of the cruise pier, turn right and keep going.
Directions from your cruise ship (for NCL only): Before you follow the directions above, you’ll either need to take the tram or walk along the nature trail until you reach Adventure Landing. Then you’ll just keep walking from there.
Juneau is one of my favorite ports for hiking because there are so many options, from beginner to advanced, that are within walking (or tramming) distance of the cruise piers. I’ll also include a bonus excursion/hike at the end of this section that’s a short bus ride away from the cruise piers and includes a peak at a glacier and a waterfall!
Difficulty Level: Difficult (steep areas and switchbacks, large roots and other obstructions, and muddy at times).
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 2 miles (to the top of the Goldbelt Tram – you can extend the hike from there if you choose).
I started with this one because it’s the first hike I ever did in Alaska (along with Mr. Cruise and our young son who is an avid and experienced hiker – I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for kids who are not used to hikes that would be considered difficult for most adults) and one of the best known and most popular among cruise passengers. It’s also versatile in that you can hike it round trip (out and back) or hike one direction (either up or down) and take the Goldbelt Tram the other direction. If you decide to hike uphill from the trail head to the Goldbelt Tram, you can ride down on the tram for free with a purchase of $10 per person in the gift shop or restaurant (just show your receipt to board the tram). If you decide to ride the tram up and hike down, it will cost you $45.
This is a beautiful wooded trail through boreal forest with some peak-a-boo lookouts where you can spot and snap some photos of your cruise ship.
Directions to the trailhead from the base of the Goldbelt Tram (this starting point is super easy to find regardless of where your ship docks in Juneau):
Total miles walking from tram to trailhead: 1.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: .55 miles (for a longer hike, you can continue on to the Perseverance Trail which I’ll cover shortly).
If you’re looking for a much easier alternative to the Mt. Roberts trail, consider the Gold Creek Flume Trail. There’s an access point for the trail on Basin Road right across the street from the Mt. Roberts trailhead (or you can follow the directions to the actual trail head below, but it’s a bit of a steep additional walk). However you decide to get there, you’ll be treated to views of Perseverance Basin, Gold Creek, surrounding mountains, and waterfalls as you stroll along a historic wooden flume with almost no elevation gain. This trail is child friendly (as long as your little ones are okay with the fairly long walk to reach the trailhead – hop in a taxi to save steps, especially on the way there which is uphill).
Directions to the trailhead from the base of the Goldbelt Tram (this starting point is super easy to find regardless of where your ship docks in Juneau):
Total miles walking from tram to trailhead: 1.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Extremely difficult (Do not attempt unless you’re an experienced hiker with proper gear.)
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 3.4 miles
Sorry if I give you whiplash as I swing you from one extreme to the other, but I needed something dramatic to wake up those readers who fell asleep at the description of the Gold Creek trail. Instead of “almost no elevation gain,” you’ll experience intense elevation gain coupled with waterfall crossings and narrow dry sections of trail with a steep drop on one side and nothing to grab onto or stop you from rolling down the mountain if you stumble. This was the first hike I’ve ever done where I felt out of my depth, where I really feared a bad possible outcome. And to make it worse, I was alone! And without hiking poles or a working cell phone. I include it here though, because the views at the top were spectacular and I wouldn’t want expert hikers who are comfortable with these conditions and who are taking proper safety precautions and prepared with the proper gear to miss out. It really was one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in Alaska, or anywhere for that matter. But please be smarter than I was and turn back if you start to feel uncomfortable (I should have turned back at the first waterfall crossing).
Directions to the trailhead from the base of the Goldbelt Tram (this starting point is super easy to find regardless of where your ship docks in Juneau):
Note that the Mt. Juneau trailhead is 1 mile along the Perseverance Trail (I’ll cover that trail next!).
Total miles walking from tram to trailhead (including the 1 mile on the Perseverance Trail): 2.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate (rocky in areas, but not much elevation gain – suitable for most hikers)
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 2.3 miles (if you want to extend your hike, this trail connects up to many others such as the Flume trail, Granite Creek, Silver Bow Ruins, Gold Falls, The Glory Hole, Red Mill, and Mt. Juneau).
The Perseverance Trail is one of the most popular in Juneau and for good reason. It’s accessible from downtown, relatively easy with minimal elevation gain, offers signs with fascinating historical facts about the area, and features dramatic mountain and basin views and waterfalls. While the official trail head and parking lot is pretty far up Basin Road (and honestly the hardest part of this trail is probably walking there from your ship), you can access the trail from any point along the left side of basin road.
Directions to the trailhead from the base of the Goldbelt Tram (this starting point is super easy to find regardless of where your ship docks in Juneau):
Total miles walking from tram to trailhead: 1.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Difficult (elevation gain, rocky and narrow in sections)
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 1.95 miles from the top of the Mt. Roberts Tramway to Gastineau Peak. If you want a longer hike, you could start by hiking to the top of the Mt. Roberts Tramway and continuing on from there or you could hike all the way down Mt Roberts to finish your hike (that’s what I elected to do even though it was more expensive to ride the tram up).
I tried this trail for the first time this fall on one of the last sailings to Alaska for the season. Conditions weren’t optimal with high winds and drizzly rain. Still though, the views (particularly of Mt. Juneau and the Gastineau Channel) were some of the best I’ve seen and rivaled those at the top of Mt. Juneau. At about a half mile in, you’ll reach Father Brown’s Cross, which makes for some striking photos. I can’t wait to hit this trail again next summer when the weather is better. Note that you can borrow hiking poles at the nature center near the tram and keep your eyes out for eagles and, rarely, black bears.
Total miles walking from tram to trailhead: 0! Unless you count the ride up the tram. The trail is directly behind the tram station at the top.
All the trailheads within this guide are walkable from your cruise ship, with this one exception. I wanted to include it because it’s the most popular hike in Alaska for cruise ship passengers and is doable for almost everyone (both my young son pictured above and my mom who is in her 70’s have hiked it). Plus you get to see a dramatic waterfall and a glacier at the end! But to get there, you’ll have to take a 30 minute bus ride from your cruise ship. If you want to book the bus in advance, you can do so here. There will also be a booth set up as you exit your ship with bus tickets for sale. Or you can book through your cruise ship, but that will likely cost more.
Difficulty Level: Easy (very little elevation gain, short, and a well groomed trail)
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 1 mile
Because there are so many fun and inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the cruise piers in Ketchikan (go here for some ideas), it took me quite a few trips here before I decided to try hiking. But I’ve since found two great trails, the Rainbird Trail and the Deer Mountain Trail.
Difficulty Level: Difficult (major elevation gain, steep rock and wood steps, narrow in some sections)
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 3.3 miles
This hike up Deer Mountain (the Hershey’s Kiss shaped mountain you can see from your cruise ship) will give your legs a grueling workout with major elevation gain and steep stone and wood steps (particularly challenging if you’re the height of an average 10 year-old boy like me), but it will reward you with breathtaking forest and alpine terrain and views of Ketchikan Lake and the Revilla Channel.
Directions to the trailhead from the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau on Front Street (right near the “Welcome to Ketchikan” sign – regardless of which pier your ship docks at, this will be easy for you to find):
Total miles walking from Visitor’s Bureau to trailhead: 1.3 miles (this includes an extremely steep hill toward the end which you might find as difficult as the hike itself – take a taxi if you want to cut this part out, it will cost around $10.)
Difficulty Level: Moderate (little elevation gain, but very uneven surfaces and areas where the trail is hard to see).
Miles ONE WAY From Trailhead: 1.1 miles (while you can do this trail as an out-and-back, it makes more sense to hike it in one direction and return to the cruise pier at the end as there are trail access points at either end).
This short trail features giant trees, ferns, salmon berry bushes (you can eat them for a little snacky snack), and a bluff with sweeping views. You might even spot eagles or float planes taking off or landing if you’re lucky!
Directions to the trailhead from the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau on Front Street (right near the “Welcome to Ketchikan” sign – regardless of which pier your ship docks at, this will be easy for you to find):
Total miles walking from Visitor’s Bureau to trailhead: 1.7 miles (while the hike itself doesn’t have much elevation gain, you’ll walk up a pretty steep hill to get to the trailhead – take a taxi if you want to cut this part out, it will cost around $10.)
Additional Directions and Information:
You’ll begin this hike from the University of Alaska Southeast campus (look for the trailhead sign at the left side of the parking lot). Note on the sign that the trail is not maintained, meaning there are some rougher spots and areas that can be a bit difficult to follow. But if you’re comfortable hopping from stone to stone, trekking up and down some steepish wood steps and maneuvering around tree roots, you’ll do fine on this moderate-level trail. There are three different access points for the trail, the one at the University of Alaska Southeast campus, one midway along the trail, and a third at the end of the trail that plops you out onto 3rd Avenue. To get back to the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau from from 3rd Ave, follow these directions (you’ll pass the Ketchikan Public Library on your left – stop in for free internet if you need it):
I’ve only visited Seward once on a cruise to Alaska, so my experience hiking at this port isn’t as extensive. However, I did want to share a short, easy trail I hiked with my son when we were there a few years ago, the Twin Lakes Trail.
Difficulty Level: Easy (under a mile, almost no elevation gain, and appropriate for anyone who is comfortable walking on a dirt trail with some uneven surfaces at times)
Miles FOR THE FULL LOOP: .9 miles
At under a mile, this easy trail offers a huge return for minimal steps. Two lakes, waterfalls, skunk cabbage, and prolific wildlife. It has it all! And it’s easily accessible from downtown Seward.
Directions to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Kenai Fjords National Park Visiter Center (I started here because it’s an easy spot downtown to find – but you can easily reach this trail from anywhere downtown depending on where your cruise shuttle bus drops you off):
Total miles walking from Visitor’s Center to trailhead: .7 miles
There is so much to see and do within walking distance of your cruise ship in Sitka (see my prior post, 9 Free or Inexpensive Things to do Near Port in Sitka for some additional ideas), including 2 great hikes, one easy and accessible to almost anyone and one more challenging.
Difficulty Level: Easy (no elevation gain and appropriate for anyone who is comfortable walking on a flat compacted dirt and rock trail, including young children)
Miles for the TWO LOOP TRAILS (connected by a bridge over the Indian River): 1.6 miles
Begin at the visitor’s center where you will ground your hike through the park in history and culture, with displays of Native Alaskan artifacts and demonstrations of native crafts. Then head outside and meander through the 112 acre park shaded by mighty Sitka spruce trees and totem polls that together perfectly capture the relationship between the native Tlingit people and this magnificent little dot on our planet.
Directions to the Sitka National Historical Park from the Sitka Public Library (where the cruise shuttle bus will drop you off):
Total miles walking from the cruise shuttle drop-off (next to the Sitka Public Library) to the Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center (trailhead): .7 miles
Difficulty Level: Difficult (it’s easy to lose the trail past Picnic Rock – turn back at this point if you aren’t comfortable)
Miles ONE WAY from trailhead: 2.3 miles
For experienced hikers looking for a more challenging trail with sweeping mountain, water, and town vistas, I recommend the Mount Verstovia Trail. The elevation gain in the beginning and steep steps had me thinking of which desserts I planned to reward myself with once I got back on the ship.
Directions for the Mount Verstovia Trailhead from the Sitka Public Library (next to where your cruise ship shuttle will drop you off):
Miles from the Sitka Public Library to the Mount Verstovia Trailhead: 1.7 miles
Skagway is the ideal port for hikers. Why? Because an extensive trail system starts just steps away from the cruise ship piers! I’ve explored this area pretty thoroughly on my many stops in Skagway and love how versatile it is depending on the length and difficulty of hike you’re looking for. I’ll cover the Lower Dewey Lake trail first, which will end up being the first leg of some of the longer hikes I’ll discuss. I’ll also throw in an easy hike to Reid Falls (located on the other end of Skagway, but still within walking distance of the cruise ships).
Difficulty Level: Moderate (beginning hikers may find the elevation gain and rocky terrain challenging, but it’s doable if you take your time – my young son has hiked this trail many times with me).
Miles ONE WAY from the Trailhead to Lower Dewey Lake: .5 miles (You can extend the hike by walking around the lake. Total miles up, around the lake, and back down is around 3 miles.)
This popular trail will reward you with some amazing views of your cruise ship, downtown Skagway, a small city reservoir, and the beautiful Lower Dewey Lake.
Directions from the Train Depot (Since there are multiple cruise ship piers, I used this as a point of reference since it’s easy to find. But you may want to use a map app once you get to town for a more direct route from your ship. It will be a short and easy walk either way) to the Lower Dewey Trail:
Miles from the train depot to the trailhead: 446 ft.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Miles ONE WAY from the trailhead to Upper Dewey Lake: 2.5 miles (but it’s a grueling 2.5 miles)
You’ll hike the Lower Dewey Lake trail as the first leg of this hike (so follow all of my directions from above). At Lower Dewey Lake, follow the signs for the Upper Dewey Lake trail (keep to the left when you reach the lake). This hike has it all, two lakes, a waterfall, meadows exploding in wildflowers, snow capped peaks in the distance, and a rustic cabin at the top that’s rumored to be haunted (take a nap in there at your own risk!). This is among my favorite hikes in Alaska, but it’s a leg buster for sure!
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Miles ONE WAY from the trailhead to Upper Reid Falls: 2 miles
Again, the first leg of this hike takes you to Lower Dewey Lake (so follow all of my previous directions for that hike). At Lower Dewey Lake keep to the left and follow the signs for Icy Lake and Upper Reid Falls. While this hike features two lakes (the larger Lower Dewey Lake and the small Icy Lake) and the top of Reid Falls, my favorite part about it: SHROOMS. So. Many. Shrooms. Be sure to watch “Fantastic Fungi” on Netflix if you decide to do this one! You’ll be fascinated by all the different mushrooms and fungus. Just don’t eat any of them – a cruise isn’t that kind of trip!
Difficulty Level: Easy (appropriate for young children – just keep an eye on them near the raging water)
Miles ONE WAY from the trailhead to Reid Falls: .2 miles (While the hike to the falls is very short, the walk to the trailhead is 2 miles each way.)
This scenic walk through Skagway, culminating in a plunging waterfall and a historic cemetery makes for a fun and active afternoon in Skagway. Many excursions will include a stop at the falls and cemetery, so that’s another option if you don’t want to walk the 2 miles there and back.
Directions from the train depot to the trailhead:
Total miles from the train depot to the trailhead: 2 miles
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that the last hike I’ve included ends at the cemetery, but nonetheless, let’s move on to gear you’ll need for hiking on your cruise to Alaska and safety precautions, so we’re not visiting you in the Gold Rush Cemetery next cruise season!
If you’re a regular hiker, you probably already have most of the items you’ll need to hike on your cruise to Alaska. However, there may be a few things you don’t have that will make packing easier or keep you safe. Here’s a comprehensive list of items I recommend you bring. I’ve shared some of my favorite brands (and I do receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through links from my site – I appreciate your support!), but anything similar that you already have or any brands you prefer will work fine.
First, you’ll need a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. For women, I like the Hi-Tec Women’s Skamania Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots. They’re affordable and comfortable and will keep your feet dry on potentially soggy Alaska trails. For men, I recommend Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus for the same reasons.
Hopefully you’ll get lucky and have dry conditions for your hikes, but considering how much rain certain ports in Alaska get (looking at you sideways Ketchikan), you’ll want to be prepared for wet conditions with a waterproof jacket and waterproof hiking pants. For women I like this breathable, running jacket (I prefer this bright color because I figure it might blind any bears I encounter, but other colors are available if you don’t want to be seen traversing at a snail’s pace up the mountain by those who smartly decided to stay on the ship and eat all day) and these waterproof hiking pants:
For men, I like this jacket and these pants:
After not having them on a hike I really needed them on (sorry for the scare, mom!), I recommend everyone, even experienced hikers, bring along a pair of lightweight, collapsable trekking poles. I have these:
Because luggage space is at a premium when you’re cruising, I recommend packing a collapsible, leak proof water bottle. You’ll also want to bring some packaged protein bars or other snacks (you’re not allowed to carry non-packaged food on or off the ship).
While sunscreen and sunglasses might not be obvious items to pack for a cruise to Alaska, Alaskan ports can be quite sunny in the summer (or in the spring or fall if you get lucky) and you’ll be spending many hours outside on your hike. Be sure to pack a good quality sport sunblock and some sport sunglasses. And definitely pack bug repellant wipes (unless you’re going with a red polka dot theme for formal night) as bugs are prolific during the cruise season in Alaska
You’ll need a lightweight, packable backpack for shedding extra layers and for your poles, water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug wipes.
Experienced hikers should take all the precautions you’d normally take, with the addition of a few extra steps specific to hiking on a cruise and hiking in bear country. I’ll start with those here, but will also include some basic safety tips for those who may be newer to hiking.
There are three really important things you should do if you plan on hiking in port on your cruise to Alaska:
Pretty much everywhere in Alaska is bear country. And while you’ll likely never see one, you need to take precautions anytime you’re hiking in bear country. I suggest everyone review The Essentials for Traveling in Alaska’s Bear Country by Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game. But the most important tip I have to keep yourself safe is to make plenty of noise so you never startle a bear. This is particularly important if you’re hiking alone. I always wear bear bells and normally listen to music or an audio book on my phone without headphones (unless it’s a crowded trail where that would be disruptive to others).
While there are plenty of amazing excursions to take on your cruise to Alaska (see my top pics for each port and budget HERE), there’s a certain satisfaction in waving goodbye (while uttering, “suckers” under your breath) to your fellow cruise ship passengers as they board crowded buses going to crowded places as you venture into the wildness of this most wild of places: Alaska. I hope you love hiking there as much as I do. And with that…
Class Dismissed.
Homework (10 points): Check out all my Alaska port posts here and my Guide To Packing For Alaska.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:
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