White Pass runs through the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains, a major mountain range in Alaska. Appreciate the natural beauty from the comfort of a vintage train carriage. This area is known for its untouched wilderness and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.
The White Pass trail dates back to the Klondike Gold Rush. It was one of two major passes used by prospectors at the time. The trail is a unit of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This area is regarded as a national historic landmark, along with the small gold rush town, Skagway.
Learn about the history of this pass at the Gold Rush Museum in Skagway. This trail was known as a less difficult route than its Chilkoot Trail counterpart however, it is steeped in history. Legends say that members of the notorious Soapy Smith gang and other con artists operated on this mountain pass and preyed on newcomers to the area.
Take the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, a marvel of engineering dating back to the late 19th century. This narrow-gauge railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Reach the summit of White Pass from Skagway on a round trip. Notice the snowcapped mountain peaks as you climb an elevation of almost 3,000 feet (900 meters) up the mountain range.
Travel past Inspiration Point on your journey up the mountain. This area peers over Skagway Harbor and looks out at the Sawtooth Range. Reach Dead Horse Gulch, an area scattered with the bones of perished gold-rush pack animals. Admire the headwaters of the Yukon River before you turn around at White Pass Summit.
Journeys along the mountain pass begin in Skagway. This small town is located about a 100-mile (160-kilometer) drive from Whitehorse Canada, which connects to parts of the United States via the Alaska-Canadian Highway. Find accommodations in Skagway among the available rustic inns, cottages and hotels.
For an authentic gold rush experience, book a steam locomotive excursion along the White Pass trail and enjoy the breathtaking natural views.
