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Skagway is set at the northern end of Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage at the edge of the Tongass National Forest. The town has a rich history and has for thousands of years been a part of the traditional homeland of the Tlingit people, a federally recognized Tribe. Skagway is the site of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service, which commemorates the gold rush of the late 1890s. The towns of Dyea and Skagway sprang up as gold rush boom towns and were the most popular staging sites for prospectors before they started their overland treks to the Klondike gold fields.
Skagway offers an opportunity to see a mix of coastal and interior bird species. Sites here provide opportunities for both great birding as well as learning about the rich and unique history of Skagway. Skagway can be accessed by airplane, cruise ship, or personal vehicle from the north via the Alaska-Canadian and South Klondike Highways or from the south via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry.
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General Area Overview and Information Sources:
- Skagway Tourism Department
- Skagway trail map
- Skagway Traditional Tribal Council
- National Park Service: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- US Forest Service: Tongass National Forest; Juneau Ranger District: 907-586-8800
- Medical Clinic
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
Birding Trail Map for Skagway (click on site names for details).
Sites in Skagway
AB Mountain Trail
Site yields great views of the city and Taiya Inlet fjord.
Chilkoot Trail
This site is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Dewey Hillside Trails
A network of mountainside trails, easily accessed from town.
Dyea Historic Townsite
Owls are also often seen or heard in this area.
Dyea Road Overlooks
This is an 8-mile stretch with pull-offs.
International Falls
Alpine ecosystem with no services or cell phone reception.
Klondike Highway Overlooks
Paved highway with many pull-outs, overlooks, and interpretive signs.
Nahku Bay Beach
A great location to view shorebirds and waterfowl.
Skagway River
Good spot to view Arctic Terns!
Skagway Small Boat Harbor
See a variety of waterfowl at this small boat harbor.
Skagway Town Center
Lush trees and gardens provide excellent habitat for birds!
Taiya River Bridge
This site supports a diversity of bird life!
Taiya River Flats
A good area for a variety of songbirds!
West Creek Road
See American Redstart, Red-breasted Sapsucker, thrushes, chickadees, warblers, grouse, and woodpeckers.
White Pass Railway
White pass is best observed by railway.
Yakutania Point
Great spot for birding year-round.
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