Skagway’s Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls: History, Trail & Tips

Only a short walk from the bustle of Skagway’s cruise port lies a quiet place full of stories. If you’re looking to step beyond the souvenir shops and dive into Alaska’s wild past, the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls are must-see stops. And the best part? You can do it on your own, and it’s free. This easy walk from town takes you through local history and into the forest. You’ll visit the graves of famous Gold Rush characters, then follow a short, scenic trail to a beautiful waterfall tucked in the woods. In this article, we share all the details you need.

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Discover Skagway’s Hidden Gems: Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

Skagway is one of the most visited cruise ports in Alaska. Many travelers head straight for the White Pass Railway or the busy shops downtown. But just beyond the crowds, there’s a quiet trail leading to two local treasures.

The Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls offer history, nature, and calm—all in one walk. It’s one of the best free things to do in Skagway. You don’t need to book a tour or pay for entry. Just lace up your shoes and go.

We’ve done this walk straight from the cruise ship. It’s simple, scenic, and rich with stories. You’ll pass the graves of famous Gold Rush figures, then reach a hidden waterfall in the forest. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours for a round-trip walk from downtown.

If you want an easy, meaningful adventure that won’t cost you anything, this trail is worth your time. In the next sections, we’ll share everything you need to make the most of it.

Agnes’ Advice: Is Skagway on your cruise itinerary? Check out our detailedone-day guide for cruise passengers—perfect for planning your visit and choosing the best shore excursions in Skagway if you’re interested in guided activities.

Planning Your Visit: Trail Info & Accessibility

The walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls is simple, scenic, and free. It’s one of the best self-guided activities in Skagway.

The walk from downtown takes about 35 to 45 minutes one way, depending on your pace. Including time to explore the cemetery and enjoy the waterfall, plan to spend about 2 to 2.5 hours on this walk.

Where the Trail Starts

From historic downtown Skagway, head north on Broadway Street. Continue until Broadway meets 23rd Avenue. Then turn right and follow 23rd Avenue as it curves slightly and becomes State Street.

From the cruise port, walk inland to Broadway Street and follow the same route. Depending on your ship’s berth, the walk is about 2 to 2.5 miles each way.

Below is a walking map starting from the Skagway Train Depot—one of the town’s main landmarks—to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls.

Railroad Crossing

Shortly after passing the rail yard, you’ll cross the White Pass & Yukon Route railway tracks. Trains often pass here during summer, so use caution. There’s no official gate, just a marked pedestrian crossing.

After the tracks, continue uphill along a gravel road. You’ll pass through a forested area with views of the surrounding mountains.

Entering the Cemetery

At the end of the gravel road, you’ll reach the entrance to the Gold Rush Cemetery. It’s tucked in the trees and marked with a wooden archway. The path continues into the cemetery on a packed dirt trail.

Trail to Reid Falls

To reach Lower Reid Falls, walk through the cemetery toward the back. You’ll see a small footpath on the right. Follow it gently uphill for about 5 minutes. The trail is narrow, shaded, and sometimes muddy—but not steep.

You’ll hear the falls before you see them. The trail ends at the base of the waterfall, where you can take photos or just enjoy the mist and quiet.

Accessibility

The cemetery is not wheelchair accessible. The trail is narrow with tree roots and no paved surface. Strollers may be difficult to manage. However, many visitors with basic mobility find the walk doable.

Overall Conditions

• The full walk from town or cruise port is about 4 miles round-trip.
• Elevation gain is minimal—just a gradual slope after the railroad.
• Surfaces include sidewalk, gravel road, and dirt trail through forest.
• The trail is not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly beyond the railroad.
• A public restroom (vaut toilet) is available near the parking area, just before the cemetery entrance.
• That small parking area is only accessible by vehicle. Tours like the Skagway Street Car make quick stops here.

If you walk, plan on 2 to 2.5 hours round-trip, including time at the falls. Take water, wear sturdy shoes, and enjoy this quiet and meaningful walk.

Gold Rush Cemetery: History & Why It Matters

The Gold Rush Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Skagway. It was established in 1898, during the peak of the Klondike Gold Rush.

This was a wild time in Alaska’s history. Thousands of stampeders passed through Skagway, hoping to strike it rich in the Yukon. Along the way, many died from accidents, violence, or illness. The cemetery became their final resting place.

Today, the cemetery holds the graves of some of Skagway’s most legendary figures. You’ll see wooden markers, weathered by time, each with a name and a story.

It’s a quiet place tucked into the trees. Walking through the rows of graves gives you a real sense of what life was like during the gold rush era—hard, fast, and often deadly.

This stop isn’t just about old stones. It’s about real people who shaped Skagway’s past. Visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery brings their stories to life and helps you understand the roots of this historic town.

Meet the Legends: Soapy Smith & Frank Reid

Two names stand out in Skagway’s history: Jefferson “Soapy” Smith and Frank Reid. Their deadly showdown in 1898 marked the end of Skagway’s lawless days.

Soapy Smith wasn’t a miner. He was a con man. He ran scams, controlled the telegraph office, rigged card games, and built a network of criminals. For a short time, he ruled Skagway like a king—with charm, bribes, and threats.

Frank Reid was a local surveyor and volunteer city official. He helped lead the citizen group that stood up to Soapy’s gang. On July 8, 1898, the conflict came to a head. Soapy showed up with a rifle at a city meeting on the trail to Dyea. Frank tried to stop him.

Both men fired in a gunfight known as the Shootout on Juneau Wharf. Both were hit.

Soapy died on the spot. Frank was badly wounded and died 12 days later.

You’ll find their graves in the Gold Rush Cemetery. Soapy Smith’s grave is separate from the others, tucked at the edge of the burial ground. Frank Reid’s grave stands taller, with a clear inscription honoring his role in protecting the town.

Their story is part of what makes Skagway’s history so wild—and so real. Seeing their graves makes the past feel close and personal.

Lower Reid Falls: Easy Hike with Scenic Views

At the far edge of the Gold Rush Cemetery, a short trail leads you to one of Skagway’s prettiest spots—Lower Reid Falls.

This waterfall tumbles down a rock face into a mossy canyon surrounded by spruce and hemlock trees. The sound of rushing water and the cool forest air offer a peaceful break from busy cruise crowds.

The trail is short—less than 0.2 miles one way—and mostly flat. It starts just past the cemetery and follows a narrow dirt path through the trees. You’ll hear the falls before you see them.

We’ve done this walk ourselves, and it’s an easy, rewarding outing. The ground can be a little muddy, especially after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. But it’s not steep or challenging, and most visitors of all ages can enjoy it.

Lower Reid Falls is especially photogenic. If you visit on a sunny day, you might catch the mist glowing in the light. It’s a quiet, almost hidden spot that feels worlds away from the cruise port—even though it’s only about a 40-minute walk back to town.

Don’t skip this one. It’s a perfect nature add-on to the cemetery visit—and one of the best short hikes in Skagway.

Agnes’ Advice: Take a look at our detailed Alaska cruise planning tips to plan a perfect adventure.

Final Thoughts

Some places feel special not because they’re grand—but because they’re real. The Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls offer that kind of quiet, lasting impression. There’s no need for tickets or guides. Just a trail, some stories, and a waterfall tucked into the trees.

Here’s a Skagway fact that adds even more meaning to your visit: the Gold Rush Cemetery is the town’s oldest burial ground, dating back to the late 1800s.

You’ll pass gravestones with names from another time, stand where history turned violent, and end with the sound of rushing water in the forest.

It’s a walk that gives you both reflection and reward.

If your time in Skagway is short, this is a great way to slow down and see a side of the town many travelers miss.

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