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Cities in Skagway Borough, Alaska

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Skagway Borough, located in southeastern Alaska, is a scenic and historically rich area best known for its Gold Rush heritage and stunning mountainous landscapes. Originally a popular destination for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s, Skagway was formally incorporated as a borough in 2007. Nestled at the northern end of the Inside Passage, the borough features easy access to waterways and breathtaking wilderness. Skagway Borough maintains a small-town feel while preserving its historic structures and tourism-centered economy, which thrives off the borough’s unique Gold Rush history and natural surroundings.

Skagway Borough Facts

  • Population: Approximately 1,240
  • Borough Seat: Skagway
  • Number of Cities/Towns: 1

List of Cities and Towns in Skagway Borough, Alaska

Skagway

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1897
  • Population: Approximately 1,240
  • Population Density: About 173 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 907
  • Elevation: 33 feet

City Overview
Skagway, the only incorporated city within Skagway Borough, is nestled between towering mountains and the Lynn Canal. Its unique geography, marked by the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails, provides spectacular landscapes that shape Skagway’s identity as a historical and natural treasure. The city serves as a northern terminus for the Alaska Marine Highway, connecting to Juneau, Haines, and other destinations via ferry. Skagway also has a small airport, with flights to surrounding cities. During the summer months, Skagway’s population swells with seasonal workers and visitors, drawn by its historical sites and strategic location for cruises and outdoor activities.

Things to Do in Skagway
Visitors to Skagway can experience a variety of historical and outdoor activities. A must-see is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which preserves many historic buildings from the late 1800s. Adventure-seekers can hike the challenging Chilkoot Trail, the same route taken by Gold Rush miners, or take the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which offers breathtaking views of mountain passes and waterfalls. Skagway also has several museums, including the Skagway Museum and Archives, which showcase Gold Rush artifacts and local history. Other popular activities include guided kayak tours, glacier trekking, and dog sledding excursions that allow visitors to experience Skagway’s beautiful and rugged landscape.

List of Communities in Skagway Borough, Alaska

Dyea

Community Facts

  • Year Founded: 1897
  • Population: Less than 50
  • Population Density: Low
  • Area Code: 907
  • Elevation: 20 feet

Dyea is a small, historic community located near the mouth of the Taiya River, about nine miles northwest of Skagway. It was once a bustling Gold Rush town and the starting point of the Chilkoot Trail but gradually declined after Skagway developed. Today, Dyea is mostly known for its scenic wilderness and remnants of its historical past, such as old building foundations and cemeteries from the Gold Rush era. Visitors to Dyea can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the quiet, rustic landscape that offers a glimpse into Alaska’s early frontier days.

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