Historic cemetery and short nature walk

Gold Rush Cemetery & Lower Reid Falls

About 1.9 mi walk · north of town

A respectful history stop and short natural-surface walk to Lower Reid Falls, about 1.9 miles north of central Skagway.

The place

About Gold Rush Cemetery & Lower Reid Falls

Gold Rush Cemetery preserves burials from Skagway’s boom era and later community history in a wooded setting beyond the north end of town. Jefferson “Soapy” Smith and Frank Reid are the two names most often promoted, but the cemetery is not simply a duel story or theatrical “Boot Hill.” It is a real burial place containing the lives and losses of a broader community, and visitors should move quietly, stay off graves, and leave markers and offerings untouched.

A short forest path continues from the cemetery to Lower Reid Falls. Municipal planning material describes that segment as approximately 0.25 mile with about 50 feet of elevation gain on native soil, rock, and gravel. The broader official walking map calls the outing about four miles round trip from 2nd and Broadway and roughly two hours. Rain, roots, mud, seasonal growth, and maintenance can make an “easy” map rating more demanding for an individual visitor.

The pairing is useful after White Pass because the railway, cemetery, and falls all expose the difficult geography behind Skagway’s history. It also demands the most time and care in this local set. The official route goes beyond the railroad yards and warns pedestrians about vehicles and trains. Never walk on active track or a railway service road, never shortcut through the yard, and do not begin if the return would endanger a ticketed departure or ship all-aboard.

What stands out

Community history

Read the cemetery as a place of many lives rather than reducing it to two famous men.

Lower Reid Falls

Continue on a short natural-surface forest route when current conditions and time allow.

Railroad landscape

See the constrained valley and active rail environment from a different perspective without trespassing.

Free independent outing

Walk or arrange local transportation without buying a bundled excursion, while accepting the time and surface requirements.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a White Pass & Yukon Route Railway trip

The Municipality of Skagway map places the cemetery about 1.9 miles from 1st and Broadway and describes the combined walk from 2nd and Broadway as about four miles round trip. That is roughly a two-hour outing, not a quick station stop.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Distance and timeThe official municipal map calls it about four miles round trip and two hours from 2nd and Broadway, with the cemetery about 1.9 miles from 1st and Broadway.
  • Falls spurThe municipal trail plan describes the Lower Reid Falls segment as about 0.25 mile with 50 feet of gain.
  • SurfaceExpect gravel, native soil, rock, roots, and weather exposure. “Easy” is a relative trail rating, not an accessibility promise.
  • Rail safetyThe official map warns of vehicles and trains near the railroad yard. Use designated crossings and public roads only; never walk on tracks or railway access roads.
  • Parking and privyThe municipal map marks vehicle parking and a privy near the cemetery. Capacity, service, and road conditions are not guaranteed.
  • RespectThis is an active historic cemetery. Stay on established paths, do not touch markers, keep voices low, and avoid staged or intrusive grave photography.
  • AccessibilityNatural surfaces and the short falls trail are not represented as wheelchair accessible. Contact Skagway visitor staff for current surface and transport alternatives.
  • Rail or cruise timingDo not attempt the full walk in a narrow layover. Protect the train’s boarding instruction and the ship’s all-aboard time with a large recovery margin.

Get the history first

Add Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center

Start beside the railway with free NPS orientation before visiting a real burial ground.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

How far is Gold Rush Cemetery from White Pass Railway?

The municipal map places it about 1.9 miles from 1st and Broadway. The combined cemetery-and-falls outing from 2nd and Broadway is about four miles round trip.

How long should I allow?

The official map estimates about two hours for the four-mile round trip. Add weather, photo, interpretation, and return-to-train buffer.

Is Lower Reid Falls at the cemetery?

A short forest path continues behind the cemetery. Municipal planning describes the falls segment as about 0.25 mile with roughly 50 feet of gain.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

No official source reviewed makes that promise. The route uses gravel, soil, and rock, and the falls spur is a natural-surface trail.

Can I cross through the railway yard?

No. Follow public roads and designated crossings. The official map specifically warns about vehicles and trains; tracks and railway access roads are not pedestrian shortcuts.

Is there a restroom?

The municipal map marks a privy near the cemetery parking area, but do not treat that as a guaranteed serviced restroom without a same-day check.

Is this mainly the Soapy Smith grave?

No. Smith and Frank Reid are well-known burials, but this is a broader community cemetery and should be visited respectfully rather than staged as an outlaw attraction.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.