Alaska Cruise Hiking Guide: Best Trails In Every Port

Hiking in Alaska is one of the most rewarding activities during a cruise. Many Alaska cruise ports provide direct access to beautiful trails, allowing you to step off the ship and reach wilderness areas within minutes.

We’ve returned to Alaska on several cruises, hiking in every major port. These are our top recommended routes because they are realistic to complete during a typical port stop.

Most routes are accessible without booking excursions. Compact downtowns and easy transportation let you explore rainforests, glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine viewpoints independently.

Understanding which hikes fit your available time and fitness level is the key to planning a successful day ashore.

Quick Planning Guide: Can You Hike During Your Cruise Stop?

Here are the best Alaska cruise port hikes you can realistically complete during a single port visit.

Juneau Hikes You Can Do During A Cruise Stop

Juneau is one of the top hiking destinations in Alaska. With glaciers, waterfalls, and forested trails nearby, you’ll find options for every fitness level. The city also offers easy access to the famous Mendenhall Glacier, one of the few glaciers in Alaska reachable by road.

Two of our favorite hikes here are Father Brown Cross and Gold Creek Flume. One delivers sweeping views, while the other offers a quiet forest walk. Both are excellent choices depending on your available time.

Nugget Falls Trail

• Distance from the port: 13 miles / Transportation: Shuttle or taxi / Time Needed: 2-3 hours

This is one of the most popular hikes in Juneau, and it’s easy to see why. The flat trail leads directly to Nugget Falls, a powerful 377-foot waterfall with Mendenhall Glacier visible in the background.

Before heading out, stop at the visitor center for restrooms and exhibits. Try to arrive early, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port.

This is an excellent first-time Alaska hike and a reliable option for families or travelers with limited time.

Mount Roberts Trails (via Tram)

• Distance from the port: 300 feet / Transportation: Walk / Time Needed: 1–3 hours

The Mount Roberts Tramway provides quick access to alpine hiking without the strenuous climb from sea level. The tram station sits just steps from the cruise docks, and the ticket includes access to all trails.

At the top, you’ll find a network of routes from easy nature walks to challenging summit trails. The Alpine Loop is a 1-mile paved path suitable for most visitors.

If you hike down instead of taking the tram both ways, the descent to Basin Road near downtown takes about an hour.

West Glacier Trail

• Distance from the port: 13 miles / Transportation: Taxi or car / Time Needed: 7 hours

This option provides one of the closest views of Mendenhall Glacier available without a guided tour. The route begins gradually but becomes more demanding near the end, including a short rock scramble.

The trail runs through lush rainforest and offers dramatic glacier scenery with far fewer crowds. This hike is best suited for active travelers with several hours in port.

Gold Creek Flume

• Distance from the port: 1 mile / Transportation: Taxi or walk/ Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Located just two miles from downtown Juneau, this easy trail follows a historic mining flume along lush rainforest. The route stays mostly flat and passes towering hemlocks and spruces.

We walked here from the AJ Dock on a sunny July morning, which added about 25 minutes each way but made the hike feel more adventurous. Compared with the busy glacier trails, this hike feels peaceful and uncrowded.

Skagway Hikes Near the Cruise Port

Skagway is one of the easiest Alaska cruise ports for independent hiking. Several trailheads are within walking distance of the docks, so you can skip organized tours and still enjoy excellent scenery.

Our favorite hiking trail in Skagway is the Lower Dewey Lake Trail. It combines forest, elevation, and a beautiful alpine lake, all within a manageable time frame.

Lower Dewey Lake Trail

• Distance from the port: 0.5 mile / Transportation: Walk/ Time Needed: 2 hours

The trail begins just a 10-minute walk from the cruise docks. It climbs steadily through spruce and hemlock forest before reaching a peaceful alpine lake.

We found the first half mile moderate, but the route levels out after that. Once at the lake, walking counterclockwise provides a more relaxed route. There’s an option to paddle on the lake with a borrowed boat and life vests.

Yakutania Point / Smuggler’s Cove

• Distance from the port: 0.5 mile / Transportation: Walk/ Time Needed: 1 hour

This coastal trail offers beautiful views of Lynn Canal and the surrounding mountains. You’ll start at the Skagway footbridge, a short walk from the cruise port.

You’ll pass rocky outcrops and might spot eagles, harbor seals, or other wildlife along the way. The trail ends at a secluded beach, ideal for beachcombing.

Reid Falls Trail

• Distance from the port: 2.2 miles / Transportation: Walk or shuttle/ Time Needed: 1 hour each way if walking

We have visited these falls multiple times. Once, we rented bikes from Klondike Electric Bikes and rode to the cemetery instead.

A Section Of The Chilkoot Trail

• Distance from the port: 10.5 miles / Transportation: Shuttle/ Time Needed: Depends on how far you hike

The historic Chilkoot Trail, famous from the Klondike Gold Rush, starts in Dyea near Skagway. You can hike the first few miles as a day trip from the cruise port, though reaching the trailhead requires a taxi or bus ride.

The initial section follows the Taiya River through temperate rainforest. I hiked this trail on a hike-and-float tour. Be warned, mosquitoes can be bad in spring and summer.

Ketchikan Hikes During A Cruise Stop

Ketchikan is known for its rainforests and coastal scenery. While the town is small, it offers several excellent hiking options for cruise visitors.

Note that the popular Rainbird Trail is indefinitely closed due to a landslide in August 2024.

Totem Bight State Historical Park Trail

• Distance from the port: 10 miles / Transportation: City bus/ Time Needed: 2 hours

Totem Bight State Historical Park sits 10 miles north of downtown, or 2.8 miles from the Ward Cove cruise port. It costs USD 2 by city bus to reach the trailhead.

The trail winds through a coastal rainforest with restored totem poles and a clan house. It delivers a good balance of nature and culture. Budget 2-3 hours total, including transportation from the cruise port.

Ward Lake Trail

• Distance from the port: 9 miles from downtown, 3 miles from Ward Cove / Transportation: Taxi / Time Needed: 1 hour

The flat, wide trail circles a lake and offers opportunities to see eagles, ducks, and salmon in late summer. It’s ideal for cruise guests wanting a leisurely walk rather than a strenuous trek.

Deer Mountain Trail

• Distance from the port: 1.6 miles / Transportation: City bus / Time Needed: 5-6 hours

Deer Mountain Trail is the most challenging hike in Ketchikan. It climbs steeply, gaining 3,000 feet over 2.5 miles to reach the summit. The path is well-maintained but rocky and can be slippery when wet.

The summit push is not recommended for casual hikers due to steep grades and exposure. Most cruise visitors hike 1-2 miles up and return instead of attempting the full summit. Plan for 2-3 hours if you go only partway up the trail.

Sitka Hikes Worth Doing On A Cruise

Sitka is smaller than other Alaska cruise ports, but it offers beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.

Herring Cove Trail

• Distance from the port: 12.6 miles / Transportation: Taxi or car / Time Needed: 2–3 hours

Herring Cove Trail is roughly 4 miles from downtown. We rented a car to reach the trailhead. The hike was our favorite in Sitka for its serenity and beautiful scenery.

The trail itself extends approximately 1.2 miles through coastal forest and boardwalk sections. It’s incredibly scenic, with waterfalls and streams. Bear and eagle sightings are common, especially during salmon season.

Mosquito Cove Trail

• Distance from the port: 2.1 miles / Transportation: Bus or walk / Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Mosquito Cove Trail starts at Starrigavan Recreation Area, about 1.5 miles from the cruise terminal. The 1.3-mile loop passes through muskeg and old-growth forest with boardwalk sections that protect the landscape and keep your feet dry.

The terrain is mainly flat, making this an easy hike. Birdlife is common here, and interpretive signs along the trail highlight native plants and the unique muskeg ecosystem.

Hiking In Haines

Haines is an alternative port to Skagway but sees very few ships. The town’s four main trail systems offer options for all skill levels, with Battery Point a favorite.

Battery Point Trail

• Distance from the port: 1.8 miles / Transportation: Walk / Time Needed: 2 hours

This Haines trail is a round-trip hike you can walk to directly from town, making it one of the easiest options for cruise visitors. The mostly flat path winds through spruce forest to scenic shoreline views across Lynn Canal and Rainbow Glacier.

Hiking During A Gulf Of Alaska Cruise

Cruises going further north through the Gulf of Alaska have access to more ports and hiking trails. In Seward, the trail system to Exit Glacier is not to be missed. The easiest route is only a mile round trip.

For a more arduous experience, the Harding Icefield Trail extends 8.2 miles round-trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

Whittier, Anchorage, and Denali have more options to enjoy the outdoors on wilderness trails. Flat Top Mountain in Anchorage is a favorite for both visitors and locals. However, some of our new favorite routes are at Fort Abercrombie on Kodiak Island.

Best Alaska Cruise Port Hikes By Interest

Here is a breakdown of the best Alaska hiking trails by interest.

Should You Book A Hiking Excursion Or Go On Your Own?

Most Alaska cruise ports make independent hiking surprisingly easy. However, guided excursions can be helpful for longer or more remote trails.

Choose a guided hike if:

• You want transportation included.
• You prefer a naturalist guide.
• The trail is far from town.
• Wildlife safety is a concern.

Go on your own if:

• The trail is close to the port.
• You want flexibility with timing.
• You’re comfortable navigating independently.
• You want to save money.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Alaska beyond the cruise ship. With accessible trails in nearly each port, you can explore glaciers, rainforests, and mountain views without an expensive excursion.

Whether you choose a short scenic walk or a longer adventure, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your limited time ashore. Start with one trail per port, allow extra time to return to the ship, and enjoy the freedom to explore Alaska at your own pace.

Sharing is caring!