Top 4 Lakes in Skagway Municipality

Lower Dewey Lake is the most popular and accessible lake, located a short hike from downtown Skagway. The 1.5-mile trail around the lake is ideal for families and offers stunning views. You can find more details about the loop trail on the Lower Dewey Lake Loop highlight page.

Yes, Upper Dewey Lake offers a more challenging experience. Reaching this alpine lake requires a steep two-hour hike, covering 2.5 miles with a 3,200-foot elevation gain from Lower Dewey Lake. The reward is an idyllic, mesmerizing blue-green lake fed by glaciers. Learn more about this challenging trail on the Upper Dewey Lake highlight page.

The region around Skagway's lakes is rich in wildlife. For instance, Chilkoot Lake, accessible via a catamaran ride to Haines, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and harbor seals. The area is also known for its salmon-filled river, especially during its four annual salmon runs. Around Lost Lake, visitors should be aware that grizzly bears are known to frequent the area.

Yes, Lower Dewey Lake is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant loop trail suitable for leisurely walks. Additionally, Smuggler's Cove, a peaceful grassy area along the water, is also noted as family-friendly and accessible from Dyea Road or the Skagway Airport. You can find more information about family-friendly hikes in the area on our Family-friendly hikes in Skagway Municipality guide.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Lower Dewey Lake is known for brook trout fishing. Lost Lake offers rainbow trout fishing, and Chilkoot Lake is particularly famous for its salmon fishing during its annual runs.

Beyond hiking and fishing, the lakes in Skagway Municipality offer opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including those around Lower and Upper Dewey Lakes. For more options, check out our guides on Hiking in Skagway Municipality and Running Trails in Skagway Municipality.

Yes, near Upper Dewey Lake, there is a public-use cabin, the Upper Dewey Lake Cabin. It must be reserved in advance for a fee from the Skagway Recreation Center.

The trail along the west side of Lower Dewey Lake is generally smoother, while the east side, detailed in the Lower Dewey Lake Loop — East Side highlight, is considerably rougher. The full loop can present a variety of surfaces, including plank bridges, rocks, tree roots, and occasional solid dirt footpaths, making it a fun challenge for those who enjoy varied terrain.

Yes, Lost Lake is noted for its beautiful surroundings and recreational opportunities, including blueberry picking.

The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Upper Dewey Lake is a mesmerizing blue-green, fed by glaciers and framed by majestic mountains. Lower Dewey Lake is surrounded by a lush Northern Coastal Forest. Chilkoot Lake is a prominent glacial-fed body of water surrounded by mountain peaks.

The trail to Upper Dewey Lake is a challenging option for trail runners due to its steep inclines. The Lower Dewey Lake Loop also offers a varied terrain that can be enjoyable for trail running, though it's not for those with weak ankles due to the diverse surfaces.