At the northern tip of the Inside Passage, the Gold Rush Cemetery sits on the edge of Skagway, Alaska, just a few kilometers from downtown. The site holds the graves of pioneers, prospectors and local figures who shaped the Klondike epic in the late 19th century. Combined with the nearby Lower Reid Falls, it forms a historical and natural stop accessible on foot from the port.

Why visit the Gold Rush Cemetery

This cemetery stands as one of the few remaining witnesses to the Klondike Gold Rush (1897-1898) in Skagway. It offers three main points of interest:

• A concrete reading of history: the gravestones put names to the actors of this period, notably Frank H. Reid and Jefferson "Soapy" Smith.
• A forested setting: shaded trail under conifers, extended by Lower Reid Falls.
• A short and free visit: free admission, easily combined with a stroll through town.

Site history

Established in 1898, the Gold Rush Cemetery is one of Skagway's oldest burial grounds. It was created at the height of Klondike fever, when the town served as a departure point for trails to Chilkoot and White Pass.

Two names alone capture the romantic dimension of the place: Frank H. Reid, local hero, and Jefferson "Soapy" Smith, a notorious bandit leading an organized gang in Skagway. Their fatal duel on July 8, 1898, marked the end of an era: Smith was killed outright, Reid died from his wounds a few days later. Their graves rank among the most visited in the cemetery.

The legacy of Martin Itjen

In the early 20th century, as Skagway lost its population after the rush ended, Martin Itjen, a former gold prospector turned guide and storyteller, brought renewed visibility to the town's past. Through his guided tours aboard refitted buses, he helped make the cemetery known to early visitors. Itjen now rests here, alongside his wife, beneath a tombstone topped with what he presented as the "world's largest gold nugget."

What to see on site

• The grave of Soapy Smith: a simple stone, set apart, reflecting his ambiguous status as a local criminal figure.
• The Frank Reid monument: the cemetery's most imposing sepulcher, with an inscription honoring his role as the town's defender.
• The grave of Martin Itjen: topped by his famous nugget, a nod to his character as a guide-storyteller.
• Gravestones of anonymous pioneers: wooden crosses and modest plaques testifying to the high mortality during the rush.
• Lower Reid Falls: a short forest trail walk behind the cemetery.

Practical information

• Access: open and free, with no admission booth.
• Duration of visit: plan 30 minutes for the cemetery alone, 1 to 1.5 hours including Lower Reid Falls.
• Equipment: comfortable shoes recommended, the ground often remaining damp near the falls.
• Respect for the site: this is a cemetery still regarded as a memorial site, to be explored without excessive noise.

When to go

The most favorable season runs from May to September, when trails are passable and vegetation is present. Outside this period, snow and ice can complicate access to the falls.

To avoid cruise ship passenger crowds, choose early mornings or late afternoons. Alaska's long summer days provide ample time flexibility for your visit.

How to get there

The cemetery is located about 2.5 km north of downtown Skagway. Several options are available:

• On foot: 30 to 40 minutes' walk from the port, via State Street then Alaska Street.
• By SMART shuttle: the municipal shuttle serves a nearby stop, practical in rainy weather or high season.
• By taxi: direct trips from downtown, useful for the outbound journey, with return on foot via the trail.

The path is well-marked and presents no particular difficulty.

What to combine with

A visit fits easily into a day in Skagway. To extend a nature-focused trip through Canada, several sites are worth exploring:

• Banff National Park: Canada's most iconic Rocky Mountain park.
• Elk Falls Provincial Park: spectacular falls on Vancouver Island.
• Bic National Park: St. Lawrence coastal landscapes.
• Cowichan Bay: a maritime village in British Columbia.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Gold Rush Cemetery is part of a larger route through the landscapes of the northwestern United States and Canada. To build a custom itinerary blending history, nature and wide open spaces, explore our Canada trips.