About this tour
When Alex from our BugBitten team did this Skagway adventure, we rode the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway deep into Tongass National Forest, then hiked out to Laughton Glacier itself — and actually walked on the ice. It's a full-day affair (just under 10 hours) that combines train scenery with a proper backcountry hike, typically 6–8 miles depending on group pace. You're in genuine wilderness here, and the trail's in excellent nick thanks to three decades of Packer Expeditions' upkeep. The vibe is outdoorsy but structured; you'll see other tour groups, but the glacier moment feels earned.
Highlights
- Train journey through temperate rainforest at the start and finish.
- Actually step onto Laughton Glacier ice with proper crampons provided.
- Freshly made lunch from a local Skagway restaurant included.
- Well-maintained trail through old-growth forest with clear waymarking.
- Guides carry spare snacks if you run low on energy.
- All gear supplied: ice creepers, poles, rain jackets, warm layers.
- Onboard train restrooms mean no desperate bush stops.
- Moderate fitness gets you there; not a scramble.
What to expect
The day starts with a scenic train ride that sets the tone — you're climbing elevation without the legwork, watching dense forest roll past. Once you disembark, the hiking proper begins. The trail is well-graded and marked, winding through the rainforest with steady but manageable climbing. You'll notice the trail bed is genuinely looked after; rocks are placed, erosion's managed, and sightlines are clear. As you climb, the forest opens up and the glacier comes into view — white and real against the dark rock.
When you reach the glacier, your guides fit you with crampons (ice creepers), and you walk out onto the ice itself. It's not a scramble or technical climbing, but you're genuinely on the glacier, feeling the ice underfoot and looking back at the landscape you've just hiked through. The return follows the same trail; the train ride home is a gentle wind-down, and you'll feel properly tired in the good way. Most hikers finish within the 6–8 mile estimate; guides adjust pace to the group's fitness level.
Good to know
This is a genuinely satisfying day out. You get real wilderness without needing mountaineering skills or extreme fitness. The glacier moment is the payoff, and it's worth the hike. Guides are experienced at managing groups, and the trail maintenance means you're not bushwhacking. Families and solo travellers with moderate fitness will find their level here.
This is not for everyone. Poor cardiovascular fitness, spinal injuries, or pregnancy mean sitting this one out — the elevation gain and hike duration are real. It's exposed and weather-dependent; rain, cold, and wind are routine in Alaska, and you'll be out in it. Expect crowds in peak season (summer cruise ship months); the train ride and glacier draw tourists. Crampons are provided but require some ankle stability to use safely. You'll need your passport (Canadian airspace). Most inclusions are solid — pre-ordered lunch, gear, snacks — but double-check what 'gear' covers; if you have specific cold-weather needs, mention them. Group sizes typically run 10–20 people. Bring extra layers, even if provided; the glacier is cold.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.