UPPER LAKE CABIN
 The hike to Upper Lake Cabin begins at the base of the Lower Dewey Lake System.
This trail system is easily accessible from downtown Skagway by
following 2nd Ave. east past the railroad depot. The trailhead is
located 120 meters north of 2nd Ave. along the railroad tracks. Where
the railroad tracks cross the road turn left and follow the tracks 120
meters north to the trailhead (beware of trains when crossing the
tracks!) A short distance up the hill the trail branches off to the
right (continuing straight up the hill is a steep power company
maintenance road). Descend the wooden staircase, duck under the water
pipe, and continue up the hill. The trail jogs left and crosses a short
footbridge. Here the trail continues on a steep main uphill for about
100 meters. There is a clearing and rock bench at the top of this
incline with a view of town and the harbor. Continue up the steep
switchback trail staying generally to the right at intersections.
Notice where the trail appears to be going straight ahead but actually
turns sharply right. Going straight here leads to a reservoir and the
north end of the lake. It is advised to take the sharp right toward
Lower Dewey Lake and go left at the junction sign. Follow the
trail north across several wooden footbridges to the Upper Dewey Lake
trail junction sign and turn right up the trail. The route climbs
steeply through a series of switchbacks. About 800 feet above Lower
Dewey Lake there is a view of town. Near the trail’s end, the
climb eases, and the route follows Dewey Creek closely for a short way.
It finally emerges from the trees into a muskeg meadow, where there are
views of Mt. Harding and the inlet below. Day hikers should be
prepared for weather and altitude changes and carry proper clothing,
water, and essentials.
Upper Dewey Lake
Time: All day (5-6 hours roundtrip)
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km) roundtrip
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet (945 meters)
A recently finished, modern and insulated 16 ft by
12ft A-Frame is located on the dike over looking the lake. It comes
complete with a covered wrap-around porch, comfortably sleeping 4 in
bunks on the main floor and 2-4 in the spacious loft. An oil fired
stove provides better than adequate heat on even the coldest nights,
consuming approximately one gallon of #1 diesel oil (Kerosene) in 24
hours of continuous operation at mid range settings. Numerous windows
provide for ample lighting throughout the day, offering scenic views of
the lake and surrounding mountain ridges. Lodgers will need to provide
their own cook stove, utensils, bedding, and sufficient heating oil
depending on time of year. Lake and stream water should be boiled prior
to cooking or drinking. An outhouse is located nearby. User fees and reservations
are required for this cabin and the renter is responsible for leaving
the area clean and garbage free upon departure. Rental fees are listed
below:
- $10 US per day from October 1st to April 30th
- $35 US per day from May 1st to September 30th
- $50 US refundable key deposit
It is necessary to read, sign and fill out the rules & rental agreement prior to utilizing the cabin. These documents along with payment
in US dollars can be dropped off in person or mailed to:
The Skagway Recreation Center/Upper Lake Cabin
455 13th Ave.
PO Box 868
Skagway, AK 99840
Please make checks payable to: The Municipality of Skagway
Make a reservation
A very rustic log cabin dating back to the
1920’s also sits by the lake and is open to the public on a first
come first serve basis. It has gone through a number of
improvements throughout the years, but retains the trapper style roots
of its original builders. Plywood bunks sleep 5 maximum. A wood stove
generates sufficient heat to cook and warm the cabin even during winter
months. Wood is at a premium and can be scarce at times, though
resourceful campers can generally gather enough for their stay. Cutting
of standing trees is strictly prohibited. Outside open pit fires are
discouraged. The cabin is, for the most part, unregulated and receives
no regular maintenance. Volunteer crews generally ensure it is prepared
for occupancy in the spring and rely on users to keep it clean and
report damage or requests for repairs. As with the rental cabin, users
need to provide their own cook stove, utensils, and bedding. Lake and
stream water should be boiled prior to cooking or drinking. Users are
responsible for leaving the area free of garbage upon departure. Pack
it in, pack it out!
From Upper Dewey Lake you can hike to
Devil’s Punchbowl. Just follow the narrow footpath south
from the primitive cabin up the alpine ridge to a spectacular overlook.
Watch for rock cairns where the trail crosses boulder fields.
Devil’s Punchbowl is a tarn nestled in a deep, rocky bowl, but it
is not a recommended camping spot.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Time: 2 hours roundtrip from Upper Dewey Lake
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip from Upper Dewey Lake
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 meters) from Upper Dewey Lake
Overnight camping is permissible on all trails.
Permits are required for the Chilkoot Trail and can be obtained at the
Trail Center located at 2nd & Broadway. A free permit must be
obtained at the Skagway City Police station located at 1st and State
St. for camping at Yakutania Point, Smuggler’s Cove, AB Mountain,
in Dyea and along the Dewey Lake Trail System. Skagway offers a
diverse selection of day and overnight hikes. Detailed
descriptions and map are included in the Skagway Trail Map available from the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Complete visitor information can be found at www.skagway.com.
Summer
Skate Park
The existing Park features a street
ramp course with a variety of events sure to give even the
finest of skaters an adrenaline rush. The course includes two
1/4 pipes, one rollover, a fun box with bank, and two banks
with a center 1/4 pipe.
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