Skagway Wildlife Viewing
Klondike Highway

photo of Klondike Highway area wildlife The Klondike Highway follows the Skagway River north for 15 miles to the Canadian border. Bears feed on berries and plants at lower elevations throughout the summer, with best roadside viewing chances in late spring and early autumn. Stop at pullouts (especially the one by Moore’s Bridge at mile 11) to look for mountain goats on the rocky cliffs and outcroppings along the road. Marmots, arctic ground squirrels and pikas dart among the rocks and small plants near the road. Look for grouse, ptarmigan, golden eagles, yellow-crowned sparrows, gyrfalcons, northern hawk owls, snow buntings, wandering tattlers, yellowlegs, and sandpipers throughout the summer. The small roadside lakes just across the Canadian border (about 16 miles from town) are good birding spots. Pairs of trumpeter swans visit these lakes each spring. Keep an eye out for moose as you continue into Canada. If you plan to take a day trip into Canada, remember that proper identification is required to cross the border.

Habitat

The Klondike Highway ascends from sea level into the alpine, which is good habitat for marmots, pikas, mountain goats and a variety of birds.

Species

  • Black Bear
  • Brown Bear
  • Grouse
  • Marmot
  • Moose
  • Mountain Goat
  • Peeps and Sandpipers
  • Pikas
  • Ptarmigan
  • Swans
  • Yellowlegs

Hints

The best, and safest, way to search for wildlife along the highway is to stop in some of the many pullouts and spend time listening and looking, especially with binoculars or a spotting scope.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Interpretive Signs
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Notes

Rental cars are available in Skagway, and renters are allowed to take cars over the Canadian border. The Klondike Highway may be closed in the winter due to weather and road conditions.

Plan to spend at least: 2 hours - full day

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

To get to the Klondike Highway, drive north out of town along State Street, which curves to the left at 23rd Street, crosses the Skagway River and becomes the Klondike Highway.

Contact

Skagway Convention and Visitor's Bureau - (907) 983-2854 or http://www.skagway.com

Additional Information

Living with Bears