White Pass Summit, Klondike Highway

Driving through the historic Klondike Highway is an extraordinary memorable experience. The 445 mile/715 km highway passes through three different states (provinces): Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. The South Klondike Highway connects Skagway (Alaska) to Whitehorse (Yukon), and passes through the White Pass mountain summit area and the Southern Lakes region of the Yukon. The North Klondike Highway connects Whitehorse to Dawson City, Yukon. The Klondike Highway runs pretty much parallel to the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway and offers stunning panorama views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, the dead horse gulch, waterfalls, tunnels, and historic sites.

There are many vista points worth stopping at along the South Klondike highway. The stunning White Pass is one among them. White Pass is a mountain ridge through the Coast Mountains range on the border of Alaska and the province of British Columbia, Canada. It leads from Skagway to the chain of lakes at the headwaters of the Yukon River. The White Pass trail was the main pass used by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. Though it was easier than the Chilkoot Trail, the lengthy journey and harsh climate took the lives of many prospectors and their horses. Therefore, the White Pass trail was nicknamed the Dead Horse Trail.

These photos are from our motor coach tour to White Pass Summit and Yukon during the last week of August, 2013.

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Quick Facts and Tips

• Make sure you have valid passports and visas since the Klondike Highway crosses the US-Canada border.
• Best time to visit: June to September
  • June – August: The weather is mild, the days are long, perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes.
  • May and September: Considered as shoulder seasons, cooler temperature, fewer crowds, and the scenery is still beautiful.
• Port of Call or Fly Into: Skagway, Alaska.
• Clothing
  • It is cool, so plan to dress in layers. Comfortable jeans, T-shirts, warm jackets, scarfs, caps, gloves, rain jackets, comfortable walking shoes.
• What to Expect
  • Glacier, Snow-capped mountains, Craggy Mountains, Fjords, Rushing Waterfalls, Sparkling Lakes, Valleys, Wildlife, Gorges, Tunnels, Historic Gold Rush sites.
• There are no facilities at the summit, bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Make sure you have the camera and its accessories. The stunning views from the summit are worth capturing!
• Be sure to check the road conditions, if you are traveling by car. The Klondike Highway can be narrow and winding, and there may be construction or delays.
• Skagway’s Official Website: Explore Skagway
• Best things to do
  • Ride the rails of history on the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, following the Klondike Gold Rush path from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon. 
  • Walk around Skagway city
  • Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and check your luck with Gold panning
  • Embark on Skagway’s scenic railway for the White Pass Summit Excursion. Enjoy vast canyon views and a narrated tour to the summit.
  • Explore local landmarks, including the White Pass & Yukon Railroad route, Pitchfork Falls, and more.
  • Explore other attractions like the Trail of 98 Museum,  Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway City Overlook, and more. More info here.
  • Take a Bus/Motor Coach/Jeep Tour to White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge. Choose wisely and explore breathtaking landscapes on your perfect adventure.
  • Do Skagway Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing Tour
  • Take a Skagway Street Car City Tour with a storyteller
  • Take a Chilkoot Lake Tour to watch wildlife
  • Float along the Taiya River