Things to do nearLower Reid Falls

Lower Reid Falls sits at the edge of Skagway along a short, forested path that leads through one of Southeast Alaska's signature ecosystems. The surrounding rainforest is dense with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and devil's club, creating the kind of primordial green atmosphere that feels worlds away from the boardwalk bustle of downtown. The waterfall itself drops cleanly over dark rock, pooling into a shallow basin fringed with ferns and moss.

The trail is accessible to most visitors and takes only a few minutes each way, making it ideal for a spontaneous detour between other Skagway sights. History runs deep in this valley, as the land around Skagway was shaped by the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, and the surrounding mountains still carry that sense of raw ambition and frontier endurance. For a deeper look at that era, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is just a short distance away.

Those wanting more waterfall scenery can continue farther up the valley toward Pitchfork Falls, a dramatic multi-strand cascade that rewards a longer hike. Lower Reid Falls is a quiet, unhurried place that captures the essence of coastal Alaska, making it well worth even the briefest stop.