Laughton Glacier Hiking Expedition

With a ratio of no more than six guests per guide, you will receive extraordinary customer service.

Your trip to the Laughton Glacier combines a scenic train ride aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway with a wilderness trek to the magnificent Laughton Glacier, an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Itinerary

You will board the train for a nearly one-hour journey on the White Pass scenic railway, filled with spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers, jagged mountain peaks, and complemented by Klondike Gold Rush history. At Glacier Station, you will begin a fully guided round-trip hike of up to eight miles, in the clean mountain air.

Your hike begins on a well-maintained trail meandering through the surreal beauty of an old-growth rainforest valley that is home to an abundance of moose, bear, mountain goats and other wild animals.

The trail winds along the raging Skagway River, meeting it in places where you will take memorable photos before you turn into the valley containing the majestic Laughton Glacier. You will take a break at the “lookout” and bask in the splendor of the 360-degree views available there.

Leaving the lookout and proceeding toward the glacier, you will notice that the route has become more rugged, though still manageable. Approaching the glacier, the terrain changes dramatically as you leave the rocky riverbed and pick your way through a boulder field and onto the glacier.

You are certain to enjoy the breathtaking views, exposed crevasses and moulins, and other fascinating features of the great frozen river of ice, ever-changing in the harsh Alaskan environment. Hot drinks will be offered by your guides while you are perched on the glacier. Upon return to the trailhead, you will be greeted with our traditional “Bush Buffet”, complete with cold beverages.

Relax and enjoy the ride back to town on “The Scenic Railway of the World”. 

You’ll need a valid passport because the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway briefly travels through Canadian territory on the way to and from Glacier Station. Even though you won’t leave the train or go through customs in Canada, a passport is required for re-entry into the United States as part of border regulations.

Yes! The Laughton Glacier Hiking Expedition continues beyond the forest and river valley all the way onto the glacier itself. After navigating the rocky moraine and boulder fields near the base, you’ll step onto the ice with your guide to explore its fascinating features — from crevasses and moulins to vivid blue ice formations. It’s a rare opportunity to safely experience walking on a living glacier in Alaska.

The Laughton Glacier Trail is located in the Tongass National Forest, near Skagway, Alaska. This remote wilderness area is only accessible by train via the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, making it one of the most exclusive glacier hikes in Alaska.

The Laughton Glacier hike is considered moderate to strenuous, depending on seasonal trail conditions and how far the group continues onto the glacier. Guests should be comfortable hiking 4–8 miles on uneven terrain and rocky sections near the glacier.

Unlike most glacier tours in Alaska, this trip combines a scenic train ride, a guided wilderness hike, and actual glacier travel—all in one day. The small group size (no more than six guests per guide) allows for a personalized, in-depth experience of Alaska’s landscapes and natural history.

The Laughton Glacier Hiking Expedition operates from April through October, with glacier access typically best from mid-June to early September once snow conditions improve. Early season hikes may not go fully onto the glacier due to snow cover.

No experience is required! Your professional guide will outfit you with all the necessary gear and teach you safe travel techniques on the ice. This trip is suitable for adventurous beginners in good physical condition.