Just over this Alaskan Coastal Range, through White Pass, lies the town of Skagway. The name Skagway most likely stems from the Tlingit word sch-kawai, meaning end of the salt water. Skagway is surrounded by wilderness and mountains on three sides, and reached from the sea through Lynn Canal.
Skagway's early history reached its most interesting era after gold was discovered in 1896. The large crowds of colorful souls arrived the following year, long after prime claims had been established. Steamers brought in most of the town's new residents, who simply set up shacks and tents on any empty plot of ground. One of the newcomers, Jefferson Soapy Smith, brought along his gang to control Skagway. With almost 15,000 packed into town, it quickly earned the title, the roughest place on earth. The National Park Service has set up the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Skagway, recreating and restoring Skagway's rowdy past. Skagway is also encircled with beautiful hiking trails. A short hike takes visitors to lower Dewey Lake. For a real challenge, the Chilkoot Trail is a 33 mile hike with elevation gains of 4,700 feet, requiring at least four days. Along the Chilkoot, hikers are asked not to disturb the many historic artifacts, left behind by eager, 19th century prospectors.