Fresh mountain air and quaint natural beauty that's Skagway, Alaska

Alaska cruises

 

Now that the summer has brought warm weather to the Northern hemisphere, many American travelers have decided to explore the country's largest state – Alaska. While touring the Last Frontier can allow travelers to discover a number of wondrous sights, vacationers can see more of the area by booking Alaska cruises. Among the myriad sites to explore, vacationers should make sure that their itinerary includes a stop in the beautiful borough of Skagway.

Located on the Alaskan Panhandle, Skagway was originally considered a city before being incorporated as a borough in 2007. The town first sprung up in the late 1800s at the height of the Yukon Gold Rush and has since become the hub of tourism in the region thanks to its lush mountain scenery and numerous historical attractions.

One of the best ways to explore the region aboard a scenic steam train, and Skagway lies on the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad. A holdover from the prospector days, the train line was originally used to haul away gold ore but now serves as a 41-mile tour for travelers looking to explore the area's hills and mountains during the summer months.

Mountains pervade the area, but the one that interests most travelers visiting Skagway on an Alaska cruise is the Klondike Summit. Also known as the White Pass Summit, this peak stands 3,292 feet above sea level, and the path that leads to is offers stunning views of towering waterfalls, postcard-quality vistas and excellent glimpses of the original Dead Horse Trail and Tormented Valley.

Nature lovers will want to head out of town to check out the beautiful neighboring borough of Haines, which boasts a wealth of natural beauty and a thriving animal population. Though the area is home to a number of majestic species, it is perhaps best known for its bald eagle population. Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, and travelers can see these rare creatures at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

It's easy to catch up on the cultural heritage of Skagway at the Red Onion Saloon. A popular bordello during the Klondike Gold Rush, the saloon has since softened its image and is now a lively bar/restaurant and a National Historic Building.

Alaska is also a natural destination for outdoor adventures. While the winter is ideal for skiing and dog sledding, the summer opens opportunities for hiking, nature watching, ziplining, flightseeing and more.