Laughton Glacier Hike and White Pass Rail Adventure
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Your trip to the Laughton Glacier combines a scenic train ride aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway with a wilderness hike to the magnificent Laughton Glacier where you have an opportunity to HIKE ON A GLACIER! This is an out-and-back trail through the Tongass National Forest. The hiking speed of each tour determines the length of the hike, typically the whole hike is 6-8 miles.
For 33 Years Packer Expeditions has been Skagway's premiere Eco Tourism Agency! We've grown alongside Alaska's robust tourism and cruise community and have dialed in our services to be THE BEST Eco tour, ANYWHERE in the world!
The Laughton Glacier trail is world-class, not only because of the hard work and dedication of the Juneau Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest but also because Packer Expeditions has invested countless days into trail improvements and maintenance. This trail exists as a testament to the care and love that our guides have poured in over 3 decades of tours!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
All Aboard! Our journey begins on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, the only way to get to the Laughton Glacier Trailhead without chartering a helicopter. While on board, you will receive your lunch sandwich, snacks and water in a provided lumbar pack to bring with you on your journey. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from the train as you ride along this historic railroad. Get to know your guide, listen in to the world class narration on board and get ready to go hiking! At the end of our hike we will ride the same train back to Skagway, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Once the WP&YR drops us off at the trailhead, we will gear up to get going! After a brief safety talk, get outfitted with what you need to succeed on the trail! (All clients are provided with ice creepers for traversing the glacier ice, and trekking poles if they desire.) At the end of our hike, we will stow our gear and take a much deserved rest as we await the WP&YR to pick us up and take us back to Skagway.
Options
Laughton Glacier Hike and White Pass Rail Adventure
What‘s Included
Our lunches are premade to order by a local restaurant!
We provide lumbar packs as well as ice creepers, trekking poles, rain gear and warm layers.
**PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED**
Our train ride at the beginning and end of the tour includes a restroom for all guests.
All guests receive assorted snacks (trail mix, granola bars, candy bars and fruit gummies.) Don't worry if you get jealous of other peoples candy bars, our guides carry plenty of extra for everyone!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing hike with knowledgeable guide
Oliver S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family had an unforgettable experience hiking to Laughton Glacier with Packer Expeditions. Austin and Sam were fantastic guides. They were friendly, personable, and great to spend the day with. Austin’s knowledge of Alaskan history, plants, the ecosystem, and glaciers added so much to the experience and made the hike both educational and fun. The scenery was incredible, and the entire adventure was expertly guided from start to finish. A truly amazing experience that we’ll never forget!
Awesome Hike!
Crissy K,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Austin is awesome! He will give you the true Alaskan experience in a small group. Not only is he the tour guide, but he is also the owner of the company. Sam was also great! The second half of the hike is STRENUOUS if you have to use snow shoes, so heed that warning. It was a truly amazing experience. They provided plenty of snacks and really good sandwiches from a local coffee shop. Wear layers as it does get colder as you get close to the glacier. Highly recommend!
Amazing glacier hike
denisemR2724EJ,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fabulous experience! Such a beautiful place and the glacier was amazing! I’m 70 and had my doubts about being able to complete this hike…but I did! Austin and Sam are outstanding guides. They provide you with Eve you need, including support and encouragement! It was the highlight of our Alaska trip!
Glacier hike
Denise M,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I’m 70 years old and was able to do this hike. The guides were outstanding! They provide everything you need along with support and encouragement when needed. Austin and Sam were so knowledgeable and really know the trails. So glad we did this tour.
Best excursion we’ve experienced
Darin M,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Austin and Sam were wonderful tour guides. The glacier tour was one of the best excursions we’ve experienced. We can’t thank them enough.
Great hike to a glacier
S3946FJjenniferf,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time. We had 2 guides for 10 people so there was lots of personal attention. They provided lunch, snacks, even hot cocoa and hand warmers. Everything was taken care of so all we had to do was enjoy the hike!
Loved our hike!
Natalie K,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My 11 year old and I hiked with Sam and Austin and had such a wonderful day! It was our first time in snowshoes, we loved the new experience. This was my favorite excursion of our trip as you got to spend enough time on and in the land to appreciate it at a different level - which is always my choice and why I enjoy hiking so much. Walking next to the rivers was beautiful, love the sound of water, going up among the mountains was majestic, and trekking in the snow was wonderful! Wish we could have done something like this at all our stops. Thanks for a great day you two!
AMAZING! A must if you like to hike a little or alot
L9454ZWkarenm,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING!!! Words can't describe how great this hike was. Austin and Sam were the best guides. They talked about the trees and plants along the way and were on the watch for wildlife. Saw a porcupine along the way. It was quiet and peaceful since we were the only hikers out there. We reached the area with snow and put on snowshoes to continue to glacier (which was cool to us since we don't see snow at home). They kept at a pace that was good for all of us since 2 of us only do small hikes. We were lucky to have a clear day and the views were spectacular. This will be an adventure my family will never forget. One we may repeat someday. Thanks Austin & Sam!!!! We will recommend to anyone heading your way!
Beautiful adventure!
BetsyW224,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning mountain vistas through the whole hike, as well as beautiful rivers or babbling brooks along the whole route. Guides were friendly, knowledgeable and prepared. Some lingering snow resulted in need for snow shoes the last mile or so, which was challenging but not too bad, all made for a fulfilling adventure!
Super cool Glacier Voyage experience!
jamesrF2495XD,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome snowshoe/glacier hike. I think we had more adventure and more fun than the entire rest of our cruise ship that day. Austin and Sam guided us expertly across the Alaska wilds which involved half hiking and half snowshoeing up onto the glacier's foot (toe? snout??). They kept us on track and informed along the way and had all the gear and snacks required for the journey. And worth calling out IMO -- avoided single use plastics for the provided water. Way to be, Austin and Sam!
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