Upper Dewey Lake

Distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 922 m (3025 ft)
Time: 4.5 hours 		Date Added: November 1, 2011
Last Update: November 1, 2011
Winter: snowshoeing 

Nestled below a cirque of rocky peaks and a glacier, Upper Dewey Lake is a breathtaking place for a picnic or an overnight hike. There are two cabins, one is free, the other can be rented, and there are picnic tables on the lake. The hike up to the lake is steep, but well worth the effort.

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Driving Directions

From downtown Skagway, go to 2nd Avenue and Spring Street. Walk over to the mountain side, over a bridge and across the railroad tracks. The trail starts climbing right away.


Trail Description

After crossing the railroad tracks, the wide trail climbs up into the coastal forest. Right away you will come to a fork where you can continue straight or turn right. Turn right and duck under the large metal pipe. The trail is easy to follow and has a nice view over Skagway. There will be trail signs with directions to Lower (Dewey) Lake Loop and Icy Lake/Upper Reid Falls, but you want to follow the signs that point to Upper Lake/Devil's Punchbowl.

When you leave the signs for Lower Dewey Lake Loop behind, the trail will start to climb steeper. The trail is still easy to follow and well maintained. There is even a bridge over one of the streams higher up the trail. You will be in the forest the entire time (4 kms) until you get to Upper Dewey Lake.

The trail is short enough to be a great day hike, but the view at the lake is pleasant enough to make it a great overnight hike as well. The free cabin is dark, but is still fairly large and has bunkbeds and a stove. The rental cabin has lots of light, a covered patio, and a view over the lake. The rental cabin has 2 bunkbeds on the lower level (which could sleep 4 comfortably) and an open loft upstairs (where perhaps 4-6 people could sleep). A kerosene stove keeps the cabin toasty, but you have to carry your own fuel up. Contact the Skagway Recreation Center to book the rental cabin.

There are a few options for exploring the area. A popular option is Devil's Punchbowl, a small alpine lake nestled between the mountains to the south. The trail to Devil's Punchbowl is is a 1.8 km (one way) leading south from the cabins (to the right if you are looking at the lake). From the viewpoint over Devil's Punchbowl there is a steep, rocky slope which you could climb to get a better view of the area below.

Another option from the cabin is to venture north (around the left of the lake) and climb a small ridge which eventually leads up to a much higher ridge. This is a longer side trip and can get technical if you try to get to the top of the ridge, as it is very steep and rocky. Even if you don't want to go to the top, you get a closer view of the glacier on the side of the ridge and amazing views all around.

Have these directions changed? We invite you to let us know.


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Harlan Meade/ Joanna Pollock
November 29, 2011 08:45 PM

For trail information/Avalanche gear rental contact:

Packer Expeditions/ Skagway Mountain Shop
907-983-2544 : these guys can give you lots of information on conditions and have an excellent shop with good gear/ prices. 20% off sale until around December 24th.

Alot of local bed and breakfasts might also have quite a bit of trail information. (in addition to the rec center)

We stayed at the Mile Zero B and B - They were very friendly and helpful

Logistical Info:

Perto marine(the place where you get fuel for the stove) is is closed on a Sunday. You are also required to supply YOUR OWN FUEL CONTAINER. :)
Harlan Meade/ Joanna Pollock
November 29, 2011 08:38 PM

November 28:

Lots of fresh snow both in town and on the trail. (maybe an understatement) Trail started out with 1.5-2 feet of fresh snow the the Upper Dewey/ Icy Lake cutoff. Approximately 700 (m) walking distance up from the Icy lake cutoff snow depth increases above 2 feet to 5 feet in places to consistently 4-5 feet +. The trail was NOT broken at this time. At 550- 680 meters above sea level, snow depth increases to 6 feet. At this point, there is a clearing and hidden tree wells are frequent. The trail markings also dissapear and we could not find the trail. We recommend at least 10 hours to accomplish the trail to the cabin (until the snowpack consolidates). By November 29th snow was melting in the lower elevations and the freezing level was forecast to rise dramatically.