The Skagway train ride 28 June 2011

Please see previous blog for background to the Skagway railway constructed to carry gold seekers from the port of Skagway over White Pass to the head of the Yukon River on the route to the Klondyke goldfields at Dawson City.  The train now serves the tourist trade.

A very authentic train conductor manages the train and keeps things in order.  The carriages are also very authentic looking and have been refurbished to the period.

Heating, when required, is provided by these heaters at the end of each carriage.  Not quite original as they have been fitted with light oil burners.  The weather was mild enough not to require heating during our three hour ride.

Engines are now more recent diesel locomotives. Here some of the very early engines can be seen in the rail yard.

The train as it operates now with passengers embarking at Skagway.  The three carrigages shown here are soon to be backed up to the wharf and about seven more were added with passengers who boarded direct from cruise ships that had docked ovenight.

On leaving the small Skagway town the line follows the Skagway River for a short while.

Passing various historic points now serving to provide shelter for work crews or hikers.

Several trains are travelling up the steep inclines during the morning and afternoon trips.  This view taken from the train we are travelling in while taking a long loop by going up side a valley that increases the length thus enabling a suitable gradiant.

The morning train was not very crowded allowing passengers to view each side.

The original foot trail of 1898 still showing in places.  No wonder hundreds of horses died on the trail before the rail was in use.  It was a treacherous route to the top, especially in winter conditions which can be nine months a year.

The top - White Pass - 2888 feet  - nearly 900 metres, 20 miles - about 33 Kms - after leaving Skagway on a narrow gauge - 3 foot - railway.

Intricate manouvering on White Pass as trains are shuffled for the return trip.  Some trains travel down the inland side to Bennetts for an all day trip.  The original line extended to Whitehorse and currently is being restored as far as Carcross,  which was a major trans-shipment centre. It is another 45 minutes by road to reach Whitehorse.

 Our train winds its way into the head of the side valley. The viaduct seen here is the old one and below is the one now in use.

 The old curved viaduct.  Part steel and part wooden at the far end.

This old wagon half way up the pass can be rented for over night accommodation by hikers. 

Good bye from Skagway.