Skagway - Train to White Pass

Valley by Slippery Rock

Valley view from the White Pass train. Slippery Rock is to the right.

Train tunnel by Slippery Rock

En route from Skagway to White Pass

Tundra Reflection

View from the White Pass train: A very different landscape emerged as we entered the pass.

Tundra Landscape

In contrast to the tall, sky-reaching spruce trees at lower elevations, these trees in the White Pass tundra are just as old (hundreds of years), but stunted in growth due to the shorter growing season.

White Pass turn-about

The White Pass Train makes a turn-around to head back to Skagway.

Hiker's Shelter - White Pass

View from the White Pass Train: an abandoned rail car serves as a hiker's shelter next to the tracks.

Tundra Drama

The tundra landscape of the White Pass is quite dramatic.

Abandoned Steel Bridge

This steel bridge was built in 1901 - the tallest cantilever bridge at the time. It was abandoned in 1969.

Inspiration Point B&W

View from the White Pass Train of the Lynn Canal, Mt. Harding, and the Chilkat Mountain Range

White Pass train around the bend

Around mile 14, at about 1800 feet. I love the rock face behind the train. I can't imagine what it was like to build a track here!

Forest carpet

Next to the White Pass train tracks, as you leave Skagway, the crews have done maintenance to clear the tracks of debris left from the winter melt. It's here that you can see what a rich, cushiony carpet nurtures the thick forests. It was mesmerizing.

Tiny waterfalls

As the train passed through this forested area, we passed many tiny waterfalls. It became a game of many photographers to try to catch one, as they crept up fast, before you could get warning to take a shot.

The irony - Skagway

I could not pass up this angle.