Hike to Gold Rush Cemetery & Ried Falls

Question

I'm reading various lengths of time on how long hike takes. I looked up "TripAdvisor Ried Falls" but I am concerned some are talking about hike from town & others hike from cemetery. Some say flat, others say steep uphill. Can anyone tell me if you go to Cemetery and on to Ried Falls how far it is round trip (town to Ried Falls and back to town) and how much time to allow round trip, I also see you can do a bus for $5, I assume that is round trip and think maybe ride out but hike back to town. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Answer

The hike from Skagway town to the Gold Rush Cemetery and then on to Ried Falls is a popular excursion, but the trail details can be confusing because people describe different starting points and portions of the trail.

Here’s a breakdown:

Starting from town (near the visitor center or main street), the hike to Gold Rush Cemetery is about 1.5 miles one-way. This portion gains some elevation, but it’s a moderate uphill walk rather than extremely steep. Plan for 45–60 minutes to reach the cemetery at a moderate pace.
From Gold Rush Cemetery to Ried Falls, the trail continues for roughly another 1 mile one-way. This segment has a mix of flat and gently uphill areas, with some sections slightly more rugged, but it’s generally manageable for someone in decent shape. Expect about 30–45 minutes from the cemetery to the falls.
Round trip from town to Ried Falls and back to town is therefore approximately 5–5.5 miles total. Time to allow is around 2.5–3 hours, depending on stops and pace.

Regarding the bus:

Skagway’s $5 bus is indeed a convenient option. It runs from town to the trailhead near the cemetery, and you can ride one way and hike back, which many people do to avoid the initial uphill from town.
If you choose to take the bus to the cemetery, it shortens your total hiking distance by about 3 miles and saves roughly 1–1.5 hours of uphill walking.

Tips:

Wear sturdy shoes, as some portions can be muddy or rocky, especially near the falls.
Bring water and a snack; there are no facilities along the trail.
Start early in the day if cruise ships are in port, as trails can get busier mid-morning and early afternoon.

In summary, if you hike from town to Ried Falls and back, plan for 5–5.5 miles and 2.5–3 hours. Using the bus one way can make the hike easier and more flexible, letting you focus on enjoying the cemetery and the scenic falls without tiring yourself on the initial uphill.

Hike to Gold Rush Cemetery & Ried Falls

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