Upper Reid Falls
Skagway Municipality, Alaska
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Skagway Municipality, Alaska
- Access status
- Final waterfall approach needs confirmation
- The walk
- 6.9 miles round trip from the trailhead in the city tourism map
- Ground & access
- Steep switchbacks, steps, wooden footbridges and potentially muddy lakeshore. The newer tourism map calls the destination Reid Creek rather than Upper Reid Falls, so the precise final waterfall viewpoint remains unconfirmed. The city maps warn that there is no safe direct descent to Lower Reid Falls; return by the approach trail.
Follow the Dewey Lakes trail system north from Lower Dewey Lake toward Icy Lake. The city tourism maps describe the west shore of Icy Lake and a left turn at its north end. NPS instead describes an uphill northwest turn at the south end. These descriptions conflict; confirm the final signed route with local staff before setting out.
Plan your visit
Dewey Lakes trail system via Icy Lake; final directions conflict
The older Skagway tourism map explicitly measures 6.9 miles round trip from the trailhead. The newer map labels the destination Icy Lake and Reid Creek and gives the same distance, with a general note that distances are round trip from the trailhead. NPS rounds the outing to seven miles without stating its starting point. Add the town-parking approach.
Steep switchbacks, steps, wooden footbridges and potentially muddy lakeshore. The newer tourism map calls the destination Reid Creek rather than Upper Reid Falls, so the precise final waterfall viewpoint remains unconfirmed. The city maps warn that there is no safe direct descent to Lower Reid Falls; return by the approach trail.
Where to start
NPS confirms free all-day parking in the unpaved lot at Spring Street and Second Avenue for cars and RVs. Yukon Hiking connects this lot to the common Dewey Lakes trailhead across the bridge and railroad tracks.
Timing & water
Check current access and conditions before travel; the reviewed source does not establish a reliable visiting season.
Before you go
NPS lists this town parking lot as free for all-day use. Read posted signs and check current trail conditions; spaces can fill on busy days.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.