Hike to Devil's Punchbowl

Overview

This is a great hike for fit hikers with 5-6 hours of time in Skagway. To get there hike past Lower and Upper Dewey lakes and continue up a ridge another mile (about 8.5 mi roundtrip) gaining about 3,700’ in elevation. The Devil’s Punchbowl is a tarn nestled in a deep, rocky bowl.

Getting There

The trailhead is located close to the docks where cruise ships stop. To get there walk to the point where the railroad crosses 2nd street and head 400 feet north along a path on the west side of the tracks. Cross the tracks and begin the trail to Lower Dewey Lake which is well signed.

Route Description

Follow the trail from town to Lower Dewey Lake. When you reach the lake, there is a junction with a trail that heads around the lake. Go left at the junction sign and head north across several footbridges to the Upper Dewey Lake trail junction and turn right up the trail. About 800’ above Lower Dewey Lake there is a view of town. Near the Upper Dewey Lake you emerge from the trees into a muskeg meadow where there are views of Mt Harding and the inlet below. An old cabin sits by the lake and is open to the public, first come basis. (A new cabin is located to the left beside the lake and available for rent through the Skagway Recreation Center 907-983-2679)

From Upper Dewey Lake, pass the primitive cabin up the alpine ridge to a great overlook. There are rock cairns where the trail crosses boulder fields. After hiking about ¾ mile and gaining 600’ you will reach an overlook down to the Devil’s Punchbowl.

Essential Gear

Sturdy hiking boots

External Links

trail map and description

Hiking the Alaska Adventurer Cruise

Images

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