The Gold Rush Cemetery lies in the woods about a mile and a half from downtown Skagway, and it holds the graves of some of the town's most famous and infamous figures. The con man Jefferson Randolph Smith, known as Soapy Smith, ran a gang that preyed on newcomers until he was shot in a confrontation on the Juneau Company Wharf in July 1898. Frank Reid, the surveyor who confronted him, died of his wounds and is buried nearby with a monument that praises his courage. The contrast between the two graves is a favorite photograph and a favorite story. A short trail leads from the cemetery to Reid Falls, a tall cascade that tumbles from the hillside into a rocky pool. The walk is brief and pleasant, through mossy forest, and the sound of the falls adds to the atmosphere. Other graves tell stories too, including those of ordinary stampeders who died of disease and accident. Weathered markers and wooden crosses give a sense of the human cost of the rush, and the setting is peaceful rather than grim.
Getting there
The cemetery is a flat walk or short ride from the historic district. Many guided tours stop there, and it is easily reached by bike or taxi. If you walk, wear comfortable shoes and allow time to wander. The paths can be damp, and the forest floor is uneven, so take care. The site is free and open during daylight hours in the visitor season.
Why visit
The cemetery completes the story of the town. Skagway's boomtown energy produced both heroes and villains, and the graves keep the legends concrete. Reading the headstones, you notice how young many of the dead were and how far they traveled to reach the north. The falls add scenery to history and give a pleasant destination for a short walk.
Etiquette
This is a burial ground, so keep voices low, stay on paths and avoid touching or moving markers. Bring a rain layer and bug repellent in summer. Pair the visit with the Goodtime Girls tour or the audio walk for context, and with the scenic drive for a longer outing. Early morning is peaceful, with fewer visitors and soft light for photographs.
The monument to Frank Reid carries an inscription praising him for giving his life for the honor of Skagway, while Soapy Smith's grave is a simpler marker. Locals have long enjoyed the irony that both men lie within sight of each other. Nearby graves mark people who died in avalanches, fires and accidents, and reading the dates and ages helps explain how fragile life was in the boomtown. A small donation to the local groups that maintain the cemetery is appreciated if you see a collection box.
In rain, the trail to the falls can be slick, so take small steps and use handrails where provided. The cascade is louder after rain, and mist cools the air near the pool, which makes it a pleasant place to pause.
For families, turn the visit into a gentle scavenger hunt by asking children to find the oldest date, the youngest name and the grave with the longest inscription. It makes the stories tangible without being heavy. Allow a little extra time to read the interpretive signs near the entrance, which explain the cemetery's layout and why it sits away from the main town.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery with the graves of Soapy Smith and Frank Reid and a short trail to Reid Falls.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the forest is quiet.
How long
Forty-five minutes to an hour and a half.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, carry a rain layer and treat the site as a burial ground.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and photographers.
- Families
- A fine short outing for children who enjoy stories and waterfalls.
- Couples
- A quiet, atmospheric stop for two.
- Pair with
- The Goodtime Girls tour or the audio walk.
- Time needed
- Under two hours.
Good questions
Who is buried here?+
Soapy Smith and Frank Reid are among the best known, along with many ordinary stampeders.
How far is it from downtown?+
About a mile and a half. It can be walked, biked or reached by taxi or tour.
Is there a fee?+
No. The cemetery and the falls are free to visit.
How long is the trail to the falls?+
A short walk through the forest from the cemetery.
Is it accessible?+
The paths are uneven and can be damp, so mobility may be limited.