Sturgil's Camp Picnic Site

This recreation site is on a beach at the end of a 7-mile trail maintained by the City of Skagway. The last 1/4 mile or so is part of the Forest Service picnic site. There are 3 picnic sites with one picnic table each. A single pit toilet is available for all three sites. There is no potable water available, and any water taken from streams should be treated prior to drinking.

At a Glance

Reservations:	No sites in this area are available for reservation.
Fees:	No fees are associated with the use of this area.
Permit Info:	No permits are required for the use of this area.
Open Season:	1/1
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Skagway, AK
Water:	No
Restroom:	Pit Toilet (1)
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

Directions: Go east on 2nd Avenue past the railroad depot. Where the railroad tracks cross the road turn left and follow the tracks 400 feet north to the trailhead (beware of trains when crossing the tracks!) A short distance up the hill the trail branches off to the right (continuing straight up the hill here is a steep power company maintenance road). Descend the wooden staircase, duck under the water pipe, and continue up the hill. The trail jogs left and crosses a short footbridge. Here the trail continues on a steep uphill for about 350 feet. There is a clearing and rock bench at the top of this incline with a view of town and the harbor. Continue up the steep switchback trail staying generally to the right at intersections. Notice where the trail appears to be going straight ahead but actually turns sharply right. Going straight here leads to a reservoir and trail to the north end of the lake. It is advised to take the sharp right to access the lake. Follow the trail to the south end of the lake. Here follow the trail to the right (south) through a mixed stand of spruce, hemlock, and lodge pole pine. Just before reaching the stream, the trail splits. Follow the arrow sign to the right for great views and a rocky, but safer descent than the old trail that continues beyond the arrow sign. As you near the water, follow the trail to the right leading toward a picnic table and privy. From here, the trail continues south to the rocky beach. Remains of the sawmill can be seen across the creek.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Sand Play

Tidepooling

Check the tide tables for minus tides (tides below the zero foot tide). Hike along the rocky beach with rubber boots as there may be some wet muddy areas also. Watch your traction on slippery kelp beds and other sea weeds. Sea life will usually get trapped in depressions in the rocks as the tide recedes. Look for limpets, small hermit crabs, sculpin, sea stars, jelly fish, and anemones.

Day Hiking

This picnic site is accessible by a trail starting in downtown Skagway that is 7 miles long.

Difficulty Level:	Difficult

Picnicking

There are 3 picnic sites with one picnic table each. A single pit toilet is available for all three sites. There is no potable water available, and any water taken from streams should be treated prior to drinking.