Upper Dewey is located in the Tongass National Forest in Skagay, Alaska. It's my favourite hike in the area because of the beatiful blue alpine lake and it's surouding peaks. This a demanding hike with a constant elevation gain, I promise you the views are worth it and the trail is really well maintained (by my standards, which are typically more rugged). It's apart of the Dewey Lake trail system.

This is easily done as a day hike but if you wanted to camp up there you certainly can and there are also two cabins at the lake. The newer one (and better condition) you can rent through the Skagway Recreation Centre and the other is free, first come first serve. You can do lots of exploring in the alpine from the lake.

Total Distance: 8 km Return Time: 5 hours Elevation Gain: 922 m Difficulty: Difficult

Directions: The hikes starts from downtown Skagway on 2nd Ave and Spring Street, there will be a parking lot right near the train tracks. Follow the trail along the train tracks and cross over the tracks. Follow the sign directing you to the Dewey Lakes. From here you can follow the "Lower Dewey Lake" or "Upper Dewey Lake" markers because either way you need to go past Lower Dewey Lake. You will hike past some pipes and a bridge at the very start of the trail which means you are going the right way. It quickly gains elevations but there are switch backs to make them very manageable. Conditions can sometimes be muddy. Once you reach Lower Dewey Lake you will notice outhouses, a dock and picnic table areas around the lake which makes for a great spot to hydrate and take a break. From here follow the "Upper Dewey Lake" trail markers. The hike will pretty quickly get steep and stay steep but there are lots of switch backs. It will follow along a stream/waterfall most of the way up. There is a bridge and boardwalks in some areas. Once you get in the alpine you will get some breathtaking views and realize just how high you've climbed! When you reach you're mostly in the open alpine so you can continue to explore if you'd like. We made a Hoary Marmot friend here (just don't feed them). Treat yourself with a dip in the cold lake!