Skagway ferry dock sunk overnight
"The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and the Municipality of Skagway have closed the Skagway Ferry Terminal until further notice....
Forum Discussion
Even if it takes awhile to repair the dock, a traveler from the lower 48 or southern Canada can still make a nice ferry trip out of the situation. Catch one of the north bound ferry boats from Bellingham or Prince Rupert, stopping at as many of the SE Alaska towns as desired, then get off in Haines. Take the Haines Highway to Haines Junction, turn left and go to Alaska and do the tourist circle. Then on the return trip, southbound, either take the Top of the World Hwy to Dawson and on to Whitehorse (a great town to spend a few days, IMHO) then a side trip to Skagway for a few days, ride the train, etc. By this time of the fall the dock will be fixed I am sure, as the state of Alaska will put whatever it has to, into fixing the dock.
Or if a person is planning to drive one way, go back to the Alaska hwy at Jake's Corner, have breakfast, most excellent food, and proceed on south. A person would only miss the Skagway Haines part of the ferry ride and not have to backtrack much at all. If driving out, after leaving Skagway to head back to the Alaska Hwy before you get to it, turn right and go spend a day or so in Atlin, BC. One of the most beautiful locations for a small village anywhere in the world. Good camping there as well.
I would bet they are going to find some weird design error, with the dock, such as someone, tied all the 24 air chambers together somehow, to keep them pumped dry and a line broke flooding all at the same time. Good thing the water is only 35 to 50 ft deep in that area from what I understand.
Just remember, the key to having a great time on a northern trip is to stay flexible and roll with what you find. A trip of a life time, no matter how you do it..
Or if a person is planning to drive one way, go back to the Alaska hwy at Jake's Corner, have breakfast, most excellent food, and proceed on south. A person would only miss the Skagway Haines part of the ferry ride and not have to backtrack much at all. If driving out, after leaving Skagway to head back to the Alaska Hwy before you get to it, turn right and go spend a day or so in Atlin, BC. One of the most beautiful locations for a small village anywhere in the world. Good camping there as well.
I would bet they are going to find some weird design error, with the dock, such as someone, tied all the 24 air chambers together somehow, to keep them pumped dry and a line broke flooding all at the same time. Good thing the water is only 35 to 50 ft deep in that area from what I understand.
Just remember, the key to having a great time on a northern trip is to stay flexible and roll with what you find. A trip of a life time, no matter how you do it..
