Skagway to Cordova: Alaska's Coastal Drive Through History and Wild Beauty

The road from Skagway to Cordova is not a continuous highway; it requires a ferry across Lynn Canal to Haines, then driving through Haines and onto the Alaska Highway via the Haines Highway (AK-7), then south on the Richardson Highway (AK-4) to Valdez, and finally a ferry to Cordova. This unique route, roughly 400 miles of driving plus two ferry segments, takes 8-10 hours of drive time, not including ferries. The total journey can take 2-3 days to fully appreciate.

• The Skagway-Haines ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) departs daily; book in advance.
• The Haines Highway crosses the Chilkat Pass at 3,500 feet, part of the traditional Tlingit trade route.
• The Richardson Highway ends in Valdez, where the Cordova ferry run connects year-round.

The Chilkat Pass offers alpine tundra with views of the St. Elias Mountains. Nearing Haines, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve hosts up to 3,000 eagles in winter, but summer offers lush river valleys. The Haines Highway itself is a designated National Scenic Byway.

• Stop at Chilkat State Park for short hikes and glacier views.
• In Haines, visit the Sheldon Museum for Tlingit history.

The Richardson Highway follows the Copper River Valley, with glimpses of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park entrance at Nabesna Road (near Tok) or Slana (mile 66) offers wilderness access.

• Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the US; best visited in summer.
• Local commerce: Haines has breweries (Brewbakers), Valdez has seafood markets.

Culinary infrastructure is sparse; pack meals for long stretches. In Haines, the Harbor Bar & Grill serves fresh halibut. In Valdez, the Fat Mermaid has excellent chowder. For a deeper dive into finding best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide on discovering hidden gems.

Planning fuel stops is critical; between Haines and Tok, the only gas is at Haines Junction (Yukon) and Beaver Creek. After Tok, the Richardson Highway has gas at Glenallen and Valdez. Carry an extra 5 gallons for safety.

• Haines to Tok: 248 miles, no gas services in between.
• Tok to Valdez: 252 miles, gas at Glennallen (mile 186) and Valdez.
• Ferry reservations required; vehicles up to 20 feet cost around $400 round trip.

The route is fully paved but remote. Expect long stretches of two-lane highway with occasional gravel sections near construction. Cellular coverage is intermittent; download offline maps.

• Winter conditions (Oct-Apr) may require snow tires; check road reports at 511.alaska.gov.
• Summer brings road construction; add 1-2 hours buffer.

Road quality varies: the Alaska Highway is well-maintained, but the Richardson Highway has frost heaves. Moose and bear encounters are common; drive cautiously at dawn/dusk. Fatigue management: schedule rest stops every 2 hours. The best stops include the Tok Mainstreet Visitor Center (coffee and WiFi) and the Glennallen Safeway (restrooms and supplies).

• Family suitability: kids will enjoy the eagle preserve and the small-town museums.
• Pet-friendly: most motels in Haines and Valdez accept pets; ferry allows pets in crates.
• Hidden off-route spot: the McCarthy Road (off Richardson) leads to the Kennicott ghost town, a must-see for history buffs.

For safety, carry a first-aid kit, extra food, and blankets. Cell service is available only near towns (Haines, Haines Junction, Tok, Glennallen, Valdez). The ferry ride from Valdez to Cordova offers stunning views of Columbia Glacier; book a cabin for overnight sailings.

• The route is not recommended for RVs longer than 30 feet due to steep grades on the Haines Highway.
• Local culture: Cordova is a fishing town with a strong community; visit the Ilanka Cultural Center for Alutiiq heritage.