Driving the Klondike Highway to White Pass on the Alaska-Canada border
White Pass is a historic mountain pass at an elevation of 1,010m (3,313ft) above sea level, located on the border between the U.S. state of Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is one of the most iconic routes of the North, famous for its role during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Set high in the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains, the pass offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Alaska. The route follows the rugged path once taken by thousands of gold seekers, but today it is a well-engineered highway that provides safe access through a wild terrain of glaciers, waterfalls, and deep granite canyons.
| Road facts: White Pass | |
|---|---|
| Location | Alaska (USA) - British Columbia (Canada) |
| Elevation | 1,010m (3,313ft) |
| Road Name | Klondike Highway (Route 98) |
| Max Gradient | 11% |
| Length | 34.4 km (21.37 miles) |
Is the road to White Pass in Alaska difficult to drive?
The road to the summit is totally paved and is part of the South Klondike Highway. While the surface is in good condition, the drive is notoriously steep, with sections hitting an 11% maximum gradient. Drivers must be prepared for long, sustained climbs and descents that test vehicle brakes. Weather is the biggest challenge here; fog, heavy snow, and high winds are common even in the summer. Visibility can drop to near zero in seconds, making the sweeping views disappear into a thick "whiteout," which is how the pass originally earned its name.
How long is the Klondike Highway through White Pass?
The journey over the pass spans 34.4 km (21.37 miles), running south-north from the coastal town of Skagway, Alaska, to the Canadian customs station at Fraser, British Columbia. As you climb from sea level to over 1,000 meters in such a short distance, you cross through several eco-zones, from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra. Travelers should remember that this is an international crossing; you will need to clear customs at the border, so ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready before starting the drive.
What can you see along the White Pass drive?
The drive offers incredible views of the Skagway River and the parallel tracks of the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. Key stops include the Moore Bridge—a suspension bridge over a scenic gorge—and several overlooks where you can see the old "Dead Horse Trail" used by prospectors in 1898. It is a spectacular road trip, but drivers should stay focused on the road, as the steep drops and frequent tour bus traffic require constant attention.