Walk Through Southeast Alaska’s Largest Set of Gold Rush-Era Ruins
Treadwell was once home to the largest gold mining operation in the United States. Today, the forest has grown in around it, but the foundations, machinery, and stories still remain. This guided walking tour takes you through the original streets of Treadwell, past towering ruins, old mine shafts, and the site of the devastating 1917 cave-in. Along the way, carefully placed augmented reality scenes help bring key moments of history to life — right where they happened.
A great fit for both independent travelers and cruise passengers looking to explore Alaska’s Gold Rush history up close.
AS SEEN ON
Before the Klondike, There Was Treadwell
When most people think of Alaska’s gold rush, they picture the Klondike. But the Treadwell mines were already booming decades earlier — producing more gold and employing more workers than anywhere else in the region. In its heyday, this was the largest gold mining operation in North America. Today, you can walk the same paths and see what remains.
Explore a Lost Mining Town, Hidden in Plain Sight
Wander past concrete foundations, steel gears, and collapsed buildings tucked into the forest. The tour spans 2–3 miles of scenic walking trails, showcasing a century-old industrial footprint that few visitors ever see.
Along the way, your guide shares stories of the people who built — and lost — this place. And in select spots, augmented reality brings scenes from the early 1900s to life with full-scale, historically accurate visuals.