• Stampeders Hiking the Golden Stair case with heavy packs

    Klondike Gold Rush

    National Historical Park Alaska

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  • Chilkoot Travel Advisory-Increased Avalanche Risk

    Park Canada Travel Advisory: Due to a cold, late spring persistent winter conditions exist on the Chilkoot Trail. Visitors will encounter late-winter snowpack conditions with increased avalanche risk and more snow covered trail sections. More »

Sustainability

How is Klondike Gold Rush NHP working towards Sustainibility?

The park is working to make operations and daily practices greener and more environmentally friendly each day. This work is being driven by the Park's Environment Management System (EMS) Team, which has been recently revived and strengthened. Some primary objective within the EMS are to strengthen our recylcing program, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and reduce the carbon footprint of office practices.

 
 
Cabin with solar panels

Sheep Camp Ranger Station on Chilkoot Trail is powered by solar energy.

NPS

"Green" Actions at Klondike Gold Rush NHP

1. Increased recycling program

2. Added 5 electric vehicles (starting in 2005)

3. Tracking fuel consumption, electricity, and propane use - Participated in federal green challenge and sustainability reporting

4. Replaced oil fired heaters and propane fueled appliances with electric heat and electric powered appliances. Electricity source is hydropower

5. Maintaining boilers to ensure they are burning as efficiently as possible

6. Started using bio-based lubricants for some maintenance and all trail activities

7. Law enforcement uses frangible, non-lead based ammunition.

8. Made efficiency improvements to HVAC system at permanent collection storage facility; achieved a 75 percent reduction.

9. Improved bear-proof waste canisters in the park.

10. Replacing mercury thermostats when they fail with solar powered thermometers. Installed a compostable toilets on Chilkoot Trial.

11. Conducts HAZCOM training.

12. Purchased 29 dual flush converters for all employee housing and office toilets (not visitor toilets).

13. Replaced exterior lights with LED lighting.

14. Replacing stationary combustion powered boilers with electricity powered boilers.

15. Implemented a bicycling sharing program for employees.

16. Sheep camp ranger station is fueled by hydro, solar, and propane.

Did You Know?

Univ. of Washington historic photo: Several men stand near a canvas tent with various camp objects on the ground around them

During the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, Finnegan's Camp on the Chilkoot Trail was a tent city. There were saloons, restaurants and hotels all housed in tents.