• Stampeders Hiking the Golden Stair case with heavy packs

    Klondike Gold Rush

    National Historical Park Alaska

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  • Chilkoot Trail Bridge Out

    A bridge, south of Canyon City (6 1/2 miles fromtrail head) has collapsed under heavy snow load and is out until further notice. Hikers should be prepared to wade through a boggy section, and water may be knee or waist deep during high water conditions. More »

Chilkoot Trail

 
 
Hiker overlooking the Chilkoot Trail
Hiker at Crater Lake, Chilkoot Trail British Columbia
NPS Photo
 

The Chilkoot Trail is one of two main routes to the Klondike that originate in this area. Long before the gold rush, the trail was established by Tlingit people as a trade route into the interior of Canada. Fish, seal oil and seaweed were traded with the First Nations peoples for moose and caribou hides, plant materials and other goods unavailable on the coast.

The most challenging way to follow in the footsteps of the stampeders and natives is by hiking the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail, accessible only on foot. It is a difficult hike and usually takes three to five days. The trail begins at the Taiya River bridge near the Dyea townsite and travels over the Chilkoot Pass to Lake Bennett.

 
 
Beaver Ponds on Chilkoot Trail

Beaver Ponds of Chilkoot Trail

Backcountry Ranger Katie Unertl

Current trail conditions and detailed hiking information for the Chilkoot Trail:

Klondike Gold Rush NHP of Alaska, USA

Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada

 

Did You Know?

Chilkoot trailhead sign showing the National Park Service arrowhead logo and an outline of people with loads climbing up a steep, snowy pass

The Chilkoot Trail, in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, is 33 miles long and is shared with our neighbor, Parks Canada. Hikers cross the border at the top of the pass and enter British Columbia. The trail is considered to be the world's longest outdoor museum.