National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Hiker on rocky summit with clouds and mountains in background Photo credit: J Eve Griffin
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Chilkoot Trail
 
Hiker overlooking the Chilkoot Trail
NPS Photo
Hiker at Crater Lake, Chilkoot Trail British Columbia
 

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

Backcountry Ranger Katie Unertl

Beaver Ponds of Chilkoot Trail

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

 
Chilkoot Trailhead Sign
Permits and Fees
ins and outs of the permit process
more...
Parks Canada logo
Additional Trail Information
link to Parks Canada
more...

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.

Last Updated: December 14, 2010 at 18:37 MST