• Stampeders Hiking the Golden Stair case with heavy packs

    Klondike Gold Rush

    National Historical Park Alaska

There are park alerts in effect.
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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 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 »

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?

historic photo of Skagway, AK showing horses and ladies with long dresses in mud street

No gold was ever found in the Skagway River valley.  The actual gold fields were approximately 550 miles north, near the junction of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers in Dawson City.  Skagway became known as the gateway to the Klondike gold fields, a bustling supply town.