Parks Canada Information Bulletin: Bare Loon Cut Off Trail Closure
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CHILKOOT TRAIL CONDITIONS REPORT
August 25, 2010
EMERGENCIES
U.S. Park Service and Parks Canada Rangers are on patrol along the Chilkoot Trail. Rangers are based out of Sheep Camp and Lindeman City. There is no cell phone coverage along the trail. Iridium Satellite phones may work in some areas. Satellite phone users may seek 24 hour emergency assistance through Denali Dispatch at 1-907-683-6351. Helicopter medical evacuations from the trail may cost up to $1600. Trail hikers are advised to consult their medical insurance policies before starting their hike.
TRAIL
Due to recent weather hikers can expect muddy sections on the lower part of the trail and a higher than usual frequency of stream crossings at the higher elevations. Use caution when crossing swift-moving streams deeper than your boots. The Golden Stairs are snow free. From the summit to Happy Camp there are a couple patches of soft snow. Visibility markers are in place from Long Hill to Morrow Lake. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended. Winter snow loading has resulted in some damage to facilities along the trail. The Recreation Use log cabin at Sheep Camp has collapsed and is cordoned for safety. Please remain outside of the safety barrier for your protection.
The cut-off trail to the train tracks is closed to hiker use. The trail is no longer marked or maintained. It is illegal and unsafe to hike on railroad tracks.
WEATHER
Weather conditions above tree line change quickly and can be more extreme as elevation is gained. Rain, fog, high winds, snow and sleet can be expected at any time of year. Temperatures near freezing at night at higher elevations should be anticipated. Come dressed and prepared for hypothermic environmental conditions. Snow travel and sunny days warrant sunscreen, protective hat or visor and sunglasses.
REGISTRATION
A permit is required to overnight on the Chilkoot Trail. Hikers are required to register and pay fees with the International Trail Center at 2nd and Broadway in Skagway prior to hike. Hours of operation are 8am – 5pm daily.
BEARS
Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the Chilkoot Trail especially now that the salmon are running and the berries are ripening.. Stay on the trail and travel in groups, if possible. Use food storage devices that are located at all of the designated camping areas. For your safety cook at or in the warming shelters, so as to keep food smells away from your tent site. Also, please do not leave your pack unattended at any point along the trail. A quick visual sweep after you are ready to leave camp will help to insure that no garbage, food or personal belongings are left behind. Contact U.S. Rangers or Parks Canada Wardens for current bear activity updates and report all bear sightings. Pack out all garbage! Do not place wrappers and trash in the wood stoves!
Before beginning your hike, read the CHILKOOT TRAIL HIKER'S GUIDE. For additional information stop by the NPS Trail Center in Skagway or call(907) 983-9234. This report is intended to stress the changing trail conditions only and will not substitute for the essential information found in other brochures and your own common sense. For Web information, visit http://www.nps.gov/klgo/chilkoot.htm
