News Release

National Park Service Moves Forward with Plans to Develop a New Chilkoot Trail Trailhead Parking Lot and Interpretive Area.

Date: July 19, 2021
Contact: Angela Wetz, [phone]

Next summer the NPS is planning to break ground on a new parking lot directly across the road from the Chilkoot Trail trailhead. This parking lot will include 33 parking spaces; one-way traffic will allow for easier access by recreational vehicles and trailers. A designated area for shuttle services and a staging area for commercial use of the Chilkoot Trail are included in the design; a public restroom (vault toilet) is also included. A scenic river viewpoint will be developed to feature interpretive waysides and public benches. Other interpretive panels will help orientate visitors to the various recreational opportunities in Dyea. “With this new parking lot and interpretive area, we hope to expand information to visitors about the Chilkoot Trail along with local natural and cultural attractions,” says Angela Wetz, Superintendent. Also included in the scope of the project is the construction of a road segment within the existing campground group sites and a trail upgrade to allow accessible travel between the campground public use area and designated campsites. Currently, the overnight parking for the Chilkoot Trail is in the NPS campground a 1/2 mile south of the trailhead. Day parking near the Chilkoot Trail trailhead is informal and impinges the Alaska Department of Transportation right-of-way and leads to unsafe congestion of pedestrians and vehicles.The NPS completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by the NPS Acting Regional Director on July 9, 2021. The selected alternative has been placed in the landscape to minimize impacts to resources. The design includes vegetated screening to protect the viewsheds from the Taiya River and the Dyea Road. The park will transplant sensitive plants and time construction activities to protect Boreal toads and migratory birds. The park will follow best practices to mitigate runoff during construction. A footbridge will span a small wetland; revegetation near construction areas will encourage native plant growth.You can learn more about the project and find the signed FONSI online through National Park Service - Planning, Environment and Public Comment - PEPC (nps.gov)