News Release

U.S. Congress designates the Chilkoot Trail a National Historic Trail

Summit of the Chilkoot Trail

NPS / R. Harrison

News Release Date: January 17, 2023

Contact: Angela Wetz, [phone]

The Chilkoot Trail has been designated a National Historic Trail. This unique distinction is held by only 19 other trails throughout the country including the Oregon Trail, the Iditarod, the Lewis & Clark Trail, and the Pony Express.  

This new designation adds to the prestige of the Chilkoot Trail that has previously been designated as a unit of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in 1976 as well as being recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. “It is an honor to receive the designation of Chilkoot National Historic Trail. This designation empowers us to further share stories of not just the Gold Rush, but the unique cultural and natural landscapes that set the stage for this event. The Chilkoot has its own story and history to tell, this new designation honors that.” said Angela Wetz, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Superintendent.  

To celebrate the designation, the park intends to hold a ceremony later this summer when the trail reopens.  

The US side of the Chilkoot Trail is still currently closed due to severe flood damage sustained in October 2022. The NPS is striving to open the trail to public use by August of this year.