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CHILKOOT TRAIL REPORT SUMMER 2022 Chilkoot Trail Reopened After Flooding Conditions Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has reopened the Chilkoot Trail after flooding conditions along the Taiya River had caused a closure yesterday, August 17, 2022. Hikers are advised to exercise caution; trail has sediment, standing water and slippery sections throughout. Some bridge planks and footing may have shifted or been loosened. The risk for rock and landslides is heightened during times of heavy rain events and for the days following. Hikers are to watch for rock fall activity on the hills and side slopes throughout the trail. Contact the Trail Center in Skagway (907-983-9234) for the latest trail conditions information. Trail and Border ClosureThe US portion of the Chilkoot Trail remains open for day use and overnight use. Registration is required for overnight use (see below). RegistrationHikers are strongly encouraged to record planned hiking itineraries for the trail at the National Park Service Trail Center on 5th and Broadway. There is no permit fee before June 1, 2022. Call the Trail Center at 907-983-9234 if you have any questions. The International Trail Center will open June 1, 2022 and permit fees will begin at that time. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. Travel in groups, if possible. Use food storage lockers that are located at all the designated camping areas. Do not cook or eat food near your campsite. Keep all scented items away from your tent site. Do not leave your pack unattended. Inspect your campsite when you are ready to leave to ensure that no garbage, food or personal belongings are left behind. Pack out all garbage. Do not place wrappers and trash in the wood stoves. EmergenciesU.S. Park Service Rangers will not be on patrol until June 1, 2022. 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 in US. Bad weather conditions may delay medical or rescue assistance for several days. Helicopter medical evacuations from the trail will cost a minimum of $1800. Trail hikers are advised to consult their medical insurance policies before starting their hike. Only those experienced in winter backcountry travel, prepared with essential avalanche safety and winter camping gear, and travelling with partners should attempt the Chilkoot in early Spring. TrailDue to COVID-19 travel restrictions cross-border hiking is not permitted in 2022. The trail is unmarked and not readily identified during the spring season. Route finding skills are essential. Carry a map and compass. Shelters are available at Finnegans, Canyon City, Pleasant Camp and Sheep Camp for preparing meals and warming up. Hikers should come prepared with tent or bivy for emergency shelter. Allow sufficient time and energy to properly prepare camp upon arrival. There is a woodstove at each of these shelters, however wood may not be available. Carry extra clothing, food, fuel, matches, etc. Increased travel times and delays can be expected under certain weather conditions and white-outs. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, cabins and warming shelters are closed and available for emergency use only. Overnight use of these shelters is prohibited. Outhouses along the trail are not cleaned daily. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and practice good hygiene WeatherWeather conditions can be severe and unpredictable. Conditions above tree line change quickly and can be especially severe. High winds, driving snow, and poor visibility may prevent travel through this alpine terrain. Whiteout conditions are common and can prevent detection of hazardous avalanche terrain, cliffs, open water and overflow. Temperatures vary from 30F/-1C to -50F/-46C. It snows up to 200inches/508cm. per year at the Pass. Be prepared for rain, sleet, snow, ice and winds in excess of 50mph/80kmph. Come dressed and prepared for cold weather environmental conditions. Explore the weather conditions for the last 24 hours at
Webcam
Chilkoot Pass South View WebcamThis webcam updates once daily. South facing view from Chilkoot Pass. During winter months the camera may be partly or entirely covered with snow. View WebcamStatus: Inactive
Webcam
Chilkoot Pass North View WebcamThis webcam updates once daily. North facing view from Chilkoot Pass. During the winter months the camera may be partly or entirely covered with snow. View WebcamStatus: Inactive
Avalanche HazardAvalanche conditions currently exist north of Pleasant Camp. Avalanches can also develop elsewhere in the park given the right set of conditions ie. slope, terrain, weather, and snow pack composition. When travelling through avalanche terrain, you need to be capable of identifying and assessing avalanche hazards. You need to be knowledgeable about route finding, avalanche safety and rescue in mountainous terrain. You should be properly equipped with shovels, avalanche transceivers, and probes. Travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snow pack. Choose your route and campsite locations carefully to avoid unstable slopes and hazardous avalanche terrain areas. BE PREPARED. NEVER TRAVEL ALONE.
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Last updated: September 7, 2022