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CHILKOOT TRAIL REPORT Fall/Winter 2021/2022 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). RegistrationThere is no registration fee this time of year. Between the dates of September 14 through October 31 and April 15 through May 31, all campers on the Chilkoot Trail must register for use of campsites along the trail. Register for the trail at the National Park Visitor Center on 2nd & Broadway or call our Park office at 907-983-920 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. EmergenciesIn the fall and winter, U.S. Park Service Rangers infrequently patrol the Chilkoot Trail. 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 1-907-683-2276 in the USA. Poor weather conditions may delay medical or rescue assistance for several days. TrailThe trail above tree line is unmarked and not readily identifiable outside of the summer months. Route finding skills are essential. Carry a map and compass. Flooding of the first six miles of the Chilkoot Trail is possible any time of year. Creek crossings may be dangerous. Snow and ice along the trail may make areas more hazardous. Warming shelters may be used and are available at all campgrounds. Overnight use of warming shelters is prohibited except in an emergency. WeatherWeather conditions change quickly and can be more extreme at higher elevations. Part of the trail is above tree line where you will be exposed to the elements with little to no shelter available. Rain, fog, high winds, and snow can be expected at any time of year. Whiteout conditions are common and can prevent detection of hazardous avalanche terrain, cliffs, and open water. Be prepared for cold weather and extreme environmental condition 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 HazardAvalanches are a natural phenomenon which may occur during any season on the trail. Campgrounds may be unsafe. Extreme avalanche conditions can also develop elsewhere in the park given the right set of conditions i.e., slope, terrain, weather, and snowpack 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 BE PREPARED. NEVER TRAVEL ALONE.
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Last updated: November 3, 2021