Chilkoot Trail Conditions Report

Left image
Looking from the Scales toward Chilkoot Pass on August 21st.
Credit: NPS photo/A. Brady

Right image
The same view two days later, August 23rd.
Credit: NPS photo/A. Brady

 

Trail Information:

Contact the Trail Center in Skagway (907-983-9234) for the latest trail information.

 

Hiking Seasons

Early June

Extensive snow travel and route-finding are required. There are no route markers and low-visibility conditions are common. While travel conditions may be very difficult, the days are wonderfully long. Winter travel equipment and winter travel experience is strongly recommended. Snow camping is likely. There will be few other hikers on the trail. 

Avalanche Hazard

Avalanche hazards occur between Camp Pleasant and Happy Camp. Travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snowpack. 

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.

Mid-August to mid-September

The trail is generally snow free, though a few snow patches may persist. Fall weather is wetter; fog tends to be more common at elevation; daylight hours are shorter and nights are colder (often below freezing). Foliage changes color with the season. There are generally fewer hikers on the trail at this time of year.

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.

Mid-August to mid-September

The trail is generally snow free, though a few snow patches may persist.
Fall weather is wetter; fog tends to be more common at elevation; daylight hours are shorter and nights are colder (often below freezing). Foliage changes color with the season.

There are generally fewer hikers on the trail at this time of year.

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.

Post-season

There is no regular patrol presence on the trail and the trail is not marked. Up-to-date information on trail conditions is no longer reliably available. Fall weather is wet; daylight hours are short and nights are cold (below freezing). As fall progresses, fresh snow becomes increasingly likely. You will need to be self-sufficient and accept a high level of responsibility for your own safety. Winter travel experience, route finding, avalanche hazard evaluation, and self-rescue skills are required. 

There are no fees in the off-season; however, you must contact Parks Canada in Whitehorse (1-800-661-0486) prior to your trip.

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.

Mid-June to early Spring

Expect significant amounts of snow at higher elevations. There are no route markers and low visibility conditions are common. As the season progresses, the snowfields become "punchy" and develop snow/ice bridges over streams and between rocks which can collapse without warning. Travel conditions are highly variable and depend on weather and time of day.

Avalanche Hazard

Avalanche hazard persists until mid-July. Avalanche hazards occur between Camp Pleasant and Happy Camp. Travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snowpack.

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. 

Mid-July to early August

The trail/route is generally snow –free, though some snow patches persist. Travel conditions are highly variable and depend on weather. Severe rain or snowstorms are possible even in the middle of summer.Peak visitor use occurs during this period. Campgrounds can be crowded.

Bears

Brown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.

 

Emergencies

Park rangers typically patrol the trail during the peak season: mid-spring - summer. There is no cell phone coverage along the trail. Satellite-enabled 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 approximatly $2,000. 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 Trail in early Spring.

 

Weather

Weather 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

• Dyea (Taiya River bridge)
• Sheep Camp
• Chilkoot Pass

 

Avalanche Hazard

Avalanche 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. 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.