News Release

Chilkoot National Historic Trail to open to mile 4 during the 2024 season.

Date: February 20, 2024
Contact: Peter Christian

SKAGWAY, AK— Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is announcing today that the Chilkoot Trail on the U.S. side of the border will be open to mile 4.0 for the 2024 season. Work completed by the park last year and this spring will extend the amount of trail that will be open to the public this summer.
 
Severe flood damage sustained in September and October 2022 destroyed two major bridges along the Taiya River, and washed-out or displaced other bridges, campsites, and visitor amenities.

“With the successful completion this spring of a temporary bridge that spans the lower Taiya River at mile 1.5, we are able to open more of the Chilkoot Trail,” said park superintendent Angela Wetz. “I’m proud of the hard work our crews have done to get more of the trail open to the public in 2024. As we learn more, we will continue to provide timely information to the community, business operators, and our partners at Parks Canada,” Wetz said.
 
With the new section of trail open as far as mile 4.0, visitors should have about a 7-hour roundtrip day-use experience this summer. Additional work both on the trail and with local landowners is needed before the park can allow the public to access the entire length of the Chilkoot Trail to the Canadian border.
 
The portion of the trail in Canada will be accessible. Reservations are required to hike the Canadian side of the Chilkoot Trail which will open between June 1 and September 13. Call Parks Canada starting March 27 at 1-800-661-0486 to make your reservation.
In 2023 Senator Lisa Murkowski was instrumental in designating the Chilkoot as a national historic trail. The Chilkoot is the highest profile and most popular hiking trail in Alaska. In prior years, it has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world to hike the historic mining route into Canada. The total cost to repair the damage from disaster events in August 2021 and October 2022 is estimated to be at least $2,025,866. Updates will be posted as additional information comes available.