Hike The Chilkoot Trail With Your Dog

Bringing your four-legged friend as a hiking companion on the Chilkoot Trail is nothing new, but rules about dogs on the trail have changed since the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. Before embarking on a single day or multi-day hiking trip, dog owners should be aware of some of the following issues that their dogs may face while on the trail:

• This is a very rough trail with lots of rocks that can be rough on dog paws, so bring a dog first aid kit. 

• Some water sources are difficult to get to with a dog on leash, so bring a water dish. 

• Conditions can be very wet on the trail, so bring a towel for your dog.

• Sleeping directly on the ground can be very cold, so bring warm gear and a sleeping pad for your dog.

• Hikers must cross one suspension bridge that not all dogs are comfortable with (must cross two if hikers go to the Canyon City Ruins). Suspension bridges are built to be flexible and they can sway and yield to hiker body weights, but some dogs struggle with this lack of stability under foot 

• The Golden Stairs is a ½ mile steep ascent up a scree and boulder field, so dogs will have to rock hop.

• Dogs are not allowed on emergency medical helicopter flights, so solo hikes with dogs are not advised.

Details

Duration

1-7 Days

Hikes on the Chilkoot Trail range from short day hikes to multiday backpacking trips.

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Hikers must follow certain rules on the trail when bringing a dog. Visit our Hiking with Dogs page or contact us for more information.

Activity Fee

Yes

Permits are required for overnight hiking along the Chilkoot Trail. Learn more about making your reservation and permit fees on our Chilkoot Permits page.

Location

Chilkoot Trail trailhead

The Chilkoot Trail stretches 33 miles from the trailhead in Dyea, Alaska to Lake Bennett, Yukon Territory in Canada.

Reservations

Yes

Permits are required for overnight hiking along the Chilkoot Trail. Learn more about making your reservation and permit fees on our Chilkoot Permits page.

Season

Summer

The park monitors and staffs this trail in conjunction with Parks Canada only June- early September. While the trail never officially closes, hikers in the fall, winter, and spring are traveling at their own risk. When in town, contact the park before hiking outside of the summer season.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn

Summer hiking in Alaska affords ample daylight to hike long days with time to relax. In June we have over 18 and a half hours of daylight, making most hiking "day time" hiking.

Accessibility Information

The Chilkoot Trail is a 33 miles challenging trek. Most hikers spend 3-5 days backpacking the route. Terrain is uneven and extremely steep in some sections. Hikers of all abilities have hiked this route in the past. If you are curious about accessibility for your needs please contact the park.

A hiker and leashed dog taking a break along the Chilkoot Trail.

Photo courtesy of B. Morter.

Rules for Dogs on the Chilkoot Trail

Due to safety issues for you, your dog, and other hikers, the following rules for bringing your dog on the Chilkoot Trail have been established:

• Dogs must be on leash at all times. Chilkoot Trail rangers enforce a zero-tolerance leash law. A restraining device not to exceed six feet is required. The steep boulder and scree field between the Scales and the international border can be very challenging, especially with a dog. Please plan for this potentially dangerous section before ascending the Golden Stairs.
• Dog food must be stored in provided or approved food storage devices along with your food. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) has a certified list of bear-proof products that you can refer to.
• Dogs are prohibited by regulation from entering any shelters or buildings. Other hikers may be afraid of or allergic to dogs.
• Dogs must eat in designated prep/eating area. Please do not feed your dog at your tent site as it can attract bears to your sleeping area. Steep fines may be issued for violations of food storage/preparation guidelines.
• There is a $130 fine per dog if they are found off leash.
• Dogs must have up-to-date rabies vaccination and paperwork. A U.S. or Canada Customs agent may require paperwork for entry, so be sure to bring it along.