CHILKOOT NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

CHILKOOT PASS - JUNE 29, 2001 - JULY 3, 2001

In 1897 news of a gold strike in the Canadian Yukon reached the lower 48, triggering a stampede North to the Klondike Gold Fields. This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trail. Included in the park is a portion of the Dyea Townsite at the foot of the Chilkoot Trail.

The Chilkoot Trail is a walk back in time. It follows the trail the stampeders used to reach the Yukon River and float their provisions to the gold fields of the Klondike. Many artifacts from the 1890’s still litter the trail, and there is great diversity along the way: swamps, desert, snowy mountain passes, lush canyons, and alpine lakes. The Chilkoot has it all, and on the 33+ miles of trail you'll cross from Alaska into the Yukon Territory over the Chilkoot Pass and eventually wind your way into British Columbia.  The return trip to Skagway is equally impressive, and you'll ride on a historic rail line that is one of the most scenic in the world. If you are looking for solitude, this trail is not for you. Many thru-hikers complete the trek every summer.  But if you seek adventure, great scenery, and Klondike history, you’ll love the Chilkoot.