spectacular rainforest, snow-capped mountains, hanging glaciers, turquoise lakes, cascading rivers highlight much of our guided Chilkoot Trail. The site of the town of Dyea and the route of the Chilkoot Trail were designated as National Historic Landmarks in 1978, officially recognized by the United States government for their national historical significance. She has hiked and backpacked hundreds of miles around the Pacific Northwest, including summit climbs of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
When to Go: the trail is co-managed by Parks Canada and the U.S. National Parks Service who’s staff patrols the trail, marks a route over the pass, and issues permits from June to September. Metal doors squeak and slam on heavy-duty bear lockers as bags of dehydrated chili and lasagna materialize. They are going against the sky! They are human beings, but never did men look so small.” ~, “A Mighty Nice Place” The 1935 Matanuska Colony, DVD: Appetite and Attitude, with Lance Mackey, Klondike.
This is a section of the trail, just prior to the Chilkoot Pass, where 1000 feet of elevation is gained over only half a mile. The packers and packs have disappeared.
Call or visit your nearest AAA store for maps, guides and other travel-planning resources, including assistance from one of our expert Member Travel Counselors.
Search for AAA Diamond resorts and hotels, customer reviews and property amenities. They are human beings, but never did men look so small.” ~Tappan Adney for Harpers Weekly, 1897, Freight and supplies unloaded near the Long Wharf at Dyea, circa 1898. rail travel aboard the famous and historic White Pass & Yukon Railroad. They start to climb a narrow foot-trail that goes up, up, up. All of this was done carrying the one ton of food and supplies that the Canadian Mounties required people to have, in an effort to prevent the often inexperienced and unprepared prospectors from starving to death. It all amounts to a 33-mile-long open-air museum. For the route that included the Chilkoot Trail, the entire trip consisted of taking a ship from Seattle, Washington to Skagway or Dyea, Alaska; travelling overland from Dyea to either Lindeman or Bennett Lakes in British Columbia, Canada; and then building a raft or boat to continue the 800 km/500 miles or so to Dawson City, Yukon. See!
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The mountain is alive. More info.
They are going against the sky! Mark and I hiked the Chilkoot Trail August 9-13, 2016.
Be prepared for everything from high temperatures and sunshine to near-freezing rain, high winds, and snow (even in mid-summer). I was also learning about my ancestors and the history of this famous trail!
Several guided trips are available to visitors, including cruise ship passengers.
Others made their fortunes selling secondary services to the prospectors, scratching businesses out of the frozen earth. Weather, physical ability, attitude, how prepared you are, who else you are sharing the trail with….
Spanning 53 kilometers/33 miles, two countries, and centuries of history, the Chilkoot Trail offers a hike to remember. For many, the accomplishment and camaraderie are the most enduring memories.
Beauty and Bear Scat – Day 1 on the Chilkoot Trail, Is Crying Allowed?