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No gold rush was crazier than the Klondike Gold Rush. The stampedes of that gold rush have long captured the public imagination. The main heritage sites today of the gold are Canada's Dawson City in the Yukon Territory and Skagway in Alaska (a popular port for Alaskan cruises). Skagway is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska and is a highlight of any Alaskan cruise.

The more adventurous who would like to really explore and discover the history and heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush can hike the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail. It was one of the key routes to Canada and then to Dawson City. Now, it's a popular location for world travelers wanting to step back in time and witness some of the greatest hiking in Alaska.

UPDATE: 2023/05/13 20:43 EST BY NOAH STAATS

We've Added The Best Time To Hike The Chilkoot Trail!

This article has been refreshed with new information regarding the best time of year to hike the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. Whether people want to spend the day walking a popular Klondike route or drive by and snap a picture: this is an experience they won't want to miss!

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad narrow gauge passenger railroad
Frank Cortese / Shutterstock
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad narrow gauge passenger railroad

The Chilkoot Trail runs from the Coast Mountains by Dyea, Alaska, to Bennet in British Columbia in, Canada. This was one of the major routes that the prospectors used to get to the goldfields of Yukon during the late 1890s. It was the most direct, the least expensive, and the most popular of the routes to the gold mines of the Yukon.

The prospectors swelled the boomtown Dawson City to become the largest city in Canada west of Winnipeg in Manitoba.

Hiking the trail became more difficult after the Canadian police demanded that prospectors needed to have at least a ton of gear (so that they would have enough food and provisions and survive the extreme and remote Yukon winters).

This was aided by an aerial tramway that hauled tons of gear up the mountains (at one point, there were five distinct tramway operations on different parts of the trail).

Related: The Road Less Traveled: Follow The First Road To The Arctic

The rival route was from the neighboring town of Skagway along the White Pass route. The White Pass route was a little longer but less steep and otherwise rigorous.

Skagway also had the advantage of enjoying a deepwater harbor (while Dyea was shallow). In the end, the White Pass route won out as it was chosen for the railroad.

The Trans-Border Chilkoot Trail Today

The scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Shutterstock
The scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

The trail was discarded and abandoned after the construction of the White Pass and Yukon Route, with is today preserved as a historic train. Despite the trail being cooperatively managed by the American National Park Service and Parks Canada, it is not possible to hike over the international border as of the time of writing.

To hike the full trail across the international border, make sure one checks with the NPS or Parks Canada first.

Crossing the Canadian/US border while hiking the Chilkoot Trail is currently not permitted, and it may continue to be prohibited for the 2023 season. Please continue to check back for updates. - Parks Canada

The Chilkoot Trail (along with the ghost town Dyea site) has been a National Historic Landmark since 1978. In 1998, to celebrate the centennial of the gold rush, these sites were joined with their Canadian counterparts to form the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park.

View of Skagway, Alaska
Pixabay
View of Skagway, Alaska

Hikers normally spend two nights on the American side of the trail (although it's possible to spend only one night). Over the border in Canada, is recommended to spend the night at Happy Camp after getting over the Chilkoot Pass.

Hikers should be prepared to camp on snow until late June and early July. Most people spend two or three nights on the Canadian side of the trail.

How Many People Hike The Chilkoot Trail? How Long Does It Take To Finish?

Long Lake on the historic Chilkoot trail
Shutterstock
Long Lake on the historic Chilkoot trail

Today the Chilkoot Trail is a popular hiking trail and is used by around 10,000 hiking and backpacking route (many are just day hiking). As one hikes the route, one finds hundreds of artifacts still there from the days of the gold seekers.

To prevent overuse and maintain its remote character, the National Park Service and Parks Canada allow a max of 50 backpackers to begin the trail each day with a permit system.

  • Length: 33 Miles or 53 Kilometers
  • Duration: 3–4 Days

Along the route are campgrounds, interpretive signs by historical sites, and ranger stations, and the trail is well maintained. The official hiking season varies by year but is normally from late May to early September. The peak time is from June to August.

Hikers should be aware that this is an avalanche danger until late May, while the weather is colder and rainy by September.

Related: Watch Traditional Cancan Shows At This Historic Canadian Town

The trip normally takes three to five days, and hikers pass through three climatic zones (coastal rainforest, high alpine, and boreal forest). The boreal forests make up around 30% of the world's forests and are very much worth visiting and exploring in Canada.

To get to the Chilkoot Trail, it is possible to bypass Canada even though Alaska's road network is not connected to the Lower 48. Alaska and its panhandle are connected to the USA highway system by the Alaska Marine Highway.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Hike The Chilkoot Trail?

Chilkoot Trail Dyea
Photo from Shutterstock
Sign of Chilkoot Trail in Dyea
  • The best time to hike the Chilkoot Trail is July through August.
  • In the summer, Alaska weather is at its prime.
  • Regardless of the season, this is a moderately difficult hiking trail.

The best time to hike the Chilkoot Trail is between July and August. Because the weather is at its best, and the hiking conditions are easiest during warmer summer months: this makes for an ideal timeline. One thing that makes July through August best for hiking this moderate trail is that there are fewer snowfields and mosquitoes.

One thing to note, however, is that this trail is considered 'moderately difficult' regardless of the season, so any strong hiker is encouraged to come to experience it. For people worried about taking on the Chilkoot Trail, it might be too challenging to complete, so do what is most comfortable and safe.

Related: Spring In Alaska: 10 Beautiful Places To Visit In This State During The Season Of Rejuvenation

Another detail to remember is that the park service limits the flow of hikers at the start of the trail in Dyea, near Skagway, Alaska, in the summer (because it is more popular). Make sure and head out early, so everyone can experience the best scenery in the area.