Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Information
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
The park is located in southeast Alaska
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park offers extreme outdoor adventure for those equipped for mountain backpacking. The Chilkoot Trail allows you a chance to experience what the gold seekers went through to try and fulfill their dreams. But don’t worry if you’re not as adventurous as they were because there are plenty of other things to do in this special park! Check below for great Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park information to see what else is available.
Uniqueness
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic 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 Town site at the foot of the Chilkoot Trail.
With cries of “Gold! Gold! in the Klondike!” there unfolded in the Yukon and Alaska a brief but fascinating adventure, which has captured the imagination of people around the world ever since. In August 1896 when Skookum Jim Mason, Dawson Charlie and George Washington Carmack found gold in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory, they had no idea they would set off one of the greatest gold rushes in history. Beginning in 1897, an army of hopeful gold seekers, unaware that most of the good Klondike claims were already staked, boarded ships at Seattle and other Pacific port cities and headed north toward the vision of riches to be had for the taking. All through the summer and on into the winter of 1897-98, stampeders poured into the newly created Alaskan tent and shack towns of Skagway and Dyea – the jumping off points for the 600-mile trek to the goldfields.
The most challenging way to follow in the footsteps of the stampeders is by backpacking the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail, accessible only on foot. It is difficult hiking and usually takes three to five days. The backpacking trail begins at the Taiya River Bridge near the Dyea town site and travels over the Chilkoot Pass to Lake Bennett.
Other activities available at the park include snow skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing, hunting, kayaking, fishing, dog mushing, bird watching, backpacking, boating, and horseback riding. This is just a handful of activities to enjoy there.
Winter hours for the park are (October – April) offices open 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays, except holidays. The summer (May – September) visitor center is open 8 AM to 6 PM daily including holidays.
Skagway, at the head of the White Pass Trail, was founded by a former steamboat captain named William Moore. His small homestead was inundated with some 10,000 transient residents struggling to get their required year’s worth of gear and supplies over the Coast Range and down the Yukon River headwaters at lakes Lindeman and Bennett. Dyea, three miles away at the head of Taiya Inlet, experienced the same frantic boomtown activity as gold seekers poured ashore and picked their way up the Chilkoot Trail into Canada.
Stampeders faced their greatest hardships on the Chilkoot Trail out of Dyea and the White Pass Trail out of Skagway. There were murders and suicides, disease and malnutrition, and death from hypothermia, avalanche, and, some said heartbreak. The Chilkoot was the toughest on men because pack animals could not be used easily on the steep slopes leading to the pass. Until tramways were built late in 1897 and early 1898, the stampeders had to carry everything on their backs. The White Pass Trail was the animal-killer, as anxious prospectors overloaded and beat their pack animals and forced them over the rocky terrain until they dropped. More than 3,000 animals died on this trail; many of their bones still lie at the bottom on Dead Horse Gulch.
During the first year of the rush an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 gold seekers spent an average of three months packing their outfits up the trails and over the passes to the lakes. The distance from tidewater to the lakes was only about 35 miles, but each individual trudged hundreds of miles back and forth along the trails, moving gear from cache to cache. Once the prospectors had hauled their full array of gear to the lakes, they built or bought boats to float the remaining 560 or so miles downriver to Dawson City and the Klondike mining district where an almost limitless supply of gold nuggets was said to lie. By midsummer of 1898 there were 18,000 people at Dawson, with more than 5,000 working the diggings. By August many of the stampeders had started for home, most of them broke. The next year saw a still larger exodus of miners when gold was discovered at Nome, Alaska. The great Klondike Gold Rush ended as suddenly as it had begun. Towns such as Dawson City and Skagway began to decline. Others, including Dyea, disappeared altogether, leaving only memories of what many consider to be the last grand adventure of the 19th century.
The only National Park Service hiking trail in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is the Chilkoot trail. It runs through US and Canadian lands. There is a transportation service at the end of the trail at Bennett to Skagway, Alaska, or Fraser, B. C. It must be noted that this trail is not for beginners.
Skagway is a good starting point for several interesting day hikes and longer hiking trips as well. These are found on Forest Service or other public lands, but are neither maintained nor patrolled by NPS personnel. Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls is a 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip, easy hike, to where else-a cemetery and spectacular water fall. Sturgill’s Landing is a 7 mile round trip moderately strenuous hike that meanders south through a mixed stand of spruce, hemlock and lodgepole pine and skirts around boggy areas that may be muddy. You should be able to see the ruins of a saw mill across the creek. Lower Dewey Lake is 0.7 mile (1.1km) to lake; 2 miles (3.2 km) around lake and is rated moderate. To see Icy Lake and Upper Reid Falls, involves hiking 7 miles round trip on a steep to moderate trail. Yakutania Point is an easy 1-2 mile round trip hike where you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at Smugglers Cove. There are six longer backpacking trips ranging from 2-10 miles, some off of other trails, with 2 leading to glaciers. These trails are moderate to strenuous.
Most anthropologists consider that the area immediately surrounding the three Alaska units of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is the traditional territory of the Chilkoot division of the Tlingit Indians. Many consider that the Coast Mountains have served as the tribal barrier between the Coastal Tlingits and the inland Athapaskan (“Stick”) tribes. The area in and around the Park was relatively lightly populated by the local Natives. At Dyea, there probably existed a small fishing and hunting camp–possibly permanent but more likely seasonal–near the mouth of the Taiya River. The Taiya and Nourse River valleys were used by Natives in pursuit of goats, bear and other game. Little evidence remains of their long occupation. In the early 1980s, investigators turned up three pre-contact aboriginal sites, each being small midden mounds, on a hill overlooking Dyea. Then, in the mid-1990s, archeologists located several rock shelters on the hill between Sheep Camp and the Scales; one, perhaps all, were used decades before Europeans began traversing the trail.
Before the Taiya River Valley became an active route for the gold stampeders, the Tlingit used the route to trade with the Athabascans in the Interior. After contact, the Tlingit acted as middlemen for a thriving trade in local and Euro American goods between the interior and Russian, Boston and Hudson’s Bay trading companies. The Tlingit used the Chilkoot Trail as their main trading route in the interior and defended their monopoly, not permitting others to use the passes and even burning Fort Selkirk in the Yukon in 1852 when the Hudson’s Bay Company attempted to trade directly with the interior groups. In 1879, US Navy Commander L.A. Beardsley reached an agreement with the Tlingit whereby miners would be permitted to reach the Yukon via the passes but would not interfere with their regular trade. Tlingit guides accompanied the first party over in May 1880, and transported the miners’ gear for a fee. This trip set the foundation for the Tlingit packing business, which thrived until the Gold Rush.
Located at the head of the Chilkoot trail, Dyea erupted from a small trading post to a major port in 1897 after word of the Klondike gold discovery reached Seattle and San Francisco. Unfortunately, its prosperity proved to be short-lived. The town’s poor harbor, the disastrous snow slide of April 3, 1898, and the construction of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad out of Skagway all served to doom the town. Fewer than 500 people remained after the summer of 1898, and the 1903 population had fallen to about a half dozen including E.A.Klatt, who farmed the once busy streets, growing vegetables for the Skagway market. Since the rush, nature has proven unkind to Dyea. The Taiya River has shifted several times, washing old buildings into the sea, and the rainforest climate of southeast Alaska has caused many buildings to collapse and rot. Today you can tour the Dyea town site with a Ranger.
Activities available at the park include snow skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing, hunting, kayaking, fishing, dog mushing, bird watching, backpacking, boating, and horseback riding.
Weather conditions above tree line change quickly and can be more extreme as elevation is gained. Rain, fog, high winds, snow and sleet can be expected in summer months. Temperatures may drop below freezing at night and should be anticipated. Come dressed in layers and prepared for both hypothermic and dry hot environmental conditions. The occasional sunny day will still warrant sunscreen and sunglasses. Summers are generally cool and dry. It is often windy in Skagway. Jackets are recommended. Skagway is rainy in September. Conditions on the Chilkoot pass can have snowfall up to 200 inches per year and winter temperatures that can dip to -50°F
When hiking Chilkoot Trail, remember to bring this backpacking checklist: Trail Permit, arrangements for travel to and from the trailheads, lightweight tent, backpack, sleeping bag and mat, a detailed trail map, compass, signal mirror or whistle, clothing for all weather conditions (snow, rain, wind, etc.), food, fuel and stove (enough for trip plus one day), matches, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, wide brimmed hat, extra socks, water bottle(s) and purification kit, 30′ (9m) of cordage and storage sack to hang food from bear poles or an approved bear-proof container, first aid kit, personal hygiene kit (medications, toothbrush, toilet paper, etc.); and early season hiking (before June 15) may also require additional equipment: i.e. snow shoes, ice axe, avalanche transceiver, etc. Bring the proper gear you will need to complete the trail. Be familiar with your equipment before you start out. Please come prepared because there are few retailers that carry the above items in Skagway. Be sure to read the current trail report and inquire about bear activity on the trail. This is a difficult hike and should not be done as a first time backpacking trip. Stop in at the Visitor Center. Chances are you will be greeted by a ranger who walks our nearby trails when off duty. Pick up a hiking map at the Visitor Center and find which trails best match your requirements with current conditions. Remember to use the Leave-No-Trace principles.
U.S. Park Service Rangers and Parks Canada Wardens conduct daily patrols along the Chilkoot Trail and base operations out of Sheep Camp on the U.S. side and Lindeman City on the Canada side of the trail. Cell phones do not work on the trail. Satellite phones may function in some areas. Hazards exist along the trail during certain conditions. Watch out for avalanche possibilities, flooding of the trail and weakened and hazardous snow bridges over concealed running water. That’s why it is important to get up-to-date trail information before hiking. Trail users should be self-sufficient and prepared to handle emergencies independently, as assistance may be hours to a day away. Helicopter medical evacuations from the trail may cost up to $1500. Trail hikers are advised to consult their medical insurance policies before starting their hike.
Bears are encountered frequently along the Chilkoot Trail. Stay on the trail and travel in groups, if possible. Use food storage devices that are located at all of the designated camping areas and bring 30 feet of rope for the bear poles. For your safety cook at or in the warming shelters, so as to keep food smells away from your tent site. Also, please do not leave your pack unattended at any point along the trail. A quick visual sweep after you are ready to leave camp will help to insure that no garbage, food or personal belongings are left behind. Pack out all garbage! Do not place wrappers and trash in the toilet cribs or wood stoves! See Wildlife Precaution page for further information.
There are no park entrance fees.
Permits to camp at Dyea Campground are $6.00/site/night.
Permits to hike the full Chilkoot Trail trip is $52.50/adult, $26.25/youth (ages 5-16). Permits for the US trail area only are $17.85 per adult; $8.95 per youth. The Canada only side trip permit is $34.65 per adult; $17.30 per youth.
Canada charges a Day Permit fee of $9.00 per hiker. There is no fee for day trips in the US.
Reservation fee: $11.85 per hiker in addition to permit fee.
Dyea Campground is a 22 site rustic campground 10 miles from Skagway near the old town site of Dyea, Alaska. The Dyea Campground is located near the entrance to the Chilkoot Trail Unit of the park. The campground is within a short walk of the Chilkoot Trailhead and a short drive or bike ride of the historic town site of Dyea. Facilities include fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets, parking area and campground host. It opens when free of snow; contact park to confirm intended dates of stay. Hook-ups are not available for recreational vehicles. Campers are advised to bring drinking water and firewood.
Backcountry camping along the trail is available. From approximately June 1 through September 5, every person spending the night on the Chilkoot Trail is required to obtain a Permit. For other dates, please register your itinerary at park headquarters (2nd & Broadway). Those without required permits are subject to fines. Permit fees are collected to help offset the cost of trail and facility maintenance and information services. All fees are payable at time of reservation, or at the time permits are obtained if no advance reservation is made. Permit fees are refundable up to one calendar month prior to start date. Reservation fees are non-refundable. All fees are quoted in Canadian funds and may be subject to change. For reservations and more information call: 867-667-3910 or 1-800-661-0486 (Canada and U.S.) Permit reservations can be made in advance and are highly recommended. Eight permits a day are held for hikers without reservations. Sign the Canadian customs log at the trail center. You are required to check in with Canada customs after departing the trail. Make plans for your return from the trail. The White Pass & Yukon Route will offer transportation from the end of trail at Bennett to Skagway, Alaska, or Fraser, B. C. For information on their schedule call 1-800-343-7373 or 907-983-2217.
Sitka National Historical Park, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fiords National Monument, and Tongass National Forest are nearby.
Skagway, Alaska is located 96 miles by air north of Juneau.
Skagway is reached by the South Klondike Highway and is 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Skagway is served by the Alaska Marine Highway System from Juneau and by public bus from Whitehorse.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park:
By Car:
Port Chilkoot, AK – 18.06 miles
Haines, AK – 17.60 miles
Tanani, AK – 15 miles
Lutak Inlet, AK – 17.35 miles
Wells, AK – 40.74 miles
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Second and Broadway, P. O. Box 517, Skagway, AK 99840
Headquarters 907-983-2921
Visitor Information 907-983-2921
By Fax 907-983-9249
