Trail Overview
The best hikes near Skagway, Alaska, offer a unique blend of stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and rich gold rush history. One of the most popular and beloved trails in the area is the Chilkoot Trail, a 33-mile point-to-point hike that follows the path of the Tlingit Native American trade route and the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders. What makes this trail special is its well-preserved history, with many artifacts and interpretive signs along the way, as well as its breathtaking scenery, which includes towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers love the Chilkoot Trail for its challenging yet rewarding terrain, which takes them through a variety of landscapes, from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra.
Key highlights of the trail include the stunning views from the summit of Chilkoot Pass, the historic townsite of Dyea, and the picturesque Lake Lindeman, where hikers can camp and rest. The trail also offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bears, moose, and eagles, as well as scenic creek crossings and waterfalls. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife, the Chilkoot Trail is a must-do hike for anyone visiting Skagway, Alaska.
Trail Stats at a Glance
- Distance: 33 miles (53 km) point-to-point
- Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet (1,067 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Estimated Time: 3-5 days
- Trail Type: Point-to-point
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be on a leash
- Kid-Friendly: No, due to challenging terrain and distance
Getting There
To get to the Chilkoot Trail, hikers can drive to the trailhead from Skagway, which is located at GPS coordinates 59.4572, -135.3433. From Skagway, take the Klondike Highway (Hwy 2) north for approximately 8 miles, then turn left onto the Dyea Road. Follow the Dyea Road for 8 miles to the trailhead, which is marked by a large sign and a parking lot. The parking lot has restrooms, potable water, and a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle. There are also trailhead facilities, including a ranger station and a campground.
Hikers can also take a shuttle from Skagway to the trailhead, which can be arranged through a local tour operator. It’s recommended to reserve the shuttle in advance, especially during peak season. Additionally, hikers can camp at the nearby Dyea Campground, which has 22 campsites, potable water, and restrooms.
Detailed Trail Description
The Chilkoot Trail begins at the trailhead near Dyea, Alaska, and follows the historic Tlingit Native American trade route and the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders’ path. The trail starts in a coastal rainforest, where hikers will encounter dense vegetation, including spruce and hemlock trees, and a variety of wildflowers, including blueberries and salmonberries. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, with many interpretive signs and historic artifacts along the way.
At approximately mile 2, the trail crosses the Taiya River on a sturdy bridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the river below. The trail then begins to climb, with many switchbacks and scenic viewpoints. At mile 5, hikers will reach the first campground, which has potable water and restrooms.
The trail continues to climb, with many creek crossings and waterfalls, until it reaches the summit of Chilkoot Pass at mile 13. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Lake Lindeman valley below. Hikers can also see the historic Chilkoot Pass sign, which marks the border between the United States and Canada.
From the pass, the trail descends into the Lake Lindeman valley, where hikers will encounter many scenic viewpoints and historic artifacts. The trail follows the lake shore for several miles, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. At mile 20, hikers will reach the second campground, which has potable water and restrooms.
The trail continues to follow the lake shore, then turns north and follows the Lindeman Creek valley. The trail crosses the creek several times, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the creek below. At mile 25, hikers will reach the third campground, which has potable water and restrooms.
The trail continues to follow the creek valley, then turns east and follows the Bare Loon Lake valley. The trail crosses the lake on a sturdy bridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. At mile 30, hikers will reach the final campground, which has potable water and restrooms.
The trail ends at the town of Bennett, British Columbia, where hikers can take a train or shuttle back to Skagway. The entire trail takes approximately 3-5 days to complete, depending on the hiker’s experience and physical condition.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Chilkoot Trail is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. However, hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds. The trail is generally snow-free from July to September, but hikers may encounter snow and ice in the higher elevations.
In June, the trail is usually still snowy, but the wildflowers are in bloom, and the scenery is stunning. In July and August, the trail is usually dry and warm, making it ideal for hiking. In September, the trail is usually cooler and wetter, but the fall colors are stunning, and the scenery is still beautiful.
Hikers should also be aware of the avalanche conditions in the higher elevations, especially in the spring and fall. The trail is generally closed from October to May due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.
What to Bring
Hikers should bring the following essentials when hiking the Chilkoot Trail:
- The Ten Essentials: navigation tools, headlamp, first aid kit, emergency shelter, fire starter, extra food and water, and a repair kit
- Bear Spray: a must-have in bear country, especially in Alaska
- Layers: hikers should bring layers of clothing, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof layer
- Trekking Poles: recommended for hikers with mobility issues or for navigating steep terrain
- Water Treatment: hikers should bring a water filter or treatment tablets to ensure safe drinking water
- Food and Snacks: hikers should bring enough food and snacks for the duration of the hike, as well as a camp stove and fuel
- Map and Compass: hikers should bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
Wildlife & Safety
Hikers should be aware of the following wildlife and safety concerns when hiking the Chilkoot Trail:
- Bear Encounters: hikers may encounter grizzly bears and black bears on the trail, especially in areas with food and trash
- Moose on Trail: hikers may encounter moose on the trail, especially in areas with dense vegetation
- Weather Hazards: hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds
- River Crossing Safety: hikers should be careful when crossing rivers and creeks, especially in areas with fast-moving water
- Avalanche Zones: hikers should be aware of the avalanche conditions in the higher elevations, especially in the spring and fall
Hikers should also be prepared for emergencies, including injuries and illnesses, and should bring a first aid kit and a means of communication, such as a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB).
Photography Tips
The Chilkoot Trail offers many stunning photography opportunities, including:
- Golden Hour: the best time to take photos is during the golden hour, when the light is soft and warm
- Viewpoints: hikers should take advantage of the many scenic viewpoints along the trail, including the summit of Chilkoot Pass and the Lake Lindeman valley
- Wildlife: hikers may encounter many wildlife species on the trail, including bears, moose, and eagles
- Landscapes: the trail offers many stunning landscape photography opportunities, including mountains, lakes, and forests
Hikers should bring a camera with a good lens, as well as a tripod and a remote shutter release. They should also be prepared for changing weather conditions and should bring a rain cover and a lens cleaning cloth.
History & Background
The Chilkoot Trail has a rich and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years to the Tlingit Native American trade route. The trail was used by the Tlingit people to trade with other Native American tribes and to hunt and gather food. In the late 1800s, the trail was used by the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders, who came to the area in search of gold.
The trail was also used by the US Army during the construction of the Skagway-Bennett railway, which was built in the early 1900s. The railway was used to transport goods and people between Skagway and Bennett, and it played an important role in the development of the region.
Today, the Chilkoot Trail is a popular hiking trail, attracting thousands of hikers and backpackers each year. The trail is managed by Parks Canada and the US National Park Service, which work together to maintain the trail and protect the surrounding environment.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
There are many nearby trails and campgrounds that hikers can explore, including:
- Trail of ’98: a historic trail that follows the route of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders
- Lake Lindeman Campground: a scenic campground located on the shores of Lake Lindeman
- Bennett Campground: a campground located near the town of Bennett, British Columbia
- Skagway Trail: a trail that follows the route of the Skagway-Bennett railway
- Dyea Campground: a campground located near the town of Dyea, Alaska
Hikers can also explore the many scenic drives and viewpoints in the area, including the Klondike Highway and the Skagway-Bennett railway. There are also many tour operators and guide services that offer hiking and backpacking trips in the area, as well as scenic flights and boat tours.