The Trail (the Alaska Section)

Today the trail from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett, British Columbia is the only part of this historic trail that is maintained. It is approximately 53 km (33 mi.) in length and is jointly administered by the U.S. Park Service and the Canadian Park Service.

The Chilkoot Trail Mile 0 is at Dyea, Alaska, which is 13 km (8 mi.) from Skagway, where you can get the latest information about the conditions of the trail, directions and transportation to the trailhead. There are four public shelters along the trail and campsites are well marked, but during the busy months of June, July and August you are not allowed to use the shelters for sleeping.

The summit is 939 m (3246 ft.) high, but remember you start the hike at sea level and have to make your way to the summit and down again. Along the way you could encounter snow, ice, fog and winds. Your first shelter is near a waterfall at Canyon City and at this point you have hiked 12.4 km (7.75 mi.). As you leave Canyon City, you start climbing to km 20.8 (mile 13) where you reach Sheep Camp. From this point of the trail till km 26.4 (mile 16.5) when you reach the summit, is a rough and grueling climb. After you leave the Sheep Camp, trees give away to granite rock, boulders and snow patches. From a place called the Scales you start climbing a 30-degree incline that was known as the Golden Stairs. The Scales got that name, because of the fact that the miners when they reached this point, would re-weigh their loads before heading for the summit and the police patrol station. The name, Golden Stairs, came from the steps that were carved out in the ice and snow by the boots of hundreds and hundreds of miners that made their way up this extremely steep and harsh section of the pass.

The Summit (the British Columbia Section)

You have finally reached the summit and are now in British Columbia. Take time out and rest, only do not get too relaxed, because your next campsite is 6.4 km (4 mi.) away. The trail down the summit is a sharp decline that crosses a constant snow field. Keep to your right at this point of the trail, as it cuts its way around the sheer side of Crater Lake. At km 33 (mile 20.5) you reach Happy Camp. This is a rather large flat camping site, or if you wish you can hike a few kilometres further to the next campsite, which is at Deep Lake.

The Canadian side of the trail, is not near as gloomy as the west side of the pass. The trail now takes you through spruce, alder, small willows and heather. The mountains are not as severe, not as high, or as steep as you make your way to Lindeman Lake. The campsite here is staffed by Parks Canada, where you will find a first rate exhibition of trail memorabilia, diaries and photos.