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View Full Version : Anyone hike the Chilkoot Trail?



Kevin A. Boyce
12-01-2005, 11:59
I'll be in Alaska for a few weeks next summer, and outside of some climbing, I want to get in a nice backpack trip in as well. I was watching a PBS special recently about the Yukon area, and they highlighted the Chilkoot Trail.

Has anyone out there hiked this? If so, can you provide some info, trip report, pictures?

It looks like a very interesting trail that goes through a variety of climate zones, and has one heck of an uphill section that looks great!

Thanks!
KevBoy

fiddlehead
12-01-2005, 17:36
I think there's some folks from ALDHA-west who hiked it. I was at their gathering in 96 and 98 and they gave a seminar on it. Steve something comes to my mind. I'd ask over at the PTC-L.

lilmountaingirl
12-01-2005, 20:05
I hiked the Chilkoot Trail many years ago and have been itching to get back there for a long time. I don't have a trip report handy, but I'll dig out my old "handwritten" <gasp> journals and post some of the info if you'd like. Likewise, my photos aren't digital and I'm w/out a scanner so I can't post pics. We began in Dyea, AK and hiked to Lake Bennett.

I can tell you it's an amazing hike ~ a fairly difficult 33 miles. The most memorable point for me was the Golden Stairs up to Chilkoot Pass (that uphill that you think looks great ;)), well, my legs hurt just thinking about it! There is so much history on the trail, I don't know if you are familiar with it or not, being the heart of the Klondike Goldrush. I didn't read up on it until after I hiked it...which is one of the many reasons I'd like to revisit it.

In the meantime, these are a couple of links I have bookmarked with others' TR's and photos:
http://henkbinnendijk.tripod.com/chilkoottrail/
http://www.explorenorth.com/library/yafeatures/bl-Chilkoot1.htm

Also, this link has some great info on it for planning/permits.
http://www.nps.gov/klgo/chilkoot.htm