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{{short description|Long-distance hiking trail in Canada and the United States}} | |||
{{inuse}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} | |||
{{Expert}} | |||
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{more citations needed|date=September 2011}} | |||
{{Infobox | |||
| above = Chilkoot Trail | |||
| image = ] | |||
| caption = 1. Dyea, 2. Finnegan's Point, 3. Canyon City, 4. Pleasant Camp, 5. ], 6. Scales, 7. Chilkoot Pass, 8. Stone Crib, 9. Happy Camp, 10. Deep Lake, 11. Lake Lindemann, 12. Bare Loon Lake, 13. Lake Bennett | |||
| label3 = Length | |||
| data3 = 33 miles | |||
| label4 = Summit | |||
| data4 = Chilkoot Pass; 1067 m / 3,525 feet<ref name="NPS"></ref> | |||
| label5 = Legacy | |||
| data5 = Trail for Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899) | |||
| label7 = Location | |||
| data7 = Southeast Alaska - Northwest British Columbia | |||
| data10 = {{Infobox designation list | embed=yes | designation1 = NHSC| designation1_offname = Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada | designation1_date = 1987 | designation2 = NHL | designation2_offname = Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site | designation2_date = 1978 | nocat = yes}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Infobox NRHP | |||
| name = Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site | |||
| designated_nrhp_type = June 16, 1978<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1588&ResourceType=District |title=Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site |access-date=June 5, 2017|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035304/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1588&ResourceType=District|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| designated_other1_number = SKG-006; SKG-067 | |||
| designated_other1_abbr = AHRS | |||
| designated_other1_color = #A8EDEF | |||
| designated_other1_date = June 30, 1974<br />December 14, 1974 | |||
| designated_other1_name = Alaska Heritage Resources Survey | |||
| designated_other1 = Alaska Heritage Resources Survey | |||
| partof_refnum = 76002189 | |||
| partof = ] | |||
| designated_nrhp_type2 = June 30, 1976 | |||
| refnum = 75002120<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref> | |||
| added = April 14, 1975 | |||
| nrhp_type = nhld | |||
| architecture = | |||
| architect = | |||
| built = 1897 | |||
| area = {{convert|11882|acre|ha}} | |||
| locmapin = Alaska | |||
| coordinates = {{coord|59.58719|-135.33234|format=dms|display=inline,source:ProprioMeOW}} | |||
| nearest_city = ] | |||
| caption = Miners climbing Chilkoot | |||
| image = Miners climb Chilkoot.jpg | |||
| nrhp_type2 = indcp | |||
| nocat = yes | |||
| designated_other1_num_position = bottom | |||
}} | |||
The '''Chilkoot Trail''' is a 33-mile (53 km) trail through the ] that leads from ], in the ], to ], in ]. It was a major access route from the coast to ] goldfields in the late 1890s. The trail became obsolete in 1899 when a railway was built from Dyea's neighbor port ] along the parallel ] trail.<ref name="GoldRushSt"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805005741/http://www.library.state.ak.us/goldrush/STORIES/wpass.htm |date=2011-08-05 }}</ref> | |||
The U.S. portion of the Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site were designated a ] in 1978, following creation of ] in 1976. In 1987, the B.C. portion of the trail was designated '''Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site'''.<ref>{{CRHP|9087|Chilkoot Trail|29 October 2011}}</ref> In 1998, the centennial of the ], the ] in British Columbia joined with the U.S. National Historical Park to form ]. In 2022, the {{Cvt|16.5|mi|km|adj=on}} portion of the trail in Alaska was designated '''Chilkoot National Historic Trail''', part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harball |first=Elizabeth |date=2022-12-27 |title=What's in the $1.7 trillion government spending bill for Alaska? Lots. |url=http://www.alaskajournal.com/2022-12-27/whats-17-trillion-government-spending-bill-alaska-lots |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=Alaska Journal |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The '''Chilkoot Trail''' is a 33 mile (53 kilometer) trail in the Chilkoot mountains in ] that leads from ], ] in the ] to ], ] in ] through the ] in the ]. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The trail was long used by the ] as a trade route and was used in 1897 - 1899 by gold prospectors who disembarked at Dyea and crossed into Canada in order to reach the ] gold fields. | |||
===Indigenous use=== | ===Indigenous use=== | ||
Tlingit Indigenous people used the trail as a vital trade route to trade for resources available in the interior. As pressures from American settlers and the ] weakened the traditional Tlingit trading system, the Chilkoot Trail slowly became utilized by explorers and prospectors. | |||
The name ''Chilkoot Trail'' is a partial translation of the trail's ] name, namely ''Chilkoot Dei•yi'', which means ''Chilkoot-'''owned''' Trail''.<ref name=deiyi>"The trail … is known among the Indians as the Chilkoot trail … It was monopolized solely by the Chilkoots, who had even gone so far as to forbid the Chilkats, almost brothers in blood, from using it …" {{cite book|title=A Summer in Alaska|url=https://archive.org/details/cihm_16102/page/n63/mode/2up|page=60|author=Schwatka, Frederick G.|publisher=J. W. Henry|year=1893|isbn=9780665161025 }} Because the Chilkoot Indians claimed ownership of the trail, it would have been called ''Chilkoot Dei•yi'' . {{cite book|url= http://www.sealaskaheritage.org/sites/default/files/Tlingit_dictionary_web.pdf|title=Dictionary of Tlingit|pages=70, 476 (''dei'' ); 16 (When possessed, alienable nouns require the possession suffix ''-i)''|author=Edwards |year=2009|access-date=2015-09-14}}</ref> The trail's English name omits the reference to ownership. In addition, the second word of ''Chilkoot Dei•yi'' sounds like the name for the ].<ref name=HealyWilson>Use of the name ''Dyea'' for its present location first occurred in 1886, when ] (1840-1908) and Edgar Wilson (1842-1895) opened their trading post there. "May 1886 I established a trading-post at a place now called Dyea, … with Edgar Wilson, … who resided at Dyea up to … his death in 1895." , ''Proceedings of the Alaska Boundary Tribunal'', S. Doc. No. 162, 58th Cong. (2nd Sess. 1903), Vol. IV, App. 2, at page 233, ''reprinted in'', Serial 4602. Prior to 1886, only a small hunting and fishing cabin had existed at this location. {{cite book|title=To the Chukchi Peninsula and to the Tlingit Indians 1881/1882|author1-last=Krause|author1-first=Aurel|author2-last=Krause|author2-first=Arthur|publisher=University of Alaska Press|year=1993|isbn=978-0-912006-66-6}}, at page 202 (map entry: "''Kleines Jagd & Fischerhaus''" ).</ref> Prior publications state that ''Dyea'' was derived from "to pack" or "carrying place" . However, the presence of the initial \d\ sound in ''Dyea'' casts doubt on those latter possibilities, and suggests that the first syllable had been ''dei'' (as in ''dei-yi''). | |||
===Klondike era=== | |||
] | |||
The ] (1896–1899) transformed the Chilkoot Trail into a mainstream transportation route to Canada's interior. The gold rush was primarily focused in the region around ] in ] and the ]. Of the several overland routes, the Chilkoot Trail was the most direct, least expensive, and, soon enough, most popular. | |||
The other primary route to the headwaters of the Yukon River, however, was also based out of ]: the rival ] route. The White Pass route was slightly longer but less rigorous and steep, whereas the Chilkoot was shorter and more difficult. Skagway, because of its deepwater harbor, served as the principal port for both routes (nearby Dyea, the beginning of the Chilkoot Trail, was built on the extensive, shallow ] delta). | |||
Prospectors who chose the Chilkoot were ferried to Dyea by small boat or ferry. Soon, both Skagway and Dyea were bustling ] as sensationalist headlines of the gold rush spurred men from across the United States to leave their jobs and families and gain passage up the ] to Skagway. | |||
As it became apparent that many of the prospectors who chose the Chilkoot simply were not going to survive the arduous terrain and harsh weather, Canada's North-West Mounted Police (now the ]) declared that prospectors could only enter Canada if they had at least one ton of gear, enough to supply a prospector for one year (the ]). | |||
Prospectors ferried the gear from campsites along the trail, slowly moving closer to the headwaters of the Yukon. With all the equipment and supplies being transported, alternative methods, especially those with a little supplemental income, sprouted up. Many prospectors purchased pack animals (although that method was more commonly used on the rival ]), and many others paid Tlingit Indians to haul gear on a per-pound rate from campsite to campsite. | |||
===Klondike=== | |||
====Tramways==== | ====Tramways==== | ||
{{Main|Chilkoot Trail tramways}} | |||
] companies soon were hauling tons of gear over the head of the prospectors every day. By the end of the Chilkoot Trail's heyday, there were five distinct tramway operations on different parts of the trail competing for the influx of gear and money in the region. Many of the trams constituted world-class engineering feats of the era. | |||
===Post-Klondike=== | ===Post-Klondike=== | ||
After the Klondike Gold Rush, the trail became more or less deserted. Prospectors late to the gold rush now made their way to the Yukon on the new ] ], which took them all the way to ] in the ]. | |||
Park membership*** | |||
In 1969, the U.S. and Canadian governments jointly declared their intention to make Chilkoot Trail a component of a Klondike Gold Rush International Historic Park. The U.S. portion was eventually established in 1976 as ], comprising part of ] in downtown ], ], various sites throughout Skagway, Alaska, the abandoned town site of Dyea, Alaska, and the U.S. portion of the Chilkoot Trail. | |||
The Canadian portion of the trail was christened Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site, one of several sites that comprise the Canadian national park associated with the Klondike. Klondike Gold Rush NHP and Chilkoot Trail NHS together form Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park, a designation introduced at the time of the centennial of the gold rush in 1998. | |||
==Current status== | ==Current status== | ||
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}] | |||
Currently the Chilkoot Trail is in high demand especially among residents of the ] and ], but also among tourists from across the planet. It is very common to come across non-English speaking backpackers on the trail. To manage this new-found demand for the route, to prevent overuse, and maintain the remoteness of trail, together the ] and ] agreed upon a limit of 50 backpackers entering the trail a day. Because of this and the high demand for the spots, many reserve early to ensure they snag a spot. There is also an assortment of fees for both the US and Canadian sides. Both charge flat rates and there is also a fee on nights spent in the park. | |||
The Chilkoot Trail is a popular recreational trail among residents of ] and ]. The trail also attracts many tourists from abroad. To manage demand, and to prevent overuse and maintain the remote character of the trail, the ] and ] allow no more than 50 backpackers to begin the trail each day by way of a permit system. | |||
In return for these fees, both countries have full-time trail crews |
In return for these fees, both countries have full-time trail maintenance crews, ranger/warden stations, well-designed campgrounds, and have placed numerous interpretive signs adjacent to notable historical sites and objects. | ||
The |
The official hiking season (when rangers are on-duty and trail crew is on-site) varies, but usually begins in late May and ends in early September. Peak demand runs from June through August. Avalanche danger lingers into late May, as well as large ]s that slow progress, whereas September is associated with rain and colder weather. | ||
The Chilkoot is also a challenging ultra-run. The fastest known time belongs to ]er ] in 5 hours and 27 minutes.<ref>ProBoards: </ref><ref>I Run Alaska (blog): </ref> | |||
==Route and attractions== | ==Route and attractions== | ||
The Chilkoot trail features a number of natural and historical sites as shown on the map. By following the numbers on the map from south to north, the hiker will go along the same route as the old prospectors. The trip normally takes three to five days<ref></ref> and to stay for the night, a number of designated campgrounds are made. The trail is roughly divided into three climatic zones: coastal rainforest, high alpine (above tree limit) and boreal forest. In the end it is connected to White Pass historical railway leading back to Skagway the modern port of the trail. In the following, the points of the map are highlighted with bold letters. | |||
The route begins in Dyea, which is a 15-minute ride away from Skagway. Dyea no longer exists as a city, merely as an historical site, campground, and host to a few Skagway-area residents. One must take a taxi or designated shuttle service to get to Dyea, or, if one is ambitious, trek over to Dyea on the road. Once at the trailhead, the trail, after an intial rise and fall in elevation known as Saintly Hill, is relatively flat in the delta area of ]. Partly due to this terrain, it's muggy with little breeze and the ]s are at their worst. This trail runs on or near former ] for much of this area, transverses ]s, and flits through some private property. After 4.8 miles (7.7 kilometers) the first campsite, Finnegan's Point, is achieved. For this first stretch, the time made should be relatively very quick as it consists of flat terrain and no substantial obstacles. | |||
] | |||
=== Dyea === | |||
Finnegan's Point often takes in very few hikers because of its proximity to the trailhead and most parties make it to Finnegan's Point within a few hours. However, for slower parties and those getting a late start on the trail Finnegan's Point of often the campsite of choice. It receives its name from Pat Finnegan, proprietor of a short-lived toll bridge before he was overrun by stampeders. Besides the bridge Finnegan's Point also consisted of a "huddle of tents surrounding a hard core of blacksmith shop, saloon, and a restaurant" | |||
{{Main|Dyea, Alaska}} | |||
Dyea is a ] located at the convergence of the ] and ] on the south side of the ] within the limits of the ]. Confidence man and crime boss ], famous for his underworld control of the neighboring town of ] in 1897-98 is believed to have had control of Dyea as well.<ref>Smith, Jeff (2009). ''Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel'', Klondike Research. pp. 450-51. {{ISBN|0-9819743-0-9}}</ref> | |||
The port at Dyea had shallow water, while neighboring ] had deep water. For a brief period between 1897 and 1899, this trail and town were full of prospectors. Dyea was abandoned when the ] railroad chose the White Pass Trail, which begins in Skagway, over the Chilkoot Trail. By 1905, most of the buildings had been demolished or removed. | |||
After Finnegan's Point the terrain evolves into forest with cool drafts swooping from the ] and ]s in the mountains. There are also numerous streams tumulting down the mountainsides that are excellent ]s and natural ]s. The trail becomes a trail (and not the remnants of a logging road) and explores modest elevation changes on the walls of the Taiya River valley. This stretch probably has the least amount of artifacts visible to the hiker but makes up for it with a beautiful views of mountaneous forest and run-off streams. At mile 7.5 (kilometer 12.1), or a quick 2.6 mile (4.4 kilometer) hike from Finnegin's Point, is the Canyon City campsite. Many hikers, especially those who are aiming for a more modest pace on the trail or those who have a late start on the trail, stop here for the first night. The cabin in the campsite also houses many gold rush-era artifacts still in relatively good shape. | |||
===Coastal rainforest zone=== | |||
] | |||
] | |||
A miniscule .3 miles (.4 kilometers) after the Canyon City campsite are the Canyon City ruins. Canyon City used to be a tent city during the gold rush and the ruins are still visible. To get to the ruins one must cross the river on a suspension foot bridge. You'll find the foundations on many buildings, a restaurant stove, and a large boiler -- all remnants from the gold rush. | |||
The trail begins in Dyea, a ghost town and campground, 15 minutes from Skagway. From the trailhead, the route winds through coastal ] along to the ]. The first campsite is Finnegan's Point. This stretch of the trail is in flat terrain with no substantial obstacles. | |||
The trail becomes noticeably cooler after Finnegan's Point owing to cool air sinking down from ] and ]s in the surrounding mountains. Numerous streams also cascade down the mountain sides. This stretch of the trail contains the least amount of visible artifacts. The next camp is Canyon City. Many hikers, especially those desiring a more modest pace or those who have had a late start, stop at Canyon City the first night. The shelter located at Canyon City houses many gold rush-era artifacts. | |||
After the Canyon City ruins the trail significantly seperates from the river for the first time as the river becomes rapids in a small canyon (giving Canyon City its name). The trail climbs up the side of the valley and explores some very nice sub-alpine forest, although the thunder of the river below is still quite audible. For many sections of the trail, old telegraph and tram wires are exposed right next to the trail and great views of the mountains on the other other side of the valley are plentiful as well. For the gold rush prospectors, this section was the worst part of the trail. While in the winter, when the Taiya was frozen, they could travel up it, in the summer it was described as "the worst piece of trail on the road, fairly muddy with many boulders and with some short, steep ascents and descents in and out of small gulches." | |||
Close to the Canyon City campsite are the Canyon City ruins. Canyon City was a tent city during the gold rush and its ruins—building foundations, a large restaurant stove, a large boiler—are still visible. The ruins are accessible by crossing the Taiya River by ] ]. | |||
The next landmark is Pleasant Camp at mile 10.5 (kilometer 16.5), a quick 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers) from the Canyon City ruins. Pleasant Camp marks the reunion of the trail and the Taiya River and ais a lightly used campsite. From Pleasant Camp, a mostly flat trail weaves through trees and over small creeks and, for the most part, relatively banal terrain. | |||
] | |||
Soon the trail arrives in Sheep Camp, the last campsite on the American side of the trail as well as the final resting stop before the Chilkoot Pass. Sheep Camp is 11.8 miles (18.9 kilometers) from the trailhead and 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) from Pleasant Camp and is without doubt the largest of the campsites on the American side of the trail. Here hikers collect physical and mental resources for the push across the peak and into Canada. | |||
After Canyon City ruins, the trail diverges away from the river for the first time as the river disappears into a small canyon (Canyon City's namesake) and climbs up valley wall, traversing sub-alpine forest. For many sections of the trail, old ] and tram wires are exposed adjacent to the trail. For the gold rush prospectors, this section of the trail was one of the most difficult. In winter, when the Taiya River was frozen, the gold rush stampeders could easily travel up the ice highway; however, in the summer this segment was described as "the worst piece of trail on the road, fairly muddy with many boulders and with some short, steep ascents and descents in and out of small gulches." | |||
Many leave early in the morning - as early as 4AM occassionally - to make the summit push into Canada. During the official hiking season the park ranger stationed just above Sheep Camp will come down and give a quick presentation on the pass, what to expect, and weather and snow conditions. They recommend seven and a half to ten hours for a group to travel from Sheep Camp to Happy Camp barring any complications so most hikers don't take chances. | |||
The next landmark is Pleasant Camp. There is an informational trail sign at the original site of Pleasant Camp, a quarter mile before the present Pleasant Camp campground. Pleasant Camp marks the reunion of the trail with Taiya River and serves as a lightly used, small campground. From Pleasant Camp the trail is fairly flat and weaves through forest and over small creeks. | |||
Just after leaving Sheep Camp and before the US ranger station, the trail passes through a large avalanche chute on the trail. The slide has wiped out all previously existing forest and leaves a young brushy and alder-dominated landscape. However, because of the lack of tall trees views of several waterfalls on the valls walls make themselves available. Just a little distance after the ranger station there is a small museum of gold rush-era artifacts in an old cabin. Soon after leaving the cabin the sub-alpine forest slowly degrades into alpine revealing a grand and bouldery view of the narrowing Taiya River valley. The higher the trail goes the more informal it becomes although there are yellow markers in snowfields for pathfinding. In the early hiking season there can be danger of breaking through snow bridges when the snowfields are plentiful and runoff streams are hidden beneath. | |||
] | |||
At mile 16 (kilometer 25.7), within sight of the pass and the Golden Stairs, the trail encounters The Scales. The Scales are only 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) after Sheep Camp but this portion of the trail includes a lot of elevation gain and some of the harder terrain thus encountered on the trail. The Scales receive their namesake from hired packers who would reweigh their loads and often, in lieu of the imposing visage of the Golden Stairs, negotiate a higher rate. The Scales were also a tent city of storts sporting six restaurants, two hotels, a saloon, and many freighting offices and warehouses. The Golden Stairs didn't just serve as a cause for higher packing rates, but they also caused many people to turn around, often leaving their required ton of equipment to sit and decay. Partially because of this, but also because of the snow and cold temperature's preserving properties, artifacts are much more prevelant at that altitude including remnants of wooden structures. | |||
The trail next comes to Sheep Camp, the last campground on the American side of the trail as well as the final resting stop before the trek up Chilkoot Pass. It is the largest of the campsites on the American side of the trail. | |||
After The Scales is the final push to the peak -- the fabeled Golden Stairs. The Golden Stairs garnered its name from the steps that prospectors painstakingly carved into the snow and ice of the pass and has retained the name ever since. For hikers, especially in the mainstream season, the Golden Stairs are often completely snow free so climbing up the 45-degree angle jumble of boulders is the only option, but one still gets an inkling of what the prospectors endured. There are several false summits after the Golden Stairs but are all quite small in comparision. At the top there is a warming cabin, the U.S.-Canadian border, and a part-time warden station. Occassionally if a party is not making time quick enough the warden or U.S. ranger will offer the warming cabin at the peak as an overnight shelter as to not risk them being caught somewhere in the baren and exposed landscape between the pass and Happy Camp. There are also many artifacts on the Golden Stairs as well as the ridges surrounding the pass including a cache of still intact (canvas, wood, etc.) prefabricated boats on the southeastern side of the pass. The pass sits at mile 16.5 (kilometer 26.6), just .5 miles (.9 kilometers) after The Scales.] | |||
After leaving Sheep Camp and before the U.S. ranger station, the trail passes through a large avalanche chute. The slide has wiped out all previously existing forest and leaves a young brushy and alder-dominated landscape. A short distance after the ranger station is a small museum of gold rush-era artifacts in an old cabin. Soon after leaving the cabin the sub-alpine forest slowly yields to a treeless alpine landscape that allows a grand view of the rapidly narrowing Taiya River valley. As the trail climbs in altitude, its path becomes more improved, often demarcated by yellow markers planted in snowfields. | |||
Just after the pass is Stone Crib at mile 17 (kilometer 27.4). Stone Crib was the terminus of the ]'s aerial tramway and consisted as a huge rock repository to counterbalance the tram. It is still readily apparent today with even the wooden structure still well preserved by the snow. After Stone Crib is a long solemn stretch of alpine trail passing by a series of deep mysteriously blue lakes. | |||
===High alpine zone=== | |||
First is ], then ], and then Happy Camp at mile 20.5 (kilometer 33), which is 3.5 miles (4.6 kilometers) after Stone Crib. Happy Camp gets its name from the relief prospectors (and hikers) experience when coming across the first outpost after the pass. It's still entirely in the alpine and rather small, but receives heavy use because of its strategic location. | |||
] | ] | ||
Within sight of the pass, and at the base of the "Golden Stairs" (the long difficult incline that leads to the pass), are The Scales. The Scales were a weight station where freight would be reweighed before the final trek to the pass. Often, Native packers would demand higher packing rates. The Scales also hosted a small tent city, including six restaurants, two hotels, a saloon, and many freighting offices and warehouses. The imposing Golden Stairs also prompted many would-be prospectors to turn around, often leaving behind their required ton of equipment. Because of this, and the snow's preserving properties, artifacts are prevalent at this altitude, including many remnants of wooden structures. | |||
After Happy Camp the trail continues down the run-off stream that drains Crater and Morrow Lakes to circumnavigate the very majestic ]. After Long Lake the trail crosses the run-off stream from Long Lake and finds itself on the northern side of a watershed for the first time. The Deep Lake campground is located just after this unique landmark and also sits right in the midst of the returning ]. | |||
After The Scales is the final push up to the Chilkoot Pass: the fabled Golden Stairs. The Golden Stairs acquired its name from the steps that prospectors painstakingly carved into the snow and ice of the pass and has retained the name ever since. At the pass proper, at the Canada–US border, is a warming cabin and part-time ] warden station. Occasionally, if a party is making poor time, the warden or U.S. ranger will offer the warming cabin as an overnight shelter so to not risk the group from being caught in the barren and exposed alpine landscape between the pass and Happy Camp. There are also many artifacts scattered about the Golden Stairs and ridge lines surrounding the pass, including a cache of intact (canvas, wood, etc.) prefabricated boats on the southeastern side of the pass. | |||
Outside of the Deep Lake campground the trees return for good and the trail skirts around Deep Lake (although when melt-off is high, the trail may be flooded) and the environment is noticeably different. This Canadian side of the trail is much dryer, as it is located in the ] of the Coast Mountains, and the forest primarily consists of ]s as opposed to the ]-based ] on the US side of the trail. The trail also is on a pleasantly downward slant as well. Once the trail passes Deep Lake the outlet river runs parallel to the trail for a short distance before careening into a small canyon, and as it happens, many boat-related artifacts are visible in this area as well. The the trail continues to lose elevation until the turquoize-colored ] comes into view and soon the trail concludes its descent at the Lake Lindeman campground, the base of Canadian trail operations. | |||
Stone Crib is situated a half mile after the pass. Stone Crib served as the terminus of the ] aerial tramway, a huge rocky counterbalance for the tram. This function is still apparent today with the wooden structure collapsed along the west side of the valley. | |||
Lake Lindeman is 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) from the trailhead and 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Deep Lake. Lake Lindeman plays host to a small tent museum containing photographic displays and a small library of books on the Chilkoot, the outdoors, and other Canadian parks. The campsite sits next to confluence of Lake Lindeman and the outlet river from Deep Lake but also contains a large number of relics. The campsite is located on the site of what used to be Lindeman City during the gold rush and a small trail leading from the campsite takes hikers to a period cemetary for those less-fortunate prospectors of the era. A quick walk through the surrounding woods also reveals numerous foundations of now non-existant buildings, former fire rings, old latrine holes, the former main drag of Lindeman City and a plethora of artifacts ranging from broken wine and beer bottles to tin cans. | |||
The trail wends its way by a series of alpine lakes: First Crater Lake, Morrow Lake, and finally Happy Camp. | |||
The trail continues on after Lindeman crossing the Deep Lake outlet river and up a steep bluff running on the southeastern side of Lake Lindeman to reveal an expansive view of the lake and surrounding forest. The trail crews wisely have installed several improvised benches here and they make for superb resting spots for lunch, contemplation, and taking in the glory of the wilderness. The trail continues on this route with Lindeman on the left and a number of small lakes on the right. | |||
] | |||
Three miles (4.9 kilometers) after Lake Lindeman and 29 miles (46.7 kilometers) from Dyea the trail meets ] and the Bare Loon Lake campground. True to name, one can often hear ] calls from this austere lake. The campsite is often sparesly populated with backpackers and the quiet and beautiful location offers a great location to reflect on the trail. | |||
===Boreal forest zone=== | |||
After Bare Loon Lake the trail diverges. One branch splits off to meet the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad and then follows its tracks south to Log Cabin where the trailroad converges with the ] and where hikers can arrange pick-ups with either a scheduld bus or an acquaintence with a car. The other branch slowly descends the aforementioned bluff overlooking Lake Lindeman and passes a still-operating trapper's cabin and begins running parallel to an now-defunct railbed of the White Pass and Yukon Route. Eventually the lake turns into to the one-mile rapids and the trail swerves out of sight of the tumultuous waterway. Soon the trail arrives at its terminus: Bennett. | |||
] | |||
The trail continues to pass another couple of lakes—Long Lake and Deep Lake—before crossing ]. Adjacent to Deep Lake, and amidst tree line, is another campground. The Canadian half of the Chilkoot Trail, in the ] of the Coast Mountains, is much dryer, and ] forest, first appearing at Deep Lake, readily contrasts to the more lush ] on the U.S. half before Chilkoot Pass. | |||
Bennett is 4 miles (6.8 kilometers) downtrail from Bare Loon Lake and 33 miles (53.1 kilometers) from Dyea - the entire length of the trail. Bennett consists of a campground the White Pass and Yukon Route depot, several houses (all private property) belonging to White Pass employees or ]s citizens, the only gold rush-era buildings still standing today: the renovated St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and numerous artifacts. Pilings from piers on the lake are still apparent as is the usual assortment of cans and other metal remains. | |||
After the trail passes Deep Lake, the outlet river runs parallel to the trail for a short distance before entering a small canyon. Many boat and boat-related artifacts are visible in this area. The trail continues at a gentle decline until the turquoise-colored ] comes into view and the trail concludes its descent to the Lake Lindeman campground, the headquarters of Canadian trail operations. | |||
From Bennett, if in the official hiking season, most hikers take the White Pass and Yukon Route back to Skagway with a one-way fare. | |||
The trail climbs a steep bluff after Lindeman and offers an expansive view of the lake and surrounding forest. After Lake Lindeman, the trail passes Bare Loon Lake and the Bare Loon Lake campground. | |||
===Campsites=== | |||
There are a total of nine designated and maintained campgrounds on the Chilkoot Trail: | |||
The trail diverges after Bare Loon Lake. One branch continues to ] and the tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. The other branch, the Log Cabin cut-off, connects with the ], but was closed by Parks Canada in 2010. | |||
====Finnegan's Point==== | |||
Finnegan's Point is located right next to the Taiya River while the valley is still relatively flat. The mosquitoes are very bad at Finnegan's Point partly due to its location and the abundance of standing water in and around Finnegan's Point. The campsite itself features one canvas warming and cooking shelter complete with mosquito screens, a bear pole and a bear-proof food storage locker for safekeeping of food overnight, an outhouse, and an ample amount of tent sites. | |||
Bennett consists of a campground, a White Pass and Yukon Route depot, several houses (all private property) belonging to White Pass employees or ] citizens, and the only gold rush-era building still standing along the trail today, the renovated St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Pilings from bygone piers dot the lakeshore and an assortment of cans and other metal artifacts are scattered throughout the woods. | |||
====Canyon City==== | |||
Canyon City is the second largest campground on the American side of the trail. It too is conviently located right next to small offshoot of the Taiya River that allows comfortable dishwashing and filling of water bottles. It features a spacious log cabin complete with a wood stove, numerous shelves full of artifacts, several bunks (although sleeping is not permitted inside park shelters), and several shelves for cooking. It also has a small porch ideal for hanging up gear to air out or dry and some wooden chairs to sit in. Canyon City features over 30 campsites and two outhouses as well as food lockers and bear polls. | |||
==Campgrounds== | |||
====Pleasant Camp==== | |||
As shown on the route map there are nine designated, maintained campgrounds on the Chilkoot Trail. Camping is allowed in these places only. Hikers must use their own tents or shelters as the cabins at the campgrounds are for warming and cooking only. For cooking a backpacking stove must be brought along, even though wood stoves are available in some places. Open fires are prohibited. Use of campgrounds must be planned in advance.<ref name="ParksCanDes"></ref> | |||
Pleasant Camp is the smallest of the campsites on the American side of the trail. It is located next to a sandbar in the Taiya River and features a canvas warming and cooking shelter, a spattering of campsites, and a bear poll. Pleasant camp usually serves as a backwater for when Sheep Camp is full. There is a sign near the cooking shelter notifying backpackers whether Sheep Camp is at capacity or can still take bacpackers. | |||
In addition to the camps, a U.S. Ranger Station is located north of Sheep Camp to present the history of the pass and inform about weather and trail conditions before crossing the summit. | |||
====Sheep Camp==== | |||
Sheep Camp is the largest of the American campsites. It it is located in between a crick of meltwater from the adjacent mountains and some branches of the Taiya River. Occassionally after disruptions upstream such as avalanches, rockslides, or exceptional rains, portions of Sheep Camp next to the Taiya become flooded. Sheep Camp has three seperate canvas shelters, a small cache used by the trail crew, a spattering of outhouses, and over 40 campsites. The only U.S. Ranger Station on the trail is located just a few hundred meters north of Sheep Camp and the ranger during the official season comes down to give a presentation on the history and current conditions of the pass. | |||
] | |||
====Happy Camp==== | |||
Happy Camp is the only campsite on trail entirely out of the treeline although small shrubs are prevelent. A very small wooden warming cabin and a food closet as well as an outhouse (with refuse depositted into a container that is heli-lifted out as to protect the fragile alpine enviornment) are all located at this campsite. There are a decent amount of campsites but the number is limited due to the rather steady slope the campsite is located on. However, in the spring watching the melt-off streams pour into the small river in front of Happy Camp can be a spectacular sight, spare that your tent is not in the way of some of the streams that happen to run right through the campsite! | |||
=== |
=== Finnegan's Point === | ||
{{multiple image | |||
Deep Lake is the only one of two campsites on the trail to be devoid of some kind of protective shelter. Well, unless an outhouse is considered shelter! Deep Lake has an outside cooking area, bear polls, and a small number of campsites and probably amounts to being the smallest campsite on the trail. However, it's view is spectacular. It is situated between the end of Long Lake and the beginning of Deep Lake, both of which hold a most mysterious indigal hue. | |||
| align = left | |||
] | |||
| direction = vertical | |||
====Lake Lindeman==== | |||
| header = Finnegan's Point then and now | |||
The largest campsite on the Canadian side, and possibly the entire trail, is Lake Lindeman. Featuring seperate north and south campsites, a small cluster of buildings for the wardens and trail crew, a makeshift dock and boat for transportation of the wardens (unlike the Americans, the Canadian wardens cannot just hike out to Skagway), a canvas shelter containing a museum of photographs and small library on the outdoors and Klondike history, and a web of trails leading through the remains of the gold rush-era Lindeman City. The North and South campsites each feature a large wooden cabin that serves as a cooking and warming shelter, numerous bear polls, and several picnic tables. The campsite is located throughout the surrounding sparse pine forest and campsites are never far from the lake. | |||
| width = 220 | |||
| image1 = Finnegan.jpg | |||
| alt1 = Finnegan's Point campground | |||
| caption1 = Finnegan's Point Bridge, Taiya River, 1897–98 | |||
| image2 = ChilkootTrailFinnegan'sPoint.jpg | |||
| alt2 = Finnegan's Point campground, 2004 | |||
| caption2 = Finnegan's Point campground, 2004 | |||
}} | |||
This campground is located adjacent to the Taiya River while the valley is still relatively flat. The mosquitoes are very bad at Finnegan's Point partly due to its location and the abundance of standing water. The campsite itself includes a canvas warming and cooking shelter with mosquito screens, bear-proof food storage locker, an ], and ample tent sites. Finnegan's Point often takes in very few hikers because of its proximity to the trailhead, and most parties pass Finnegan's Point within a few hours. However, for slower parties and those with a late start on the trail, Finnegan's Point is often the campground of choice. | |||
====Bare Loon Lake==== | |||
Bare Loon Lake is the other campsite on the trail without a cooking or warming shelter. Located on a small ridge above Lake Lindeman in spacious pine forest and overlooking the small and rustic Bare Loon Lake, the Bare Loon Lake campsite is one of the most beautiful on the trail. There is an outhouse, a helicopter pad, and bear polls, but otherwise this is a small campsite for those close to the end of their journey. One can also swim in Bare Loon Lake. Unlike almost every other water source encountered on the trail thus far, Bare Loon Lake is not glacially-fed, and so, while it may be cold, it does not compare newly-melted water that feeds the Taiya River, Deep Lake, or Lake Lindeman. | |||
The campground receives its name from Pat Finnegan, who enterprised to collect bridge-crossing tolls from stampeders. Finnegan's Point consisted of a "huddle of tents surrounding a hard core of blacksmith shop, saloon, and a restaurant." | |||
====Bennett==== | |||
Bennett is the end of the trail and the first baby step back into civilization. There are several structures built and maintained by the White Pass and Yukon Route including a museum for tourists, a depot, and housing for employees. There is also a private First Nations residence which is off limits and private property. While Bennett doesn't have a shelter specific for cooking, there is shelter to be found easily among the structures scattered throughout Bennett. The campground is relatively small and boasts of bear polls, picnic tables, and an outhouse. Also at Bennett is the still-standing St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. It is a remnant from the gold rush and has since been renovated, but still is beautiful and contains a lot of history. | |||
=== Canyon City === | |||
The second-largest campground on the American side of the trail. It is located next to small tributary of the Taiya River. Canyon City includes a ] with a wood stove and several bunks (although sleeping is not permitted inside park shelters), several shelves for cooking, and a small porch for drying gear. This cabin was built by the CCC and juvenile delinquents in the 60s. Canyon City includes 16 campsites and two outhouses as well as food lockers and bear poles. | |||
=== Pleasant Camp === | |||
] | |||
This is the smallest of the campgrounds on the American side of the trail. It is located next to a sandbar in the Taiya River and consists of a canvas warming and cooking shelter, a small number of campsites, a bear pole and food lockers. Pleasant Camp usually serves as a spillover campsite if Sheep Camp is full. There is a sign near the cooking shelter notifying backpackers whether Sheep Camp is at capacity or can still take backpackers. | |||
=== Sheep Camp === | |||
This is the largest of the American campsites. It is located adjacent to a braided ]. Occasionally avalanches, rockslides, or exceptional rains, will flood Sheep Camp. Sheep Camp consists of two canvas shelters, 3 outhouses, and over 20 campsites. A large post-and-beam picnic pavilion was completed by the trail crew in 2017. The collapsed CCC cabin was rebuilt in 2018 by the trail crew. The only U.S. Ranger Station on the trail is located just a few hundred meters south of Sheep Camp and the ranger during the official season gives a nightly presentation on the history of the pass and current weather and trail conditions. From Sheep Camp many hikers leave early in the morning—as early as 4 a.m.—for the summit push into Canada. During the official ] season the park ranger stationed just south of Sheep Camp gives a quick presentation outlining the route over the pass, the weather forecast, and snow conditions every evening in the pavilion. Rangers recommend 7.5 to 10 hours for a group to travel from Sheep Camp to Happy Camp. | |||
=== Happy Camp === | |||
] | |||
Happy Camp is the only campground on the Chilkoot Trail in the ]. A very small wooden warming cabin, an outhouse, and a modest number of campsites are all available at this campsite. Happy Camp owes its name to the relief prospectors (and hikers) experienced from arriving at the first outpost after the pass. The camp is situated in a true alpine ecosystem and receives heavy use because of its location. | |||
=== Deep Lake === | |||
Deep Lake is one of only two campgrounds on the trail without permanent or semi-permanent shelter. Deep Lake includes an outside cooking area, bear proof lockers for food, and a small number of campsites. It is notable, however, for its scenic location, between the indigo hues of Long and Deep Lakes. | |||
=== Lake Lindeman === | |||
] | |||
The largest campground on the Canadian side. It includes separate north and south campsites, a small cluster of buildings for the trail warden and trail crew, a dock and Parks Canada powerboat, a canvas shelter containing a museum of photographs and small library on the outdoors and Klondike history, and a web of trails leading among the remains of the old town. The north and south campsites each include a large wooden cabin that serves as a cooking and warming shelter, numerous bear poles, and several picnic tables. The campsite is located on the site of what was Lindeman City during the gold rush: a cemetery of deceased prospectors from the gold rush era remains, as well as numerous foundations, former fire rings, old latrine holes, the ruts of Lindeman City's main street, and a plethora of artifacts ranging from broken wine and beer bottles to tin cans. Lake Lindeman hosts a small tent museum containing photographic displays and a small library of books on the Chilkoot, the outdoors, and other ]. | |||
=== Bare Loon Lake === | |||
] | |||
Bare Loon Lake is the second campground without semi-permanent shelter, though it now includes a pavilion-style cooking shelter. Located on a small ridge above Lake Lindeman in a pine forest and overlooking the Bare Loon Lake, the campground is one of the most beautiful on the trail. It includes two outhouses, a helicopter pad, and food lockers. | |||
=== Bennett === | |||
This camp is the end of the trail. Several structures maintained by the ] are clustered around the tracks, as well as a private First Nations residence. The campground is relatively small and includes bear poles, picnic tables, and an outhouse. | |||
==Safety== | ==Safety== | ||
] | |||
While in the summer there are full-time rangers and wardens on both the US and Canadian sides, the Chilkoot Trail is still by no means without its risks. | |||
Bears are the primary safety concern in the park. It is very common for hikers to encounter them. Firearms are not permitted on the Canadian side of Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/management/firearmsfaq.htm|title=Firearms in the park - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)|website=www.nps.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-02}}</ref> Almost all parties take ] and/or bear bangers as repellents, but most importantly both sides of the park mandate smart bear practices. It is required to stow food in bear-safe locations. | |||
===Bears=== | |||
] | |||
Bears are the primary concern in the park. It is ''very'' common for hikers to encounter them, but firearms are not allowed in the park . Almost all parties take bear spray and/or bear pells as repellents, but more importantly both sides of the park mandate smart bear practices. It is required to safely stow your food in a bear-safe location whether that be provided lockers or bear polls as to prevents bears from associating humans with food and thus creating "problem bears." There are constant notices and reminders of how to react if one sees a bear and what to do if a bear charges. Because of the well-coordinated bear education campaign by park officials bears remain just a potential for problems and have yet to actually become a problem. | |||
Weather and terrain also pose a challenge to hikers. There are few risks in the forest regions of the trail, however once the trail climbs into the alpine, weather and the elements pose more of a concern; the same does vertigo. Often the American ranger from Sheep Camp sweeps late in the day up to Chilkoot Pass to monitor for straggling groups that may not make Happy Camp and would be in need of emergency shelter.{{Clear}} | |||
] | |||
===Weather and terrain=== | |||
Weather and terrain also pose challenges to hikers. While there are very few risks in the forest regions of the trail, once hikers break into the alpine problems become prevalent. Snow bridges in the Taiya River valley before the pass don't really have potential to create serious injuries or situations but are a hazard hikers should look out for to prevent unnecessary bruises and wet gear. A larger problem is hikers not being physically prepared, the weather not being accomidating, or a combination of both of the above. These factors often result in groups not making the jump from Sheep Camp to Happy Camp. Often times the ranger from Sheep Camp sweeps late in the day up to the pass to check for straggling groups and suggests that those who don't look like they'll be able to make it to Happy Camp stay in the warming shelter at the summit for the night instead of risking it on the barren alpine between the summit and Happy Camp. | |||
==Klondike supply list== | |||
Another danger in the winter or spring is that of avalanches. While those hikers in the mainstream season don't need worry about this, early-season hikers are often briefed of potential chutes and suggestions of navigating them. | |||
{{See also|#Klondike era}} | |||
The list shows a suggestion of equipment needed for prospectors before they were allowed entry into Canada at the summit of the Chilkoot Pass, 1897–1899. Total weight: 1 ton.<ref>Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park online: </ref> | |||
{{div col}} | |||
* 150 lb bacon | |||
* 400 lb flour | |||
* 25 lb rolled oats | |||
* 125 lb beans | |||
* 10 lb tea | |||
* 10 lb coffee | |||
* 25 lb sugar | |||
* 25 lb dried potatoes | |||
* 2 lb dried onions | |||
* 15 lb salt | |||
* 1 lb pepper | |||
* 75 lb ]s | |||
* 8 lb baking powder | |||
* 2 lb soda | |||
* ½ lb evaporated vinegar | |||
* 12 oz compressed soup | |||
* 1 can mustard | |||
* 1 tin matches (for four men) | |||
* Stove for four men | |||
* Gold pan for each | |||
* Set granite buckets | |||
* Large bucket | |||
* Knife, fork, spoon, cup, and plate | |||
* ] | |||
* Coffee and teapot | |||
* Scythe stone | |||
* Two picks and one shovel | |||
* One whipsaw | |||
* Pack strap | |||
* Two ]s for four men and one extra handle | |||
* Six {{convert|8|in|mm|adj=on}} ] and two taper files for the party | |||
* ], ]s, ], and ] for party | |||
* 200 feet three-eights-inch rope | |||
* 8 lb of ] and {{convert|5|lb|abbr=on}}. of ] for four men | |||
* Nails, five lb each of 6,8,10 and 12 penny, for four men | |||
* ], {{convert|10|x|12|ft|m}} for four men | |||
* Canvas for wrapping | |||
* Two oil blankets to each boat | |||
* 5 yards of ] for each man | |||
* 3 suits of heavy underwear | |||
* 1 heavy mackinaw coat | |||
* 2 pairs heavy mackinaw trousers | |||
* 1 heavy rubber-lined coat | |||
* 1 doz heavy wool socks | |||
* ½ doz heavy wool mittens | |||
* 2 heavy overshirts | |||
* 2 pairs heavy snagproof rubber boots | |||
* 2 pairs shoes | |||
* 4 pairs blankets (for two men) | |||
* 4 towels | |||
* 2 pairs overalls | |||
* 1 suit oil clothing | |||
* Several changes of summer clothing | |||
* Small assortment of medicines | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
==See also== | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Chilkoot Trail}} | |||
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* {{usurped|1=}} | |||
* - University of Washington Library | |||
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{{Trail system}} | |||
{{Canadian Trails}} | |||
{{Registered Historic Places}} | |||
{{NHSC}}{{Protected areas of Alaska}}{{British Columbia parks}} | |||
{{Boundary Ranges}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:10, 20 December 2024
Long-distance hiking trail in Canada and the United States
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Chilkoot Trail" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Chilkoot Trail | |
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1. Dyea, 2. Finnegan's Point, 3. Canyon City, 4. Pleasant Camp, 5. Sheep Camp, 6. Scales, 7. Chilkoot Pass, 8. Stone Crib, 9. Happy Camp, 10. Deep Lake, 11. Lake Lindemann, 12. Bare Loon Lake, 13. Lake Bennett | |
Length | 33 miles |
Summit | Chilkoot Pass; 1067 m / 3,525 feet |
Legacy | Trail for Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899) |
Location | Southeast Alaska - Northwest British Columbia |
National Historic Site of Canada | |
Official name | Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada |
Designated | 1987 |
U.S. National Historic Landmark | |
Official name | Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site |
Designated | 1978 |
Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
U.S. National Historic Landmark District | |
U.S. Historic district Contributing property | |
Alaska Heritage Resources Survey | |
Miners climbing Chilkoot | |
Nearest city | Skagway, Alaska |
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Coordinates | 59°35′14″N 135°19′56″W / 59.58719°N 135.33234°W / 59.58719; -135.33234 |
Area | 11,882 acres (4,808 ha) |
Built | 1897 |
Part of | Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (ID76002189) |
NRHP reference No. | 75002120 |
AHRS No. | SKG-006; SKG-067 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | April 14, 1975 |
Designated NHLD | June 16, 1978 |
Designated CP | June 30, 1976 |
Designated AHRS | June 30, 1974 December 14, 1974 |
The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile (53 km) trail through the Coast Mountains that leads from Dyea, Alaska, in the United States, to Bennett, British Columbia, in Canada. It was a major access route from the coast to Yukon goldfields in the late 1890s. The trail became obsolete in 1899 when a railway was built from Dyea's neighbor port Skagway along the parallel White Pass trail.
The U.S. portion of the Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, following creation of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in 1976. In 1987, the B.C. portion of the trail was designated Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site. In 1998, the centennial of the gold rush, the National Historic Site in British Columbia joined with the U.S. National Historical Park to form Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park. In 2022, the 16.5 mi (26.6 km) portion of the trail in Alaska was designated Chilkoot National Historic Trail, part of the National Trails System.
History
Indigenous use
Tlingit Indigenous people used the trail as a vital trade route to trade for resources available in the interior. As pressures from American settlers and the Hudson's Bay Company weakened the traditional Tlingit trading system, the Chilkoot Trail slowly became utilized by explorers and prospectors.
The name Chilkoot Trail is a partial translation of the trail's Tlingit name, namely Chilkoot Dei•yi, which means Chilkoot-owned Trail. The trail's English name omits the reference to ownership. In addition, the second word of Chilkoot Dei•yi sounds like the name for the village of Dyea. Prior publications state that Dyea was derived from "to pack" or "carrying place" . However, the presence of the initial \d\ sound in Dyea casts doubt on those latter possibilities, and suggests that the first syllable had been dei (as in dei-yi).
Klondike era
The Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899) transformed the Chilkoot Trail into a mainstream transportation route to Canada's interior. The gold rush was primarily focused in the region around Dawson City in Yukon and the Yukon River. Of the several overland routes, the Chilkoot Trail was the most direct, least expensive, and, soon enough, most popular.
The other primary route to the headwaters of the Yukon River, however, was also based out of Skagway: the rival White Pass route. The White Pass route was slightly longer but less rigorous and steep, whereas the Chilkoot was shorter and more difficult. Skagway, because of its deepwater harbor, served as the principal port for both routes (nearby Dyea, the beginning of the Chilkoot Trail, was built on the extensive, shallow Taiya River delta).
Prospectors who chose the Chilkoot were ferried to Dyea by small boat or ferry. Soon, both Skagway and Dyea were bustling tent cities as sensationalist headlines of the gold rush spurred men from across the United States to leave their jobs and families and gain passage up the Inside Passage to Skagway.
As it became apparent that many of the prospectors who chose the Chilkoot simply were not going to survive the arduous terrain and harsh weather, Canada's North-West Mounted Police (now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) declared that prospectors could only enter Canada if they had at least one ton of gear, enough to supply a prospector for one year (the Klondike supply list).
Prospectors ferried the gear from campsites along the trail, slowly moving closer to the headwaters of the Yukon. With all the equipment and supplies being transported, alternative methods, especially those with a little supplemental income, sprouted up. Many prospectors purchased pack animals (although that method was more commonly used on the rival White Pass), and many others paid Tlingit Indians to haul gear on a per-pound rate from campsite to campsite.
Tramways
Main article: Chilkoot Trail tramwaysAerial tramway companies soon were hauling tons of gear over the head of the prospectors every day. By the end of the Chilkoot Trail's heyday, there were five distinct tramway operations on different parts of the trail competing for the influx of gear and money in the region. Many of the trams constituted world-class engineering feats of the era.
Post-Klondike
After the Klondike Gold Rush, the trail became more or less deserted. Prospectors late to the gold rush now made their way to the Yukon on the new White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railroad, which took them all the way to Whitehorse, Yukon in the Yukon Territory. In 1969, the U.S. and Canadian governments jointly declared their intention to make Chilkoot Trail a component of a Klondike Gold Rush International Historic Park. The U.S. portion was eventually established in 1976 as Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, comprising part of Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle, Washington, various sites throughout Skagway, Alaska, the abandoned town site of Dyea, Alaska, and the U.S. portion of the Chilkoot Trail.
The Canadian portion of the trail was christened Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site, one of several sites that comprise the Canadian national park associated with the Klondike. Klondike Gold Rush NHP and Chilkoot Trail NHS together form Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park, a designation introduced at the time of the centennial of the gold rush in 1998.
Current status
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The Chilkoot Trail is a popular recreational trail among residents of Southeast Alaska and Yukon Territory. The trail also attracts many tourists from abroad. To manage demand, and to prevent overuse and maintain the remote character of the trail, the National Park Service and Parks Canada allow no more than 50 backpackers to begin the trail each day by way of a permit system.
In return for these fees, both countries have full-time trail maintenance crews, ranger/warden stations, well-designed campgrounds, and have placed numerous interpretive signs adjacent to notable historical sites and objects.
The official hiking season (when rangers are on-duty and trail crew is on-site) varies, but usually begins in late May and ends in early September. Peak demand runs from June through August. Avalanche danger lingers into late May, as well as large snow fields that slow progress, whereas September is associated with rain and colder weather.
The Chilkoot is also a challenging ultra-run. The fastest known time belongs to ultramarathoner Geoff Roes in 5 hours and 27 minutes.
Route and attractions
The Chilkoot trail features a number of natural and historical sites as shown on the map. By following the numbers on the map from south to north, the hiker will go along the same route as the old prospectors. The trip normally takes three to five days and to stay for the night, a number of designated campgrounds are made. The trail is roughly divided into three climatic zones: coastal rainforest, high alpine (above tree limit) and boreal forest. In the end it is connected to White Pass historical railway leading back to Skagway the modern port of the trail. In the following, the points of the map are highlighted with bold letters.
Dyea
Main article: Dyea, AlaskaDyea is a ghost town located at the convergence of the Taiya River and Taiya Inlet on the south side of the Chilkoot Pass within the limits of the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska. Confidence man and crime boss Soapy Smith, famous for his underworld control of the neighboring town of Skagway in 1897-98 is believed to have had control of Dyea as well.
The port at Dyea had shallow water, while neighboring Skagway had deep water. For a brief period between 1897 and 1899, this trail and town were full of prospectors. Dyea was abandoned when the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad chose the White Pass Trail, which begins in Skagway, over the Chilkoot Trail. By 1905, most of the buildings had been demolished or removed.
Coastal rainforest zone
The trail begins in Dyea, a ghost town and campground, 15 minutes from Skagway. From the trailhead, the route winds through coastal rainforest along to the Taiya River. The first campsite is Finnegan's Point. This stretch of the trail is in flat terrain with no substantial obstacles.
The trail becomes noticeably cooler after Finnegan's Point owing to cool air sinking down from snow and ice fields in the surrounding mountains. Numerous streams also cascade down the mountain sides. This stretch of the trail contains the least amount of visible artifacts. The next camp is Canyon City. Many hikers, especially those desiring a more modest pace or those who have had a late start, stop at Canyon City the first night. The shelter located at Canyon City houses many gold rush-era artifacts.
Close to the Canyon City campsite are the Canyon City ruins. Canyon City was a tent city during the gold rush and its ruins—building foundations, a large restaurant stove, a large boiler—are still visible. The ruins are accessible by crossing the Taiya River by suspension footbridge.
After Canyon City ruins, the trail diverges away from the river for the first time as the river disappears into a small canyon (Canyon City's namesake) and climbs up valley wall, traversing sub-alpine forest. For many sections of the trail, old telegraph and tram wires are exposed adjacent to the trail. For the gold rush prospectors, this section of the trail was one of the most difficult. In winter, when the Taiya River was frozen, the gold rush stampeders could easily travel up the ice highway; however, in the summer this segment was described as "the worst piece of trail on the road, fairly muddy with many boulders and with some short, steep ascents and descents in and out of small gulches."
The next landmark is Pleasant Camp. There is an informational trail sign at the original site of Pleasant Camp, a quarter mile before the present Pleasant Camp campground. Pleasant Camp marks the reunion of the trail with Taiya River and serves as a lightly used, small campground. From Pleasant Camp the trail is fairly flat and weaves through forest and over small creeks.
The trail next comes to Sheep Camp, the last campground on the American side of the trail as well as the final resting stop before the trek up Chilkoot Pass. It is the largest of the campsites on the American side of the trail.
After leaving Sheep Camp and before the U.S. ranger station, the trail passes through a large avalanche chute. The slide has wiped out all previously existing forest and leaves a young brushy and alder-dominated landscape. A short distance after the ranger station is a small museum of gold rush-era artifacts in an old cabin. Soon after leaving the cabin the sub-alpine forest slowly yields to a treeless alpine landscape that allows a grand view of the rapidly narrowing Taiya River valley. As the trail climbs in altitude, its path becomes more improved, often demarcated by yellow markers planted in snowfields.
High alpine zone
Within sight of the pass, and at the base of the "Golden Stairs" (the long difficult incline that leads to the pass), are The Scales. The Scales were a weight station where freight would be reweighed before the final trek to the pass. Often, Native packers would demand higher packing rates. The Scales also hosted a small tent city, including six restaurants, two hotels, a saloon, and many freighting offices and warehouses. The imposing Golden Stairs also prompted many would-be prospectors to turn around, often leaving behind their required ton of equipment. Because of this, and the snow's preserving properties, artifacts are prevalent at this altitude, including many remnants of wooden structures.
After The Scales is the final push up to the Chilkoot Pass: the fabled Golden Stairs. The Golden Stairs acquired its name from the steps that prospectors painstakingly carved into the snow and ice of the pass and has retained the name ever since. At the pass proper, at the Canada–US border, is a warming cabin and part-time Parks Canada warden station. Occasionally, if a party is making poor time, the warden or U.S. ranger will offer the warming cabin as an overnight shelter so to not risk the group from being caught in the barren and exposed alpine landscape between the pass and Happy Camp. There are also many artifacts scattered about the Golden Stairs and ridge lines surrounding the pass, including a cache of intact (canvas, wood, etc.) prefabricated boats on the southeastern side of the pass.
Stone Crib is situated a half mile after the pass. Stone Crib served as the terminus of the Chilkoot Railroad and Transport Company's aerial tramway, a huge rocky counterbalance for the tram. This function is still apparent today with the wooden structure collapsed along the west side of the valley.
The trail wends its way by a series of alpine lakes: First Crater Lake, Morrow Lake, and finally Happy Camp.
Boreal forest zone
The trail continues to pass another couple of lakes—Long Lake and Deep Lake—before crossing tree line. Adjacent to Deep Lake, and amidst tree line, is another campground. The Canadian half of the Chilkoot Trail, in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, is much dryer, and pine forest, first appearing at Deep Lake, readily contrasts to the more lush temperate rain forest on the U.S. half before Chilkoot Pass.
After the trail passes Deep Lake, the outlet river runs parallel to the trail for a short distance before entering a small canyon. Many boat and boat-related artifacts are visible in this area. The trail continues at a gentle decline until the turquoise-colored Lake Lindeman comes into view and the trail concludes its descent to the Lake Lindeman campground, the headquarters of Canadian trail operations.
The trail climbs a steep bluff after Lindeman and offers an expansive view of the lake and surrounding forest. After Lake Lindeman, the trail passes Bare Loon Lake and the Bare Loon Lake campground.
The trail diverges after Bare Loon Lake. One branch continues to Lake Bennett and the tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. The other branch, the Log Cabin cut-off, connects with the Klondike Highway, but was closed by Parks Canada in 2010.
Bennett consists of a campground, a White Pass and Yukon Route depot, several houses (all private property) belonging to White Pass employees or First Nations citizens, and the only gold rush-era building still standing along the trail today, the renovated St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Pilings from bygone piers dot the lakeshore and an assortment of cans and other metal artifacts are scattered throughout the woods.
Campgrounds
As shown on the route map there are nine designated, maintained campgrounds on the Chilkoot Trail. Camping is allowed in these places only. Hikers must use their own tents or shelters as the cabins at the campgrounds are for warming and cooking only. For cooking a backpacking stove must be brought along, even though wood stoves are available in some places. Open fires are prohibited. Use of campgrounds must be planned in advance.
In addition to the camps, a U.S. Ranger Station is located north of Sheep Camp to present the history of the pass and inform about weather and trail conditions before crossing the summit.
Finnegan's Point
Finnegan's Point then and nowFinnegan's Point Bridge, Taiya River, 1897–98Finnegan's Point campground, 2004This campground is located adjacent to the Taiya River while the valley is still relatively flat. The mosquitoes are very bad at Finnegan's Point partly due to its location and the abundance of standing water. The campsite itself includes a canvas warming and cooking shelter with mosquito screens, bear-proof food storage locker, an outhouse, and ample tent sites. Finnegan's Point often takes in very few hikers because of its proximity to the trailhead, and most parties pass Finnegan's Point within a few hours. However, for slower parties and those with a late start on the trail, Finnegan's Point is often the campground of choice.
The campground receives its name from Pat Finnegan, who enterprised to collect bridge-crossing tolls from stampeders. Finnegan's Point consisted of a "huddle of tents surrounding a hard core of blacksmith shop, saloon, and a restaurant."
Canyon City
The second-largest campground on the American side of the trail. It is located next to small tributary of the Taiya River. Canyon City includes a log cabin with a wood stove and several bunks (although sleeping is not permitted inside park shelters), several shelves for cooking, and a small porch for drying gear. This cabin was built by the CCC and juvenile delinquents in the 60s. Canyon City includes 16 campsites and two outhouses as well as food lockers and bear poles.
Pleasant Camp
This is the smallest of the campgrounds on the American side of the trail. It is located next to a sandbar in the Taiya River and consists of a canvas warming and cooking shelter, a small number of campsites, a bear pole and food lockers. Pleasant Camp usually serves as a spillover campsite if Sheep Camp is full. There is a sign near the cooking shelter notifying backpackers whether Sheep Camp is at capacity or can still take backpackers.
Sheep Camp
This is the largest of the American campsites. It is located adjacent to a braided Taiya River. Occasionally avalanches, rockslides, or exceptional rains, will flood Sheep Camp. Sheep Camp consists of two canvas shelters, 3 outhouses, and over 20 campsites. A large post-and-beam picnic pavilion was completed by the trail crew in 2017. The collapsed CCC cabin was rebuilt in 2018 by the trail crew. The only U.S. Ranger Station on the trail is located just a few hundred meters south of Sheep Camp and the ranger during the official season gives a nightly presentation on the history of the pass and current weather and trail conditions. From Sheep Camp many hikers leave early in the morning—as early as 4 a.m.—for the summit push into Canada. During the official hiking season the park ranger stationed just south of Sheep Camp gives a quick presentation outlining the route over the pass, the weather forecast, and snow conditions every evening in the pavilion. Rangers recommend 7.5 to 10 hours for a group to travel from Sheep Camp to Happy Camp.
Happy Camp
Happy Camp is the only campground on the Chilkoot Trail in the alpine. A very small wooden warming cabin, an outhouse, and a modest number of campsites are all available at this campsite. Happy Camp owes its name to the relief prospectors (and hikers) experienced from arriving at the first outpost after the pass. The camp is situated in a true alpine ecosystem and receives heavy use because of its location.
Deep Lake
Deep Lake is one of only two campgrounds on the trail without permanent or semi-permanent shelter. Deep Lake includes an outside cooking area, bear proof lockers for food, and a small number of campsites. It is notable, however, for its scenic location, between the indigo hues of Long and Deep Lakes.
Lake Lindeman
The largest campground on the Canadian side. It includes separate north and south campsites, a small cluster of buildings for the trail warden and trail crew, a dock and Parks Canada powerboat, a canvas shelter containing a museum of photographs and small library on the outdoors and Klondike history, and a web of trails leading among the remains of the old town. The north and south campsites each include a large wooden cabin that serves as a cooking and warming shelter, numerous bear poles, and several picnic tables. The campsite is located on the site of what was Lindeman City during the gold rush: a cemetery of deceased prospectors from the gold rush era remains, as well as numerous foundations, former fire rings, old latrine holes, the ruts of Lindeman City's main street, and a plethora of artifacts ranging from broken wine and beer bottles to tin cans. Lake Lindeman hosts a small tent museum containing photographic displays and a small library of books on the Chilkoot, the outdoors, and other Canadian parks.
Bare Loon Lake
Bare Loon Lake is the second campground without semi-permanent shelter, though it now includes a pavilion-style cooking shelter. Located on a small ridge above Lake Lindeman in a pine forest and overlooking the Bare Loon Lake, the campground is one of the most beautiful on the trail. It includes two outhouses, a helicopter pad, and food lockers.
Bennett
This camp is the end of the trail. Several structures maintained by the White Pass and Yukon Route are clustered around the tracks, as well as a private First Nations residence. The campground is relatively small and includes bear poles, picnic tables, and an outhouse.
Safety
Bears are the primary safety concern in the park. It is very common for hikers to encounter them. Firearms are not permitted on the Canadian side of Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park. Almost all parties take bear spray and/or bear bangers as repellents, but most importantly both sides of the park mandate smart bear practices. It is required to stow food in bear-safe locations.
Weather and terrain also pose a challenge to hikers. There are few risks in the forest regions of the trail, however once the trail climbs into the alpine, weather and the elements pose more of a concern; the same does vertigo. Often the American ranger from Sheep Camp sweeps late in the day up to Chilkoot Pass to monitor for straggling groups that may not make Happy Camp and would be in need of emergency shelter.
Klondike supply list
The list shows a suggestion of equipment needed for prospectors before they were allowed entry into Canada at the summit of the Chilkoot Pass, 1897–1899. Total weight: 1 ton.
- 150 lb bacon
- 400 lb flour
- 25 lb rolled oats
- 125 lb beans
- 10 lb tea
- 10 lb coffee
- 25 lb sugar
- 25 lb dried potatoes
- 2 lb dried onions
- 15 lb salt
- 1 lb pepper
- 75 lb dried fruits
- 8 lb baking powder
- 2 lb soda
- ½ lb evaporated vinegar
- 12 oz compressed soup
- 1 can mustard
- 1 tin matches (for four men)
- Stove for four men
- Gold pan for each
- Set granite buckets
- Large bucket
- Knife, fork, spoon, cup, and plate
- Frying pan
- Coffee and teapot
- Scythe stone
- Two picks and one shovel
- One whipsaw
- Pack strap
- Two axes for four men and one extra handle
- Six 8-inch (200 mm) files and two taper files for the party
- Draw knife, brace and bits, jack plane, and hammer for party
- 200 feet three-eights-inch rope
- 8 lb of pitch and 5 lb (2.3 kg). of oakum for four men
- Nails, five lb each of 6,8,10 and 12 penny, for four men
- Tent, 10 by 12 feet (3.0 m × 3.7 m) for four men
- Canvas for wrapping
- Two oil blankets to each boat
- 5 yards of mosquito netting for each man
- 3 suits of heavy underwear
- 1 heavy mackinaw coat
- 2 pairs heavy mackinaw trousers
- 1 heavy rubber-lined coat
- 1 doz heavy wool socks
- ½ doz heavy wool mittens
- 2 heavy overshirts
- 2 pairs heavy snagproof rubber boots
- 2 pairs shoes
- 4 pairs blankets (for two men)
- 4 towels
- 2 pairs overalls
- 1 suit oil clothing
- Several changes of summer clothing
- Small assortment of medicines
See also
- Backpacking (hiking)
- Long-distance trails in the United States
- National Historic Sites of Canada
- Klondike Trail
References
- NPS, Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada, Natural Environment
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- "Chilkoot Trail and Dyea Site". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
- Gold rush stories Archived 2011-08-05 at the Wayback Machine
- Chilkoot Trail. Canadian Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- Harball, Elizabeth (December 27, 2022). "What's in the $1.7 trillion government spending bill for Alaska? Lots". Alaska Journal. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- "The trail … is known among the Indians as the Chilkoot trail … It was monopolized solely by the Chilkoots, who had even gone so far as to forbid the Chilkats, almost brothers in blood, from using it …" Schwatka, Frederick G. (1893). A Summer in Alaska. J. W. Henry. p. 60. ISBN 9780665161025. Because the Chilkoot Indians claimed ownership of the trail, it would have been called Chilkoot Dei•yi . Edwards (2009). Dictionary of Tlingit (PDF). pp. 70, 476 (dei ), 16 (When possessed, alienable nouns require the possession suffix -i). Retrieved September 14, 2015.
- Use of the name Dyea for its present location first occurred in 1886, when John J. Healy (1840-1908) and Edgar Wilson (1842-1895) opened their trading post there. "May 1886 I established a trading-post at a place now called Dyea, … with Edgar Wilson, … who resided at Dyea up to … his death in 1895." Healy Dep., May 20, 1903, Proceedings of the Alaska Boundary Tribunal, S. Doc. No. 162, 58th Cong. (2nd Sess. 1903), Vol. IV, App. 2, at page 233, reprinted in, Serial 4602. Prior to 1886, only a small hunting and fishing cabin had existed at this location. Krause, Aurel; Krause, Arthur (1993). To the Chukchi Peninsula and to the Tlingit Indians 1881/1882. University of Alaska Press. ISBN 978-0-912006-66-6., at page 202 (map entry: "Kleines Jagd & Fischerhaus" ).
- ProBoards: "Chilkoot Trail (AK)"
- I Run Alaska (blog): A Look Back on 2012 and a Look Ahead
- National Park Service, Chilkoot Trail
- Smith, Jeff (2009). Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel, Klondike Research. pp. 450-51. ISBN 0-9819743-0-9
- Parks Canada, Designated Camping
- "Firearms in the park - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park online: "Ton of Goods"
External links
- Official site – United States
- Official site – Canada
- Chilkoot Trail travel guide from Wikivoyage
- A hiker's journal (1)
- A hiker's journal (2)
- Eric A. Hegg Photograph Collection with pictures of the Chilkoot Trail - University of Washington Library
- A hiker's pictorial journal from 1972, 2003 and 2004
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59°41′49″N 135°14′19″W / 59.69694°N 135.23861°W / 59.69694; -135.23861
Categories:- Klondike Gold Rush
- Hiking trails in Alaska
- Hiking trails in British Columbia
- Grease trails
- Long-distance trails in the United States
- Geography of the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska
- Atlin District
- National Historic Sites in British Columbia
- Historic trails and roads in Alaska
- National Historic Landmarks in Alaska
- Protected areas of the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska
- Gold rush trails and roads
- National Register of Historic Places in the Municipality of Skagway Borough, Alaska
- Roads on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska