The Chilkoot Trail is currently open for day use only on the U.S. side, with access permitted up to mile 4.0 from the trailhead in Dyea. The upper portion of the trail remains closed due to severe flood damage that destroyed bridges and other infrastructure, with no public access beyond mile 4. Overnight camping is not permitted on the U.S. side as the National Park Service continues restoration efforts.
This trail is considered to be a very long museum and the old artifacts left over from the Gold Rush Days must be left alone. Adventuresome travelers can retrace the stampeders’ route to the gold mines by backpacking the 33-mile climb up and over the “Golden Stairs,” immortalized in Charlie Chaplin’s silent film, “The Gold Rush”. The trail begins nine miles out of town in Dyea and on average the trek takes five days to complete, but campgrounds dot the entire length. Please note a permit is required to cross the border. Alternatively, take a shuttle to the trail head and set off for a day hike.
For those interested in a guided option, join Sockeye Cycle Co. for their Skagway Triple Adventure. You'll bike through a temperate rainforest, hike 2 miles on the Chilkoot Trail, then take a relaxing float trip down the glacially-fed Taiya river.
