Chilkoot Trail - August

[hikeaz]

Ever wonder what it was like to be a 'Klondiker'? I was fortunate enough to glean some hard-to-get permits yesterday for the Chilkoot Trail. Grabbed a couple of extras, too. If this hike is on anyone's 'bucket list' you are welcome to come along. Permits are just for going over the pass, so that day will need to be 8/10.

Penciled-in itinerary is:

Chilkoot Trail
Length: 33 mile, 5 day backpack
Rating: Difficult
Elevation Change: ~3,000 feet
Cost: ~$1,000 for planes, train, ferries, and permits, exclusive of hotels & meals, etc.

This trail is considered one of the great walks on earth.
It starts in Dyea, Alaska and follows the route into the Yukon used by the gold rush “Klondikers” in 1896 to get to the gold fields near Dawson City. There are only two passes into the Yukon, the Chilkoot Pass and the White Pass. We will climb the “Golden Staircase” up to the Chilkoot pass on our way to Bennett Lake, and then catch the narrow gauge train back to Skagway to return to civilization.
The trip is rated difficult primarily due to the third day, which is entirely above tree line, and includes the ascent up the Golden Staircase (1000 feet in ½ mile) using only a crude route marked by the Park Service. The trail is officially “open” from June 1 through September 1, but the first few weeks of June normally have very rough snow conditions at the pass, and the last weeks of August have more bad weather than not. The best conditions are Mid-July to Mid-August.
For those willing to brave the bears, bugs, and bad weather though, this is one of the most stunning walks anywhere.

The trip itinerary is:
Day 1 - 8/7: Fly to Juneau via Alaska Air ). Arrive at noon, pick up bags and catch a cab (5 min) to the Medenhall Glacier. Alaska Fjordlines will have a bus at the
Glacier. Find the bus via cell phone, drop off the bags, and see the glacier. The bus will then carry us to the catamaran for the 5:30 boat to Skagway. The cat is fast, so they may try to chase
some whales for us on the way up. Arrive at Skagway ~8:15 PM. Stay at the Skagway Inn. The Inn will store your extra bags while you are on the trail and provide free white gas for your stove, if you use a liquid gas stove.
Day 2 - 8/8: Pick up the crossing permits, lunch vouchers, and train tickets. The White Pass
confirmation number is 331716. The Inn personnel drive you to the trailhead in Dyea. Hike to
Colorado City. Many artifacts from the gold rush still linger in this area.
Day 3 - 8/9: Hike to Sheep Camp.
Day 4 - 8/10: Hike up Long Valley with hanging Glaciers on both sides of the trail and pop above tree line. Then climb the Golden Staircase and cross into Canada. Parks Canada sets a “route”through the snow fields which folds into a trail of sorts leading to Happy Camp for the evening. Most people are very 'Happy' to see Happy Camp.
Day 5 - 8/11: Hike to Lake Lindeman
Day 6 - 8/12: Hike to Bennett Lake and eat a hot lunch prepared just for the hikers at the train station. Catch the narrow gauge train through the White Pass back to Skagway. Passports required.
The train ride alone is also world renown. Stay at the Skagway Inn and retrieve your extra gear. Visit local establishments in Skagway to help them with their beer glut.
Day 7 - 8/13: Catch the 8 AM return cat to Juneau and chase some more whales. See juneau and spend the night at the Best Western.
Day 8 - 8/14: Return to Phoenix (6 AM flight, arrives at 1 PM).
Additional trips can be added to the front and back end of the backpack, if desired.

[Tortoise_Hiker]

Wow!! Sounds like an awesome trip. Check out the cemetery in Skagway while there. In has some infamous graves there from the goldrush days and it's by a cool waterfall.

[johnlp]

Should be a great trip. Some friends and I hiked up and over the pass from Skagway in the early 80s when we lived in SE Ak. No permits required, and very few people on the trail. We went early in the year (May or June). The snow was really deep up on top so we didn't go too much further. From what I remember, the hike is pretty easy until you get to the pass (golden staircase). The scenery and wildlife up there is spectacular. Enjoy!

[writelots]

I spent a blissful early-summer in Skagway many moons ago...Did some dayhiking, but at that point a trip like the Chilkoot was FAR beyond my abilities. This sounds freaking awesome - the scenery up there really is second to none, and the history is fascinating. There is a lot of decent camping just outside of Skagway, for those that may want to avoid the hotel scene - and with those long, long days, you'll have plenty of time to find something.

Man, I may have to think about this. I'm going to Glacier in July, so it may be out of the question. But, man, how often do you get an opportunity like this!?!

[Sun_Ray]

Boy did you hit my hot button! I remember the day about 8 years ago on an Alaskan cruise renting bikes and riding out to Dyea. Read a little about the gold rush in the Klondike area and thought about recreating the trip the miners took. Afraid I'm not strong enough to do it now, but others should read the history of this area and you'll want to go!

[IHike]

I am putting myself as interested as I have plenty of time to work out the details. This sounds like an awesome trip not to be missed.

[hikeaz]

Had one taker - We have one space remaining as of today.

[ribekak]

Is there still room on this trip?

[fan3992]

room for one more? I would like to go.

[Trishness]

SOOOO envious that you're going on this trip! Be safe~~~

trish