Backpacking on the Chilkoot Trail from Alaska to Yukon

Our route takes us through rainforest, alpine tundra, and boreal forest. Snowcapped mountains, hanging glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading rivers contribute to the magnificence of the rugged, scenic area that follows the Chilkoot Trail. Our travel back in time begins with a 3 hour train ride aboard the White Pass & Yukon Railroad from Fraser at the top of the White Pass to Skagway. The train follows the scenic Skagway Valley, past glaciers, through tunnels carved into the mountains, over trestled bridges, and past historic goldrush landmarks.

The first part of the trail is forested, fairly flat, and relatively easy. The trail follows a logging road past a sawmill (1950s) to Finnegan's Point. Across from here is the magnificent Irene Glacier. From Finnegan's Point the trail begins to climb, but not dramatically. We will eventually descend the trail to the site of Canyon City at the mouth of the Taiya River Canyon. This will be our campsite for the evening.

Shortly after leaving Canyon City we will begin to climb high above the Taiya River. The trail is entirely through forest. There are a few spots, however, where the scenery is fabulous. The trail will eventually level off at a site called Pleasant Camp. The name refers to the fact that this was the first level land and decent campsite after Canyon City. We will have some good views of the surrounding ridges as we follow the forested trail along the Dyea River to our campsite at Sheep Camp.

Sheep Camp was a base camp for mountain sheep hunters before the rush. Traffic over the pass during the winter of 1897 was slowed by the snows and, as such, Sheep Camp became home to thousands of goldrushers. By the spring of 1898 most had moved on and Sheep Camp was no more.

We will begin the most strenuous section of the trail today, with dramatic changes in elevation and vegetation. We will leave early in the morning, as progress will be slow. As we begin our assent from Sheep Camp, we gradually leave the rainforest behind. Tree size decreases, and the landscape takes on the barrenness of sub-arctic tundra. This stretch was called Long Hill by the gold rushers, for reasons that will become obvious. The Chilkoot Pass, nondescript, comes into view. At this distance, its ominous reputation seems undeserved. The Scales mark the end of the long, gradual drag up Long Hill. At the Scales, the formidable nature of the climb over the Chilkoot Pass becomes evident. Large boulders and a steep grade mark the route up. From the summit, the trail becomes easier as it begins to descend and level off. We are now in true alpine tundra country. The trail to our campsite at Happy Camp will highlight those features that make a tundra landscape uniquely beautiful.

We have completed the most difficult section of the trail. The remainder of the trail is relatively easy. Although there are stretches of uphill hiking they are not long or dramatic. As we leave Happy Camp the trail rises above the valley and follows a ridge along Long Lake. After a short hike, Deep Lake appears below us. A descent brings us back below the treeline. The trail skirts the lake and then runs high above a narrow canyon which the river, now known as Moose Creek, cascades from Deep Lake to Lake Lindeman, our campsite for the evening.

The trail from Lake Lindeman to Bare Loon Lake is a tiring climb through sparse forest. There are occasional views of Lindeman Lake as a reward for our efforts. Shortly after Bare Loon Lake, the trail begins to descend to Lake Bennett. There are some excellent viewpoints along this stretch. Near the north end of Lindeman Lake, the trail turns to deep sand, parallels the train tracks, and makes its final elevation gain. At the top of the hill, there is a spectacular lookout. In the distance, you will see the Bennett rail station from which we will be leaving. Bennett was the terminus for both the White Pass and Chilkoot trails.

We will have the morning to explore the area around Lake Bennett. Around 1:00 pm the WP & YR railway will return us to Fraser where our van is parked. Our return to Whitehorse will be punctuated by a stop at Carcross, an interesting and historical Yukon town.

During our Chilkoot Trail, adventure everyone carries part of the load, approximately 18 kg (40 lbs). This includes your own gear, some group camping gear and a portion of the food.

We will carry the bare minimum and safely store your other belongings in Whitehorse.

Please make sure you have all necessary documents for entry into the USA! Conditions change on short notice and Nature Tours of Yukon assumes no liability, if you are denied entry into Alaska.

You will be required to sign a release of claims and waiver of liability form prior to the departure of this tour.