Today,

The trail starts in the ghost town of Dyea, just a few miles from the town of Skagway, Alaska.  This spectacular trail winds its way through three distinct ecological zones, each with its own unique beauty.  We begin in the lush rainforest, which is alive with eagles, salmon, and edible berries.  We then enter the alpine zone, which is carpeted with wildflowers and spectacular views.  We end our hike in a boreal forest, alive with animals, beautiful blue lakes and the smell of pine.  Each zone has its own treasures, historical relics left behind from the gold seekers. 

Prerequisites:
                           Age 12 and up
                           Good physical shape, can carry 40lbs
                           (Porter service available upon request!)

Historic Chilkoot Trail Hike Day 3 :

We will leave Finnegan’s and make our way to Canyon City, where we will cross a suspension bridge and explore one of the most amazing of the historic relics.  A huge boiler, which was used to power a tramway to the top of the Chilkoot Pass is here, left behind to rust.   We return to the trail with a new perspective.  The trail begins to climb its way along waterfalls, blueberry bushes and crosses an 83’ suspension bridge.  We stay this night at Sheep Camp, where will hear a ranger talk before a hearty diner and a good nights rest.

Historic Chilkoot Trail Hike Day 4 :

After breakfast, we leave camp and are hike to above tree-line.  The views are spectacular.  Soon, we enter the alpine and find several artifacts left behind from hikers on their way to the summit. After an uphill climb, the summit comes into view at the Scales.  This is where the packers would have to weigh their good.  In order to enter Canada, the Canadian Royal Mounted Police required each person to have their own ton of goods to survive the long Yukon winter.  The “golden staircase,” is the only thing left between us and the top of the pass.  Large boulders and a steep grade mark the route.  At mile 16.5, we reach the summit and cross into Canada.
From here, we begin our descent.  The view from the top is breathtaking.  We follow the alpine trail as it winds its way past several deep blue lakes to Happy Camp.  The landscape is covered with waterfalls and wildflowers. 

Historic Chilkoot Trail Hike Day 5:

We leave Happy Camp, with the most difficult section of the trail behind us.  The trail follows several lakes and a series of streams to Deep Lake.  Deep Lake is spectacular and marks the transition zone between the alpine and the boreal forest.  We descend through the pines to Lake Lindeman’s, a historical spot where gold seekers would begin their boat building project.  We leave this historical camp and make our way up and down to Bare Loon Lake, where we spend our final night in a beautiful wilderness setting.