Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Alaska, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Coastal to alpine (0–1,100 m)
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal to alpine (0–1,100 m)
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
Topic summary
The historic Klondike-era pass from Dyea over the Chilkoot summit into British Columbia.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal to alpine (0–1,100 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border) trip tools
How to get there
The Chilkoot Trailhead in Dyea is about 10 miles (16 km) from Skagway and is accessible by road. Arrange transportation to the trailhead in advance.
- Chilkoot Trailhead (Dyea, US side)
Located north of the Dyea townsite, approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Skagway, accessible by road. Vehicle parking is available in the Chilkoot Trailhead parking area.
- Bennett (BC, Canada side)
The northern trailhead of the Chilkoot Trail. Access to and from Bennett is limited to train, air taxi, or boat. Hikers must arrange logistics with their carrier in advance, as there is no cellular service.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
Planning to fish Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border), Alaska? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Alaska are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)?
- A Alaska fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Alaska fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
Thinking about hunting Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border), Alaska? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Alaska are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)?
- Confirm the land around Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Alaska?
- A Alaska hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile (53 km) international route, beginning at Dyea, Alaska, and concluding at Bennett, British Columbia. This historic trail gains approximately 3500 feet (1000 meters) in elevation over its entire length. Chilkoot Pass, roughly at the trail's halfway point, serves as the international border between the United States and Canada. Hikers on the U.S. side can trek up to the border at Chilkoot Pass, then turn around, as crossing the international border in either direction at this point is illegal. The trail features nine designated campgrounds for overnight stays. Beyond its historical significance, the Chilkoot Trail offers varied and compelling scenery. It is considered a challenging hike due to its conditions and potential weather variations, requiring hikers to be well-prepared and physically fit.
Historical Context
The Chilkoot Trail played a pivotal role during the Klondike Gold Rush, which occurred between 1896 and 1898. After gold was discovered in the Klondike region of Yukon, an estimated 100,000 prospectors migrated there, with many choosing routes through Dyea and Skagway, Alaska. From these coastal towns, prospectors, known as "Klondikers," could follow either the Chilkoot or White Pass trail to the Yukon River. Canadian authorities mandated that each individual carry a year's supply of food to prevent starvation, resulting in equipment loads weighing close to a ton. This, combined with the mountainous terrain and cold climate, meant many prospectors did not reach the goldfields until the summer of 1898. The Chilkoot Trail connects the deep-water tidal ports of the Skagway area to the headwaters of navigation for the Yukon River, a path integral to the gold rush era.
Trailhead Logistics
The Chilkoot Trailhead on the U.S. side is located north of the Dyea townsite, approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Skagway. It is accessible by road. If leaving a vehicle in Dyea, it must be parked in the designated Chilkoot Trailhead parking area. For those hiking only the U.S. side of the trail, the journey typically begins here. The northern trailhead, Bennett, British Columbia, has limited access options, restricted to train, air taxi, or boat. Hikers starting or concluding their journey at Bennett must arrange transportation with their carrier in advance. There is no cellular service anywhere on the Chilkoot Trail, including at Bennett, making a satellite-enabled communication device essential for coordinating logistics at the end of a hike.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
April 15 - May 31
Permit fees are waived during this pre-hiking season.
Summer
June 1 - September 12
This is the primary hiking season. Permits and associated fees are required for all overnight campers. Mandatory safety orientation is required.
Fall
September 14 - October 31
Permit fees are waived during this post-hiking season.
Winter
Information not provided in references.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 15 - May 31 | Permit fees are waived during this pre-hiking season. |
| Summer | June 1 - September 12 | This is the primary hiking season. Permits and associated fees are required for all overnight campers. Mandatory safety orientation is required. |
| Fall | September 14 - October 31 | Permit fees are waived during this post-hiking season. |
| Winter | Information not provided in references. |
Permits, fees & closures
Between June 1 and September 12, a permit is required for all overnight users. Only one permit per group is necessary. For U.S.-side only hikes (up to the border), reservations for campgrounds and dates are made via Recreation.gov. Before starting the hike, print your permit and have it validated at the Trail Center in Skagway. All group members must attend a mandatory safety orientation at the Trail Center for validation. Trail runners need to pick up their permit a day in advance or before noon on the day they intend to start. A bag tag will be issued after orientation, and the physical permit must be carried while hiking.
Fees: For the U.S. side, the permit fee is nonrefundable. Fees are waived during the pre-hiking season (April 15 - May 31) and post-hiking season (September 14 - October 31). Permits and associated fees are required for all overnight campers during the summer hiking season (June 1 – September 12).
Reservations: U.S.-side only reservations for campgrounds and dates are made via Recreation.gov. Campsites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability dictates the number of hikers permitted. Changes to itineraries or number of hikers can be made, but a change fee may apply if stay dates are completely different.
Official source: Planning Your Hike_CB - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park ... · Verified September 17, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- No cellular service anywhere on the Chilkoot Trail, including Bennett.
- Crossing the international border at Chilkoot Pass in either direction is illegal.
- Walking on train tracks is against the law.
- Challenging conditions and weather variations.
- Common risks and challenges are present, as highlighted in the NPS planning video.
What to pack for Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border)
- Satellite-enabled communication device
- Printed permit (validated)
- Bag tag (issued after orientation)
Chilkoot Trail (Dyea to Border) FAQ
- Can I make changes to my permit itinerary?
- Yes, changes can be made to the itinerary or number of hikers. If the new stay dates are completely different from the original, a change fee may apply.
- What if my desired dates are unavailable?
- The number of hikers allowed is based on campground availability. Campsites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Can I cancel my permit?
- For the U.S. side, the permit fee is nonrefundable.
- Where do I validate my permit and attend orientation?
- Visit the Trail Center in Skagway, located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues. Every hiker must attend a mandatory safety orientation during the summer hiking season, allowing approximately 30 minutes for the session.
- What if I am a trail runner?
- Trail runners need to pick up their permit a day in advance or before noon on the day they wish to start their hike.