The Chilkoot Trail is a moderate hike that most people cover in 3 to 5 days. The first 10 miles winds slowly through forest, heading uphill to The Scales, which was a staging point for the climb to the summit. When you look up from The Scales, it is an awe-inspiring site, and I wondered how I was going to get up it. The summit climb is difficult but not technical, and after walking all day, it feels good to use your hands and do some scrambling up a wall of huge boulders. Once over the summit, the trail gets a bit easier as you enter Canada and work your way down the other side of the pass.

The first camping area after summit is Happy Camp, and most people stop here for the best night’s sleep of their lives. The last 13 miles you descend below the tree line and are rewarded with spectacular views of glaciers, rivers, and wildlife. Once you reach Bennett, you catch a steam train back to Skagway, which is an experience in itself.

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is essentially the core of Skagway's historic district. Join a ranger on guided walking tour of the historic district. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park also offers exhibits, restored buildings, ranger presentations, and films. These free tours offer the best way to learn about life in the Gold Rush era. This is one of those things that the US National Park Service does very well. The 14 buildings, which are owned by the park, have been completely restored and include still-lifes and mannequins which represent the building's original use. Historical details about many more buildings which are leased by private retailers are also included on the tour.

Start with an informative, but slightly dated, short film narrated by William Holden. There are usually two tours every afternoon. Check the schedule at the visitor's center. Tours leave from the National Park visitors’ center, located in the old White Pass Railroad Depot building. If the schedule doesn't work with yours it can easily be done on your own with the free walking tour map and guide. The National Park Service also maintains and manages other sites in the area including the Chilkoot Trail, Dyea townsite, and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

If you would like to see a preview, you can also take a virtual tour at the park's web site.

Historic Skagway Walking Tour

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.