From Skagway/Dyea, this trail leads over the Chilkoot Pass and into the interior of the Yukon territory where the gold rush occurred in 1898. It's a unique back country hike because along the way the trail has historical displays to tell you about the different camps and crossings which were established when it was in use. It's kind of like a history lesson while you are being careful not to run into the path of a bear. We learned that stampeders would have to haul up over 2,000 lbs. of goods in order to be aloud into Canada. It was humbling caring our ergonomic 40 lb. packs. Some stampeders would make over five trips in one day over the pass caring supplies to be cached. The trail was only used for two years until the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad was built.
Another unique thing about the trail is that it crosses into Canada after you climb the pass, which means you have to bring your passport in order to get back to Skagway. And finally, it is the first U.S. back country trek we've done where their were cabins to cook in at most campsites. these cabins were perfect for keeping the mosquitoes away (Sheep Camp), getting out of the cold rain (Happy Camp), or building a fire for the fun of it (Lindeman Lake). It reminded us a lot of the New Zealand trails.
Team MMR, cautiously fearless since 2007™
Ashley Black, on the left, is our best hiking buddy. She joined us on some of our favorite hikes in New Zealand and has a massive amount of camping experience and is super good at knots! She'll be traveling with us for the next month, and we are super pumped to have her along.
Snow! We hiked 13 miles our first day after getting a late start. Day two lead us up into the snow towards the pass.
This was a great section of trail through beaver ponds. The NPS did a great job setting up these boards to walk across. A lot of fun, but no beaver sightings.
Feeling a bit sluggish after hiking the first ten miles on Day 1, we decided the best way to motivate our bodies to keep moving was to take a generous pull of Yukon Jack liqueur. The last three miles were a breeze, it did the trick.
Cara and I loved our rented hiking gaiters (red "socks"). You couldn't stop your boots from getting wet, but the gaiters definitely helped keep your socks dry.
Ashley making her way on all fours up the pass. This is not a crazy angle, the pass was unusually steep this year because of a persistent northern wind throughout the winter which built up the snow. Whenever your boot slipped out of the hole you just kicked in, it got a bit stressful. Adrenaline was definitely pumping and it felt good to get up and over.
On the Canadian side, making our way through the snow to Happy Camp.
After hiking over the pass most stampeders loaded their supplies into boats to be transported across the connected lakes which eventually lead to the Yukon River. There are artifacts, like this ship hull, all along the trail.
At our last camp, Lindeman Lake. LumberJane chopped some wood for our cabin's stove.
The trail is a one-way hike ending at Bennett Lake and a great two hour train back to Skagway. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, built in 1898.
Back in Skagway we enjoyed a few Alaskan Whites (our favorite beer so far), some pizza at the Red Onion, and a hot shower. Our adventure continues in Anchorage.
-T
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