Summer safety

Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site

This hike is NOT for everyone

You are responsible for your own safety.

Don’t go if you have:

  • No multi-day backpacking experience or route-finding skills
  • A heart condition, breathing difficulty, concussion, recent surgery, or other medical complications
  • Recurring pain and/or history of injuries to the ankle, knee, hip, or back
  • No winter hiking experience and you are planning on hiking in June. Avalanches are possible until mid-July

This hike is difficult even for the most experienced hikers.

Hikers must be self-sufficient and able to handle any emergency on their own. There is no cell service along the Chilkoot Trail. Bring a satellite communication device so you can contact emergency services in the event of an emergency. Search and rescue response may take days to reach you due to weather conditions and/or the availability of both aircraft and rescue personnel.

Test your strength and endurance on shorter, less demanding overnight trips before attempting the Chilkoot Trail.


Creek crossings can be deep and fast-flowing. Do you know how to cross safely?

Hazards:

  • Difficult navigation, potentially over vast snowfields that could cover up to 18 km (11.2 mi) of trail
  • Poor visibility on an unmarked trail
  • Extreme weather including snowstorms even in the middle of summer
  • Weather changes quickly
  • Rugged terrain and slippery surfaces
  • Fast-flowing creek crossings
  • Bears and other wildlife

Check current trail conditions.


June 25, 2023. Chilkoot Pass and Crater Lake. Could you find your way without trail markers while avoiding thin ice?

June to mid-July hazards:

  • Avalanche hazard may be present until mid-July
  • Deep snow lasts in Chilkoot Pass until late June and the trail can have vast, snow-covered sections until mid-July
  • Thin ice on water bodies, moving water below
  • Snow bridges can collapse suddenly

Read our Guide for detailed safety information.

Trail Hazards

Few trails offer more dramatic changes in climate, terrain and vegetation. Experience the challenges faced by those who traveled to the Klondike.

Bear Safety

The Chilkoot Trail is located in an area home to both black and grizzly bears. Familiarize yourself with the principles and practices of safe travel in bear country.

More approachable options include:

  • Delay your hike to later in the season when there is less snow
  • Take a day trip to Bennett, BC
  • Camp at Bennett or Bare Loon Lake
  • Hike the Chilkoot Trail with a commercial guide or outfitter

Emergency Contact Numbers

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
NPS Emergency Dispatch
1-907-683-2276

Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site, British Columbia
Parks Canada 24 Hour Emergency Dispatch

Via satellite phone: 1-780-852-3100

Via satellite messaging device: Use the SOS function in the event of an emergency, and your service provider will connect Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch to you.

  You are not able to message the number above with a satellite messaging device.

Snow stays into mid-July. Can you navigate when there is no trail and avoid thin ice?
Fog and severe weather are common. Can you find your way?
May 18. 2021. The hiker cabin at the Chilkoot Pass is completely buried by snow.

June 25, 2023 Snow bridge over running water. What would happen if it collapsed with you on it?
June 25, 2023 Can you find your way through snow and fog?
July 15, 2023 Snow bridges can collapse without warning.

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