Canyon City Historic Town Site - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
A settlement was established at Canyon City in 1897-98 with the start of the Klondike Gold Rush. A few scattered tents grew into a prosperous village, with 25 businesses and 1,500 inhabitants spanning both side... More
Chilkoot Trail - National Parks Gallery
Drainage Feature on Saintly Hill With the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98, as many as 25-30,000 Stampeders crossed into the Yukon by way of the Chilkoot corridor. At first, the trail was little more than a cr... More
Drainage Feature on Saintly Hill
With the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98, as many as 25-30,000 Stampeders crossed into the Yukon by way of the Chilkoot corridor. At first, the trail was little more than a crude footpath along the Taiya River... More
Finnegan's Point Tent Pads - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
A small number of settlements sprang up quickly on the trail to serve Stampeders and packers. Aside from Dyea, each of these were nonexistent or only seasonal before 1897. Finnegan's Point, a small resting p... More
Bridge over the Taiya River - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
The rugged trail was improved with bridges and sections of corduroy road in 1897, when the Gold Stampede brought tens of thousands of prospectors to the region. Entrepreneurs recouped their development efforts ... More
Alaska free images - Chilkoot Trail
Canyon City Historic Town Site A settlement was established at Canyon City in 1897-98 with the start of the Klondike Gold Rush. A few scattered tents grew into a prosperous village, with 25 businesses and 1,5... More
The Mascot Saloon, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 2016.
Photo date unknown. Front and center is Albert Reinert, proud owner of Skagway's longest-lived saloon (1898-1916), The Mascot Saloon. The Mascot has been restored to this time period by the National Park Servic... More
The Guardians of Skagway, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park,...
The Guardians of Skagway pose in front of The Manila Saloon after rounding up Soapy Smith's gang, July 1898.
The Wreck of the Bark Canada in Fortune Bay.
A group of tourists visiting the wreck of the Bark Canada in Fortune Bay (AKA Nahku or Long Bay). The ship was built in Bath, Maine in 1859. The vessel was refrubished in Tacoma for the Klondike Gold Rush and w... More
Alaska free images - Finnegan's Point
Finnegan's Point, located about five miles north of the Dyea townsite, was the first campsite that served Stampeders and packers. By April 1898, Pat Finnegan constructed a toll road across the Taiya River at th... More
Alaska free images - Abandoned Boats
A heap of collapsible boats lies abandoned alongside the Chilkoot Trail, one of many artifacts left behind after the Klondike Gold Rush.
The Hike Begins - National Parks Gallery
These people were part of a Hollywood film crew shooting location footage for a future big Hollywood production on the Klondike Gold Rush. Buildings in the photograph have yet to be identified but are north of ... More
Hosford's Sawmill Site - National Parks Gallery
In the 1940s, Ed Hosford cut a logging road from Dyea to Finnegan's Point. He established his sawmill there in 1948, where it was in operation until it was abandoned in 1956.
Views at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trai... More
Views at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trai... More
Views at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trai... More
Views at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trai... More
Views at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
This park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. The park also administers the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass Trai... More
Suspension Bridge at Canyon City Historic Area
A suspension bridge to the Canyon City historic area was built in 1982.
Beaver Pond Boardwalk - National Parks Gallery
In 1999, a boardwalk was constructed to provide passage over an area that had flooded due to a beaver dam.
Crossing the Beaver Pond Boardwalk
Trade between native groups consisted mainly of the exchange of typical coastal products for the furs of the interior. Clams, seaweed, dried fish, and sea otter pelts crossed the trail to the north, heading inl... More
Alaska free images - Beaver Ponds
In 1999, a 1,100 foot boardwalk was added at the lower end of the trail to offer passage over an area that had been flooded by a beaver dam.
Beaver Ponds on Chilkoot Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
During the Klondike Gold Rush this beaver pond was not there. Beavers have a dramatic impact on local ecology. The beavers moved into the Chilkoot Trail in the 1990s, and have turned what was meadow with cotton... More
Glacial Boulders along the Taiya River
Over the past century, the heavily sedimented Taiya River, which receives its primary runoff from glacial sources and annual snowpack, has eroded portions of the historic route. This sediment causes the continu... More
Taiya River Waterfall along the Trail
The Taiya River bends to meet a steep drop in elevation, resulting in a cascade.
Trail on Saintly Hill - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Saintly Hill rises 50' to 300' near the start of the trail.
National parks: Stereoscope - public domain image
Stereoscope on desk with images from the Klondike Gold Rush.
Alaska free images - Taiya River
Glacial stones at a beach of the Taiya River.
Alaska free images - Trailhead Plaque
A marker at the trailhead indicates the trail's historic status. The Chilkoot Trail was nominated to the National Register as part of a National Historic Landmark called "Chilkoot Trail and Dyea" on November 4, 1992.
Stone Steps at Saintly Hill - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Stone stairs hug the roots of a tree as the trail ascends Saintly Hill.
Irene Glacier, from the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
The trail's alignment has always been dictated by natural systems of mountains, glaciers, streams, and the river. The current recreational trail and the historic trail do not follow the exact same route, and ch... More
Alaska free images - Taiya River
Much of the trail follows the Taiya River. During the winter months, Stampeders could move relatively easily up the frozen river all the way to Sheep Camp. The river's frequent flooding is a challenge for man... More
Beaver Pond Boardwalk - National Parks Gallery
The boardwalk and surrounding landscape at Beaver Pond. Public domain photograph of wilderness, tourism, National Parks, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Alaska free images - Irene Glacier
The glaciers and streams have influenced the alignment of the trail.
Collecting aquatic insects during the bioblitz at Klondike Gold Rush.
Collecting aquatic insects during the bioblitz at Klondike Gold Rush.
Alaska free images - Saintly Hill
Saintly Hill, with its winding stone steps, is a landmark on the Chilkoot Trail.
Alaska free images - Saintly Hill
The first few miles of the Chilkoot Trail were deceptively easy to the Stampeders coming to Alaska in search of gold.
View Near the Trailhead, Looking Southwest
The Chilkoot Trail begins about eight miles west of the town of Skagway. The trailhead is located on the east bank of the Taiya River.
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The rushing river Taiya flows past a lush stand of conifers at the base of forested hills.
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The linear Chilkoot Trail corridor, defined by the Taiya River and surrounding mountains, was the backbone along which trail alignment and associated features were built and utilized. By necessity, the organiza... More
Boardwalk through the Beaver Pond
A visitor walks across the boardwalk to the other side of the pond.
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The river, keeping with its natural character, meanders across the landscape and floods seasonally. This results in bank erosion and silt deposition, impacting both historic resources and trail improvements.
Alaska free images - Saintly Hill
The trail ascends to Saintly Hill. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Alaska free images - Saintly Hill
A rocky incline rises up around Saintly Hill. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Alaska free images - Saintly Hill
The trail's primary historic use was as a trade route between the coastal Indians of the Chilkat and Chilkoot tribes, which were subgroups of the Tlingit Indians, and the interior Indians, the Tagish or "Stick"... More
Chilkoot Trail Trail Head - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
At lower elevations, the trail passes through temperate coastal rain forest, characterized by a variety of lichens, mosses, ferns, and mushrooms.
Sprouting Ground Cone - National Parks Gallery
In this damp and mild environment, living cycles are in a continuous state of transformation and emergence.
Artifacts Scattered at the Historic Canyon City Townsite
Although little remains of what was once a prosperous village, some artifacts remain as evidence of the activities that occurred here.
Alaska free images - Stone Steps
Rough stone steps aid hikers on the incline to Canyon City.
NPS Team on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
NPS Cultural Landscapes Program team hikes with a GPS Trimble. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The Taiya River - National Parks Gallery
The Taiya River rushes through the landscape.
Vegetation in the Lower Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
The lower trail is lush with ferns and mosses.
Telephone Insulator on Tree Trunk
The trunk of the tree has a remnant insulator lodged in its bark. These insulators would have been used when telephone lines were first installed.
Cast Iron Stove from the Gold Rush Era
Much of the historic town site at Canyon City has been lost to erosion and flooding by the river. Scattered artifacts remain as evidence of the once-prosperous village.
Rock Garden Area - National Parks Gallery
The geologically recent retreat of glacial ice over the region has left this landscape scattered with rocks.
Boardwalk between Finnegan's Point and Canyon City
Since the Gold Rush, efforts to revive the old trail have resulted in development of trail features and recognition of its historic resources. In 1961, two events sparked new interest in the trail. The first... More
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The Taiya River rushes over a rock bed.
Finnegan's Point tree - National Parks Gallery
The roots of a tree spread out around the base of its trunk in the shallow soil.
Artifacts at the Historic Canyon City Townsite
Scraps of rusted metal and the remnants of old machinery are still visible as artifacts of the historic town.
Suspension Bridge at Canyon City Historic Area
The suspension bridge over the Taiya River.
Artifacts at the Historic Canyon City Townsite
After the Gold Rush, much of the machinery and structures were dismantled or moved. While some artifacts and remnants remained, the forest and harsh climate quickly covered or degraded them. The site still reta... More
Bridge over the Rushing Taiya River
A trail visitor pauses mid-bridge to look on over the cascading waters of the river.
Alaska free images - Beaver Pond
The waters and surrounding landscape of Beaver Pod.
Alaska free images - Coniferous Forest
Trail section between Finnegan's Point and Canyon City. Within the coniferous forest, the floor is covered with a continuous mat of moss, lichen, and fungi.
Unidentified Structural Remnant - National Parks Gallery
Various structural remnants and artifacts can still be found scattered on the historic town site at Canyon City.
National parks: Moraine - public domain image
Young trees, moss, and lichens grow over the rocks of the moraine.
Lush Vegetation of the Lower Elevation
The natural systems and features that contribute to the significance of the Chilkoot Trail are geomorphology, hydrology, and topography.
Taiya River Rapids - National Parks Gallery
The Taiya River cascades over rocks as the grade of the land increases.
Rock Garden Moraine - National Parks Gallery
The transition between the rock garden moraine area and the incline to Canyon City on the Chilkoot Trail.
Boiler at the Canyon City Townsite
The steam boiler was once used to power the tramway that was used to move freight from Canyon City up to the Pass. Much of the tramway machinery was broken down and removed after the Gold Rush period, but some ... More
Alaska free images - Steam Boiler
The steam boiler was once used to power the tramway that was used to move freight from Canyon City up to the Pass. Much of the tramway machinery was broken down and removed after the Gold Rush period, but some ... More
Taiya River Cascade - National Parks Gallery
The Taiya River cascades down a steep stone bed.
Wooden Bridge between Finnegan's Point and Canyon City
Trail maintenance has largely focused around efforts to repair bridges and structures washed out by the Taiya River's frequent flooding. The replacement bridges built during the past three decades are non-co... More
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The Taiya River receives primary runoff from glacial and snowpack sources. It carries heavy sediment load resulting in a braided and meandering channel.
Alaska free images - Trail Bridge
Bridge along the lower section of the Chilkoot Trail, between Finnegan's Point and Canyon City
Suspension Bridge at Canyon City Historic Area
A trail visitor crosses the river.
Taiya River near Canyon City - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Beyond Canyon City, packers and prospectors faced the challenge of the Taiya River Canyon.
Suspension Bridge at Canyon City Historic Area
A visitor crosses the suspension bridge over the Taiya River.
Wild Columbine, National Parks Wildflowers
Native wildflowers grow in a cluster of vibrant understory vegetation along the edge of the trail.
Alaska free images - Hiking North
Segment of the trail between Finnegan's Point and Canyon City. The precise route of the historic trails (a foot trail and a wagon trail) from Dyea to Canyon City are unknown due to reforestation and river ero... More
Alaska free images - Glacial Remnants
The trail developed around the natural geomorphological, hydrological, and topographical systems of the landscape.
Telephone Insulator on Tree Trunk
There are many archeological sites and systems along the Chilkoot Trail that date to the period of significance. Once example is the Dyea-Bennett Telephone Line and associated remnants, such as glass insulators... More
National parks: Waterfall - public domain image
The lower section of the Chilkoot Trail is lush with moss, ferns, and lichens, supported by glacial streams and a mild marine climate.
National parks: Moraine - public domain image
This accumulation of rocks and sediment occurred with the retreat of glacial ice that once covered this region. It is now covered with lichen and young tree growth.
Alaska free images - Goat's Beard
The Chilkoot Trail changes from coastal forest at sea level, to high alpine near the summit, to boreal forest towards the Lake Bennett end. Goat's Beard, Aruncus dioicus, is one of the wildflowers that blooms a... More
Alaska free images - Wooden Bridge
The Taiya River experiences seasonal flood events, which impact both historic resources and trail improvements such as bridges.
Alaska free images - Taiya River
The Chilkoot Trail follows the Taiya River from the head of the Lynn Canal to the summit of the pass over the Coast Mountains. It receives its primary runoff from glacial sources and annual snowpack.
Vegetation of the Chilkoot Trail
At the trail's lower elevation, the landscape supports varieties of lichens, mosses, ferns, and devil's club, all which grow well in the warm marine climate.
Remnant at Hosford Camp Site - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Scrap metal remains from the historic camp site.
Nurse Log and Devil's Club - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Devil's Club, Oplopanax horridus, may have an appealing cluster of small white flowers at the top, but much of the plant is covered in sharp, sliver-like spikes that can be a torment to anyone hiking off trail.... More
Boat on the Upper Yukon
Boat on the Upper Yukon River, 1898
Bonanza Yukon 1898 - A black and white photo of a group of people and ...
Photograph, glass lantern slide, Loading gold on pack horses, Bonanza, YT, 1898, Edwin Tappan Adney, Silver salts on glass - Gelatin dry plate process - 8 x 8 cm Français : Photographie, diapositive sur verre, ... More
Branch of the Merchant Bank of Halifax, Bennett Lake, Yukon, in 1899
Branch of the Merchant Bank of Halifax, Bennett Lake, Yukon, in 1899.
Chilkoot Pass GoldenStairs, Klondike gold rush
Chilkoot Pass. Scales (in front) and Chilkoot Pass (behind). Left pass: Golden Stairs, Right pass: Pederson Pass
Frontiere Alaska, Klondike gold rush
Photograph, Yukon detachment, North West Mounted Police. at the summit of White Pass, YT, 1899, H. C. Barley. Silver salts on glass - Gelatin dry plate process - 20 x 25 cm Français : Photographie, Détachement ... More
Klondike mining, c.1899, Klondike gold rush
Mining operations in the Klondike, c.1899. "Washing out Gold with the Rocker"
Klondike Roadhouse - A black and white photo of a group of people
Interior of Klondike Roadhouse, around 1898
Klondike-nome-1899 - Public domain image of a steam boat
People leaving Klondike for Nome Sep. 22nd 1899 down Yukon Public domain photograph of a steamboat ship, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Klondikers buying miner's licenses at Custom House, Victoria, B C, Feb...
Klondikers buying miner's licenses at Custom House, Victoria, B. C., Feb 21, 1898. Showing a long queue waiting outside the Custom House to obtain licences. (Original image revised by User:Soerfm)
Klondikers buying miner's licenses at Custom House, Victoria, B C, Feb...
Klondikers buying miner's licenses at Custom House, Victoria, B. C., Feb 21, 1898. Showing a long queue waiting outside the Custom House to obtain licences.