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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical ParkWhite Pass & Yukon Route Buildings past and present, historic photo courtesy of the Yukon Archives, Barley Collection, Print No. 5079
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Dreams of Gold

Gold! Headlines read in 1897, starting the rush. Thousands, hoping to ease the woes of economic depression, sold farms, dropped businesses and boarded ships to follow their dreams north. They braved icy passes to reach the interior of Canada, only to find the gold claims staked by prospectors who preceded them. A few struck gold; many more returned home penniless, yet richer for the adventure.
 
Stampeders climbing the Golden Stairs

Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail, originally established by the Tlingit people as a trade route into the interior, became a major route during the gold rush. Today adventure seekers can hike the Chilkoot Trail following those footsteps over the challenging Golden Stairs.
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View of historic district of Skagway showing Victorian style buildings against a spectacular mountain and glacier backdrop

Skagway Historic District

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves some of the original historic structures in the town of Skagway, Alaska. Visit the historic district of Skagway to learn more ...
 
A female ranger holds a photograph with a historical photo to compare with historic building behind her.

Ranger-Led Activities

Ranger-led activities are a good way to learn about the park and enjoy the scenery at the same time. We have many options to choose from.
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Historic image of downtown Seattle

Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park

In 1998 the international significance of the Klondike Gold Rush was officially recognized by Canada and the United States with the creation of the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park. The site in Skagway, Alaska represents the “Gateway to the Klondike” and preserves the setting of Klondike Gold Rush boom towns and trails to the Yukon gold. Other units making up the international park include the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle, WA and the Canadian parks, Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site and Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Sites. For more information on visiting these locations click on the name of the historical park.
 

Write to

P.O. Box 517
Skagway, AK 99840

E-mail Us

Phone

Headquarters & Visitor Information
(907) 983-2921

Trail Center (June-August)
(907) 983-9234

Fax

(907) 983-9249

Climate

Skagway has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer highs range from 59 to 67 degrees F and winter lows from 16 to 27 degrees F. Skagway receives less rain than is typical for southeast Alaska, averaging only 26 inches of precipitation per year. 
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Chilkoot trailhead sign showing the National Park Service arrowhead logo and an outline of people with loads climbing up a steep, snowy pass  

Did You Know?
The Chilkoot Trail, in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, is 33 miles long and is shared with our neighbor, Parks Canada. Hikers cross the border at the top of the pass and enter British Columbia. The trail is considered to be the world's longest outdoor museum.

Last Updated: April 03, 2009 at 11:34 EST