Their journey shaped them, and changed the people they encountered and the north forever. Today, the park remembers the trails, boomtowns, and stories of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Photo: NPS Photo
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Headlines screamed "Gold!" The dream of a better life catapulted thousands of people to Alaska and the Yukon Territory.
- LocationSkagway, AK
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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Weather now32°F Light rain
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Asian American Heritage
- Birds
- Birthplace
44 more topics
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Civil Rights
- Climate Change
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Colonization and Settlement
- Commerce
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
- Engineering
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Foothills, Plains and Valleys
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Glaciers
- Homesteading
- Immigration
- Industry
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Maritime
- Massacres
- Migrations
- Military
- Mining
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Oceans
- Rainforest
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Ruins
- Scenic Views
- Social Movements
- The Gold Rush
- Trade
- Tragic Events
- Trails
- Trains and Railroads
- Transportation
- Unique Species
- US Army
- Voting Rights and Suffrage
- Westward Expansion
- Wilderness
- Women's History
Things to Do
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Explore the Historic Dyea Townsite
During the gold rush Dyea was a bustling town situated at the start of the Chilkoot trail. Since the gold rush, nature has reclaimed the area. Today there is a network of trails in place of the town…
Learn more about Explore the Historic Dyea Townsite on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Moore Homestead
The Moore Homestead was established 10 years before the gold rush. Today, contemplate early frontier life in the wilds of remote Alaska as you explore the first building in Skagway and the first…
Learn more about Explore the Moore Homestead on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike The Chilkoot Trail With Your Dog
Reservation required Fee applies
The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile recreational hiking trail spanning from coastal Alaska to boreal British Columbia. Each summer over 3,000 people retrace the route of gold seekers by hiking this…
Learn more about Hike The Chilkoot Trail With Your Dog on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Stop By The Ton Of Goods Display
Heading to the Klondike was no easy trip. Get a feel for what supplies were needed to make the journey at this outdoor sculpture exhibit.
Learn more about Stop By The Ton Of Goods Display on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit the Mascot Saloon
Once Skagway's longest running saloon, step back in to time with this restored saloon museum. Learn about the role of vice in the community, see how the owner adapted his business in the face of…
Learn more about Visit the Mascot Saloon on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 5 of 5
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Camping
2 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Chilkoot Trail Camping Permits
Reservable Campground
The Chilkoot National Historic Trail is not open for crossing the Canadian border. When you apply for your Chilkoot Trail permit you will need to select the campgrounds…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Fees: There is a $20.00 nonrefundable permit fee per trip. The permit covers all Chilkoot Trail campsites that you reserve for your trip.
Overview
The Chilkoot National Historic Trail is not open for crossing the Canadian border. When you apply for your Chilkoot Trail permit you will need to select the campgrounds you wish to use, select which nights you will be there, and how many members are in your party. Each campsite includes one 10ftx10ft space which may be used for up to two small tents. If additional spaces are needed, select additional camp sites.
April 1-May 31 camping permits are not required. Campsites are listed as Walk up - First Come, First Served to indicate the campgrounds are open. You do not need to check in at the park upon arrival during this time period.
June 1 - September 12 camping permits must be reserved, printed out beforehand, and validated at the Trail Center in Skagway prior to heading out on the trail. There is a $20.00 nonrefundable permit fee per trip.
Guide to Planning Your Chilkoot Trail Hike.
Finnegan's Point Campground
Finnegan's Point is the first campground on the Chilkoot Trail. It is located near the Taiya River. Warming shelter and bear boxes are located close to the trail. Outhouse and tent platforms are up the hill from the warming shelter. Finnegan's Point is a good choice for hikers starting late in the day.
Location: Mile Marker 5
Site Elevation: 249 ft.
Campsites: 6 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platforms
Warming Shelter: 1 Canvas, walled tent with wood burning stove
Food Storage: bear boxes and one bear pole
Toilet: 1composting outhouse
Water Source: Taiya river located close to the warming shelter, all water must be purified
Grey Water Disposal: Pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Canyon City Campground
The Canyon City campground provides a nice place to take a break from hiking, with several tables and two warming shelters. Canyon City is a common first night stop. Spending the night here makes it easy to explore the Canyon City Loop Trail.
Location: Mile marker 7.7
Site elevation: 463 ft
Campsites: 16 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platforms.
Warming shelter: 1 canvas walled tent, 1 log cabin with wood burning stoves
Food storage: bear boxes
Toilet: 2 composting outhouses
Water source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, a small stream runs behind the wall tent, all water must be purified.
Grey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No Trace
Pleasant Camp Campground
Pleasant Camp is located near the Taiya River. It is just after a relatively large elevation gain coming from Canyon City. It is a good place to stay for experienced hikers accustomed to long days who want a quieter campground than Sheep Camp.
Location: Mile marker10.7
Site elevation: 750 ft
Campsites: 11 bare ground sites
Warming shelter: 1 canvas walled tent with wood burning stove
Food storage: bear boxes
Toilet: 1 composting outhouse
Water source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, all water must be purified
Grey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No Trace
Sheep Camp Campground
Sheep Camp is the last campground on the U.S. side of the trail before the trail summit. Sheep Camp is the location of the NPS backcountry ranger station, a quarter mile from the campground.
Location Mile marker: 13
Site elevation: 1,058 ft
Campsites: 25 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platforms, have places to tie securing lines.
Warming shelter: A large covered, but open air picnic shelter for meals. A restored 1960s era log cabin, also with wood stove. Note: sleeping in shelters is not permitted.
Food storage: bear boxes
Toilet: 3 composting outhouses
Water source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, all water must be purified
Grey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No Trace
Facilities
You are required to stop by the Trail Center in Skagway to validate your permit and receive a safety briefing prior to starting your hike.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 983-9234. -
Dyea Campground
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
The Dyea Campground is located 9 miles from Skagway. Nestled in the trees along the banks of the Taiya River with limited amenities, the Dyea Campground is a restful…
Details
The Dyea Campground is located 9 miles from Skagway. Nestled in the trees along the banks of the Taiya River with limited amenities, the Dyea Campground is a restful place from busy town. The campground is within a short drive or bike ride of the historic townsite of Dyea and a half mile from the Chilkoot Trailhead. The campground is monitored by National Park Service rangers and is open when free of snow.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Tours
Ticket Facility
"GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! screamed headlines that sent over 100,000 people on a quest to pull themselves and the nation out of a depression lasting over three years. But…
Details
Overview:
"GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! screamed headlines that sent over 100,000 people on a quest to pull themselves and the nation out of a depression lasting over three years. But to strike it rich they would struggle against time, each other, and northern wilderness. The Klondike Gold Rush was a great human drama that captured the attention of the world, and brought many people to settle Alaska and the Yukon. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a collection of sites throughout the town of Skagway, Alaska, and the surrounding area that preserves the trails, historic structures, artifacts, landscapes, and stories associated with the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898.
Summary of Fees
Tour Name Fee Reservation Fee (per ticket) Change fee* Cancellation fee* Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum Guided Tour Free $0.75
(non-refundable)
$0.00 n/a "Untold Stories: Buffalo Soldiers" Historic District Walking Tour Free $0.75
(non-refundable)
$0.00 n/a "Untold Stories: Topic Varies" Historic District Walking Tour Free $0.75
(non-refundable)
$0.00 n/a "Gold Rush 101" Historic District Walking Tour Free $0.75
(non-refundable) $0.00 n/a Dyea Walking Tour Free $0.75
(non-refundable)
$0.00 n/a *Customers may request changes until the start of tour
Visitor Centers
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Administrative Office
Visitor Center
Visitors can find the Administrative Offices on the second floor of the Visitor Center Museum. These offices serve as a resource for the public when other facilities are…
2nd and Broadway, Skagway, AK 907 983-9200 Directions
Details
Visitors can find the Administrative Offices on the second floor of the Visitor Center Museum. These offices serve as a resource for the public when other facilities are closed, providing information about job opportunities, park facilities, and answering general inquiries. -
Mascot Saloon Museum
Visitor Center
Mascot Saloon Museum is an authentic post-gold rush saloon. This facility is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome. There are public restrooms in this…
Details
Mascot Saloon Museum is an authentic post-gold rush saloon. This facility is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome. There are public restrooms in this building. -
Visitor Center Museum
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center Museum is located on 2nd and Broadway, next to the National Park Service visitor center. The visitor center museum and the parks’ administrative…
Details
The Visitor Center Museum is located on 2nd and Broadway, next to the National Park Service visitor center. The visitor center museum and the parks’ administrative offices share a building. The first floor is dedicated to the museum, while the upper floors are used for the park's administrative offices.
Other Visitor Services
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Canyon City
Facility
The Canyon City campground sits 7.7 mi (12 km) from the Dyea trailhead. It is just a half mile from the historic Canyon City townsite, where you can see artifacts…
Reservation website Skagway, AK (907) 983-9200 Directions
Details
The Canyon City campground sits 7.7 mi (12 km) from the Dyea trailhead. It is just a half mile from the historic Canyon City townsite, where you can see artifacts leftover from the gold rush days. (Please do not take or disturb artifacts!) In order to camp overnight along the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail, you must purchase a permit via Recreation.gov and attend an orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway. Crossing the international U.S.-Canada border via the trail is prohibited as of 2026. -
Finnegan's Point
Facility
At mile 5 (8 km) in from the trailhead in Dyea, Finnegan's Camp is the first backcountry campground on the Chilkoot Trail. On clear days, you can see the Irene Glacier…
Reservation website Skagway, AK (907) 983-9200 Directions
Details
At mile 5 (8 km) in from the trailhead in Dyea, Finnegan's Camp is the first backcountry campground on the Chilkoot Trail. On clear days, you can see the Irene Glacier across the river. In order to camp overnight along the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail, you must purchase a backcountry permit via Recreation.gov and attend an orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway. In 2026, crossing the international border between the U.S. and Canada along the trail is prohibited.
Show 4 more facilities
Other Visitor Services
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Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center
Facility
The visitor center is located in the historic White Pass & Yukon Route depot. Talk to a ranger, learn about daily programs, watch park film "Gold Fever: Race to the…
2nd & Broadway, Skagway, AK (907) 983-9200 Directions
Details
The visitor center is located in the historic White Pass & Yukon Route depot. Talk to a ranger, learn about daily programs, watch park film "Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike," and more. Restrooms, water stations, and benches are available for visitors. -
Pleasant Camp
Facility
Located at mile 10.7 (17.3 km) and just after a relatively large elevation gain, Pleasant Camp is a "pleasant" spot to spend some time. As the least-used campground on…
Reservation website Skagway, AK (907) 983-9200 Directions
Details
Located at mile 10.7 (17.3 km) and just after a relatively large elevation gain, Pleasant Camp is a "pleasant" spot to spend some time. As the least-used campground on the Chilkoot, it offers hikers a tranquil evening. However, it makes a long day-hike to the Chilkoot Pass/international border and back. As of 2026, crossing the border into Canada is prohibited. To stay at any campground on the trail, you must purchase a permit via Recreation.gov and attend an orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway. -
Sheep Camp
Facility
At mile 13 (km 20.9), Sheep Camp is the last campground on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail before the Chilkoot Pass and border. As a result, it is popular in peak…
Reservation website Skagway, AK (907) 983-9200 Directions
Details
At mile 13 (km 20.9), Sheep Camp is the last campground on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail before the Chilkoot Pass and border. As a result, it is popular in peak months and can be fully booked. To stay at all campsites along the trail, you must purchase a permit via Recreation.gov and attend an orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway before starting your hike. In 2026, the international border between Canada is closed to hikers on the Chilkoot Trail; you will need to turn around at the pass. -
The Chilkoot Trail Center
Facility
The Chilkoot Trail Center is the registration and information center for the Chilkoot International Trail. Hikers hiking on the Chilkoot Trail must stop here prior to…
520 Broadway, Skagway, AK (907) 983-9234 Directions
Details
The Chilkoot Trail Center is the registration and information center for the Chilkoot International Trail. Hikers hiking on the Chilkoot Trail must stop here prior to starting their hike. During permit season, regularly scheduled orientations are at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. This facility is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome. This building does not have public restrooms.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Summer Hours
Hours details
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Summer HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open year-round, though access to historic buildings and most visitor services are provided only in summer months, May through late September. From October through late April, visitor services and access to buildings is by appointment only.
Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 291 BroadwaySkagway, AK 99840
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
32°F
Light rain · feels like 27°
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Today
33° 31°
Light rain95% rain
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Tomorrow
34° 31°
Light drizzle96% rain -
Sunday
36° 32°
Light drizzle95% rain
Updated 34 min ago
WeatherWind Advisory Details
Wind Advisory issued October 2 at 11:40AM AKDT until October 2 at 4:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* WHERE...Municipality of Skagway.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM AKDT this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gusty winds should begin to subside Friday
evening.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 4:25AM AKDT until October 2 at 1:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt expected.
* WHERE...Northern Lynn Canal.
* WHEN...Until 1 PM AKDT this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
Skagway has a highly variable climate with frequent rain and high winds. Average temperatures May through September range from 47-60ºF. Average temperatures October through April range from 28-38ºF.
Photos
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The Moore Homestead is a calm sanctuary on 5th Avenue, a block east of Skagway's busy Broadway. — NPS Photo / S. Millard -
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Getting There
Skagway, AK 99840
Park headquarters and visitor center are located at 2nd and Broadway in Skagway, Alaska. To get to Skagway by car: you can access the park via the Alaska Marine Highway or the South Klondike Highway.
Full directions
By plane: you can fly into the Skagway Airport. By water: You can visit the park by cruise ship, tour boat, or ferry. The park visitor center is less than half a mile from all docks.
Mailing address: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Skagway, AK 99840
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