Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail is a 53 km (33-mile) international historic hiking corridor that links the Chilkoot Pass area at the U.S./Canada border with Lake Bennett on the Canadian side, and it’s designated the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Trail within the historic gold-rush route corridor.
For route planning, expect the Canadian stretch from Bennett, BC to Chilkoot Pass as an out-and-back option: 26 km one-way with a moderate 450 m elevation gain. This segment is commonly used by hikers who can’t or don’t attempt the full through-hike.
The Canadian portion runs through subalpine and boreal terrain as you work toward Chilkoot Pass, then the descent off the pass leads back to established campgrounds on the way to Bennett. Most trips use a multi-day camping plan rather than a single push.
The pass day is the crux. The climb between Sheep Camp and the top of Chilkoot Pass gains over 750 m (2500 ft) in about 5.7 km (3.5 mi), and fog/low visibility are common in this section. Route-finding skills are essential because parts of the route can be more route than trail and may be snow covered well into July.
On the U.S./Canada border itself, crossing the international boundary via the Chilkoot Trail is illegal; hikers can hike only the U.S. or Canadian side and must turn around at the border. Overlap restrictions and permit rules apply for overnight hiking during the summer season.
Camp logistics are built around designated campgrounds: camping is limited to those sites, with nine campgrounds along the trail system. During June 1–Sept 12, validated permits are required for overnight hikers, and groups need to complete the required safety orientation for permit validation (U.S. side summer).
Bennett is a trail terminus without road access. Getting to and from Bennett is limited to train/air charter/boat, and walking on the train tracks is illegal; all post-hike travel arrangements have to be set before starting the hike. There is no cellular service anywhere along the trail, including Bennett.
More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Visitor information