A new foot bridge opens up a few more miles on the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska/NPS

A new log bridge that spans a side channel of the Taiya River at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Alaska allows hikers to head up to Mile 4 on the historic Chilkoot Trail.

The rustic bridge crosses the side channel at Mile 1.5 of the trail. Along with a re-route at mile 2.0, hikers can access the Chilkoot Trail up to Mile 4, for day use only, a park release said. The bridge allows visitors to enjoy about a 7-hour roundtrip day-use experience this summer.  

The temporary single log bridge with railing was designed and constructed by park staff this spring.

“We are pleased to be able to expand the amount of trail that is accessible to visitors this season,” said park Superintendent Angela Wetz.  “I’m proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff to create safe access for our visitors.”  

Elsewhere along the trail, Park Service crews continue repairs focused on rebuilding tread, building footbridges, improving campsites, and other visitor amenities after severe flood damage sustained during 2021 and 2022 seasons. The upper portion of the Chilkoot Trail on the U.S. side remains closed north of mile 4 due to accessibility issue and the limited availability of emergency response. Overnight camping on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail will not be permitted for the 2024 hiking season. 

The Klondike Gold Rush transformed a traditional trade route into highway. Thousands of men, women, and children completed the journey from Dyea, Alaska to Lake Bennett, British Columbia, via the Chilkoot Trail. Today, the trail is a 33-mile recreational trail. Each year, over 15,000 people day hike, backpack, or trail run this corridor.

The portion of the trail in Canada will be accessible. Reservations are required to hike the Canadian side of the Chilkoot Trail which will open between June 1 and September 13. Call Parks Canada at 1-800-661-0486 to make your reservation.