Pack the right gear for a successful hike of the Chilkoot Trail. For the four to five days it takes most hikers to complete a one-way journey, roughly 45 lbs. of gear are needed, since hikers must be self-sufficient along the way.
The trail isn't an easy one, rising to 3,246 feet at its highest point, including the pleasantly named but difficult section called the Golden Stairs. Make sure you are physically able to undertake the climb while carrying your gear.
Decide whether to hike south to north, or the other way around.
"It's best to hike from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett, British Columbia, and have the wind and weather at your back, as it is easier to climb up the Golden Stairs than to climb down," recommends BCAdventure.com.
Also, collect the proper permits before you go. During the primary hiking season in the summer, both the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada require permits; reserving permits ahead of time is good idea. Canadian customs must be cleared ahead of time for northbound hikers, while southbound hikers must report to U.S. customs at Skagway, Alaska.
Arrange your return before you leave. If you are hiking south to north, buses run from Log Cabin near Bennett to both Whitehorse, Yukon, or Skagway; trains run from Bennett to Fraser and Skagway once a day, five times a week; various companies run shuttle services out of Bennett. It's also possible to fly from Bennett to Whitehorse.
Buy the map called "A Hiker's Guide to the Chilkoot Trail," which is detailed enough to be useful while on the trail. Before you head out, consult trail reports, which can be found at the Chilkoot Trail Center in Skagway or the Dyea Ranger Station. Park officials should also be able to give you an updated assessment of weather conditions on the trail.
If traveling north, begin at Dyea. The trail passes through places called Canyon City and Sheep Camp and goes above the tree line after Sheep Camp, which eventually leads to grueling 30-degree incline of the Golden Stairs. The summit is after that, marking the entry into Canada as well as the highest point of the trail. The Canadian side isn't quite as difficult, but it's still a vigorous hike.
