This One Epic Hike In Alaska WIll Lead You Straight Into Another Country
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Courtney
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We will go on record and call this incredibly enchanting hike one of the most historic in the world. Along the way you will experience remnants from the Klondike Gold Rush days and even eerie areas where bodies were left that couldn’t survive the trek out. After starting in the coastal community of Dyea, Alaska and taking the 33-mile-long journey to Lake Bennett, British Columbia at the headwaters of the Yukon River, you will have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that truly must been seen up close and personal to really appreciate. Be sure to get your permit before making the trek and bring plenty film to capture memories along the way.
Before starting your journey, be sure to check in with the local NPS to discuss recent conditions, reported wildlife activity, maps and important information you need to know in regards to necessary supplies.
The Chilkoot Trail has a rich and colorful history that dates back to the Klondike Gold Rush days. Back in the day, more than 30,000 men, women and children hiked the 'Golden Stairs' as they made their way to a prospectors paradise.
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When making the trek, be advised that there are cabins along the way that might be available for taking shelter overnight.
If you decide to cover the length of the trail over several days, a good option for overnight shelter is a tent. Be sure to bring a good rain fly and plenty of warm layers as the temps can get rather chilly in the evening.
Look for areas to put your food up high at an elevated level, as bear and other wildlife activity is very common.
Speaking of wildlife, make sure that you bring plenty of protection (whatever form makes you most comfortable). Bear spray is always a good idea. Bug spray is also a necessity for those smaller, less life-threatening critters.
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One of the neat areas along the trail is the thin double-lined boardwalks that take you across the beaver ponds.
Alaska and Canada are two areas that experience very chilly temps on a very regular basis, so be prepared to cross large snow patches in some areas (especially if you are making the trek in the spring or late-summer).
Steep inclines with shale, loose rocks and dense forest is to be expected in many areas along the way.
The sights that you are guaranteed to experience along the way are nothing short of breathtaking. Snow capped mountains and pristine lakes in the distance are enough to make you want to totally quit life and life in the wilderness forever.
Lindemann City and Lake used to be a bustling prospectors town back in the day. The town became a booming area overnight in the fall of 1897. Today it is a peaceful area that is serene and filled with nothing but crystal clear beauty.
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Bare Loon Lake offers a rugged alpine landscape and is the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking early morning sunrise.
Along the trail you will see many remnants from the past. As everyone just up and left, you'll see that boats, household appliances, vehicles, tools and many other items were just completely left as everyone hurried out of the camp.
There is cemetery along the trail that remembers those who lost their lives in the tragic 1898 avalanche. It is beautiful to see how each individual legacy has lived on, yet it is painstakingly sad to think about the series of horrific events that took the lives of so many.
Waterfalls on steep rock faces along the way are massive and effortlessly fascinating.
During the summertime there are so many colorful wildflowers along the trail! For the biggest dose of eye-candy, you could get lost in these gorgeous blooming colors for hours on end.
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The old bridge seen from a distance is another historic treasure that must be seen in person to fully be appreciated.
The old railroad remnants will transform you to the past. So much history happened at this very spot, it's hard not to feel the spirits of Alaska's past rushing through you as you soak in the view.
Crossing the swinging bridge to Canyon City can be pretty spooky on a windy day as the river rushes at roaring speeds below you. But it is a pretty neat experience, to say the last!
The Deep Lake Bridge is constructed and maintained really well, it's nice to just stop over-top the bridge and soak in the water and mountains surrounding you.
Roaring creeks, rivers and lakes along the way filled with endless beauty. You'll want to stop and take in the views for hours on it, it's that breathtaking!
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At White Pass Summit you'll see both the American and Canadian flags flying high as this trail leads from Alaska into Canada.
The beautiful, blue Lake Bennett at the end of the trail is the most rewarding way to finish out the treacherous 33 mile long expedition.
Once you've made it to this sign, you're officially at the end! Congrats on checking off an epic life-changing bucket list item! Bragging rights awarded from now until the end of time!
Do you love hiking in the last frontier as much as we do? If so, be sure to check out these 15 incredible hikes under 5 miles that are sure to lead you to unforgettable places!
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