Hop on this one epic hike that will lead you straight into another country, and get ready to experience a true hidden gem in Alaska's backcountry. Canyon City Campground is located along the Chilkoot Trail inside the lush wilderness area of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Experience the pristine beauty of the Taiya River while crossing swinging suspension bridges high in the air. Plus, the major dose of history that you'll stumble upon just steps away from camp will blow your mind. This is truly a one-of-a-kind camping destination that avid outdoor lovers are guaranteed to love.
Hop on the Chilkoot Trail and get ready to experience a lush rainforest trek through one of Alaska's most historic regions.
Kick of your journey in the coastal town of Dyea and get ready to head to Canyon City Campground, approximately 7.5 miles in.
This historic trail is well-traveled during the peak summer season, and signs along the way make it easy to navigate the path ahead.
As you approach Canyon City, you'll cross a jaw-dropping suspension bridge over the roarin' Taiya River.
This suspension bridge giving consistent access to the Canyon City historic area was constructed in 1982.
If you get a little shaky or have issues with balance and coordination when crossing the suspension bridges or foot bridges along the way, just keep your eyes up and focus on the task at hand.
Although with the swift waters of the Taiya move rapidly beneath your feet, it can be easy to get distracted by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Just breath - you got this!
In historic times, backpackers and prospectors faced the challenge of the Taiya River Canyon which was a hurdle that had to be met head-on after leaving Canyon City.
Back in the Gold Rush days, Canyon City was a logical place native traders and Stampeders to camp due to its relatively flat land area and it's proximity to the mouth of the Taiya River.
It was also beneficial that Canyon City was only roughly eight miles from the trailhead.
The original settlement at Canyon City was established in 1897-98 with the booming beginning of the historic Klondike Gold Rush.
What started as a few scattered tents grew into a prosperous village with 25 businesses and approximately 1,500 inhabitants spanning across both sides of the fast-moving Taiya River.
Today there is a nice cabin at Canyon City where travelers can warm up by the wood-burning stove and get out of the rainy weather.
There are also two composting toilets and bear boxes to store food away from those massive predators that roam in the woods surrounding Canyon City.
First things first; head into the warming shelter to take a load off and give your body a break from the long trek in.
Fun Fact: A camping shelter was built in Canyon City for recreational users all the way back in 1962.
The well-developed picnic area located in the middle of the Alaska wilderness will positively delight you.
After you've warmed up and taken off your heavy backpacks, enjoy an outdoor lunch with nothing but the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding you.
The tent campsites at Canyon City are on the ground, rather than on wooden platforms.
There are 10 ground sites in total at Canyon City Campground.
Although little remains of what was once a prosperous village, many scattered artifacts still remain today at the historic Canyon City town-site and are evidence of the activities that once occurred here.
The steam boiler that you'll find by Canyon City was once used to power the tramway that was used to move freight from Canyon City up to Chilkoot Pass.
What is interesting is that much of the tramway machinery was broken down and removed after the Gold Rush period, although some artifacts still remain today.
Although much of the historic town-site at Canyon City has been lost over the years due to erosion and flooding by the Taiya River, it's not all lost in the rubbish.
In fact, this heavy-duty cast iron stove from historic Gold Rush Era that remains at Canyon City is a beautiful glimpse into the past. This truly is one of the most unique and historical backcountry excursions in all of the Last Frontier.
If hiking and tent camping isn't really what you're into, be sure to check out this historic train ride in Alaska that will lead you straight into another country. The awe-inspiring views along the way are guaranteed to give you the most incredible dose of eye-candy ever. For more great articles and incredible video footage from Alaska, be sure to check us out online HERE.
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