Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park- Skagway, Alaska

05/31/2026

The Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) can be found year-round in most parts of the continental United States and is a frequent visitor to the Castillo de San Marcos! This bird of prey was likely looking for small critters scurrying around the moat in the early morning.

Image: Cooper’s Hawk peeking over the fort’s wall.

05/31/2026

On May 31, 1889, one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history struck when the South Fork Dam failed above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, unleashing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The raging flood swept through the valley, destroying homes and communities and claiming more than 2,200 lives.

After days of relentless rainfall, the dam gave way, triggering widespread devastation across the region. In the aftermath, Clara Barton and volunteers with the American Red Cross led one of the nation’s first large-scale disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid to survivors.

Today, Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of the flood, its victims, and the recovery efforts that followed. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl

Image: A tree lodged in the Schultz house in the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1889

05/31/2026

🍄✨ Cave surprise! ✨🍄

At first glance, caves may appear inhospitable to life, but look closer and you can find it thriving. This mushroom, of the genus Mycena, found a perfect home in the cool, humid, dim light of the cave. Most Mycena are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead matter or waste. In addition to a comfortable habitat, this individual also found a nutritious meal in the dead tree root it’s growing out of!

This delicate flush of fungi appears only briefly each year on the same piece of decomposing wood deep within Oregon Caves — a tiny seasonal reminder that even in the darkest places, ecosystems are hard at work. 👀🌿

Next time you visit the cave, remember: there’s a whole hidden world growing in the shadows.

Photo credit: NPS/ Sarah M

05/30/2026

Thermal features are so hot right now.

Well, most of the time. Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Do not touch thermal features or runoff. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

Learn more tips on how to adventure through Yellowstone safely at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

05/26/2026

The mondayest Tuesday ever…

Dreading what feels like it could be a bear of a week? Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? Bearly moving? Don’t worry…ease back into work instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. Start by tidying your workspace (or find your space if you’ve forgotten), reminding yourself what it is you do there, and planning your first break of the day. Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to give your brain a chance to catch up too.

Did somebody say break? It never hurts to take a much-needed “paws.” Regular breaks can help you recharge, refocus, and keep the day from turning completely grizzly. Step away for a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, catch something for lunch, or scroll through the park socials. This is your time.

Image: A bear cub takes a nap in a cottonwood trees Big Bend National Park. NPS/CA Hoyt

05/25/2026

Honoring all the members of our armed forces who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion," Memorial Day is one of the most important and solemn days on the National Mall. Across 250 years of American history, starting with those who fell while fighting alongside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, we will never forget our heroes. The military memorials on the National Mall are stunning tributes to hundreds of thousands of people who laid down their lives for freedom. Today we lay wreaths at these special places, but every day, walking past stone walls and metal statues, we recognize the loved and lost and offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

04/20/2026

Join the historic preservation team at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park this summer! We are looking to hire two seasonal carpentry workers to assist with historic log cabin restoration, preservation of the White Pass Administrative Building, rehabilitation and installation of the original meat racks in the Arctic Meat Company, boardwalk installation, and repairing and painting the exteriors of historic structures.

Positions will last through the summer until September and potentially until the end of October. Moreover, positions are eligible for automatic rehire for the 2027 season with start dates as soon as April. Housing is available.

For more information and to apply, visit USA Jobs at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/865389700.

04/16/2026

Hoping to hike the Chilkoot National Historic Trail this summer? Reserve your permit for the U.S. side of the trail!

Go to Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to select your campgrounds and dates: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10382456?tab=info

Plan Your Trip 🗺️
While you may hike up to the international border with Canada at the Chilkoot Pass (about 16.5 miles from the U.S. trailhead in Dyea, with an elevation gain of 3,500 feet), you may not cross the border. Hikers coming from either direction need to do an out-and-back instead of a through hike.
Permits are required for overnight trips June 1 – September 12.
Pick the campgrounds and timing that best suit your interests and hiking ability: https://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/chilkoottrail.htm

Before You Hike 🥾
In order to validate the permit, all hikers must attend an in-person orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway.

Learn More! 📚
Known as the world’s longest museum, the Chilkoot Trail corridor protects a rich history. Learn more about the route and the people who’ve traversed it: https://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/chilkoottrail.htm

04/04/2026

It finally feels like spring in Skagway!🌼

Unfortunately, this year, that means that the vault toilets at the Chilkoot National Historic Trail trailhead in Dyea have flooded. 😮 With more above-freezing temperatures and rain in the forecast, the toilets are likely to remain unusable through at least the end of April. Instead, vault toilets are available in the Dyea campground and at the historic Dyea townsite.

If you are intending to use the trailhead, expect wet, muddy conditions. To protect natural and cultural resources, please be sure to wear proper footwear and stay in the trail corridor instead of skirting puddles.

Learn more about the role weather played during the Klondike Gold Rush and check current temperature and precipitation records for the Taiya River bridge in Dyea via https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/nature/weather.htm

03/30/2026

The National Park Service today announced that Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Chilkoot National Historic Trail recently completed an eight-week rehabilitation of the Sheep Camp Ranger Station and adjacent tool shed.

“Since its construction in 1981, the ranger station received minimal maintenance,” said acting Superintendent Carrie Wittmer. “These repairs make the station safer and more functional for our trail rangers, allowing us to better serve hikers on the Chilkoot Trail."

Supported by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the key backcountry hub along the historic Chilkoot Trail was repaired with approximately $400,000 in GAOA funding.

The Great American Outdoors Act remains one of the most significant conservation achievements of his administration. The law provides permanent funding to address long-deferred maintenance needs across the National Park System, ensuring safe, resilient and accessible public lands for future generations.

Located at mile 11 of the Chilkoot Trail, the Sheep Camp Ranger Station serves as the primary backcountry housing and operations center for trail rangers supporting visitors on one of North America’s most iconic, long-distance routes. The project focused on practical, high-impact upgrades to improve safety, durability, and day-to-day operations in a remote setting.

Crews installed new siding and screens, repaired and repainted windows, replaced the front porch decking and screen door, and cleaned and restored the roofs of both the ranger station and tool shed.

The project brought together park staff and a GAOA-funded Maintenance Action Team, including skilled craftspeople from the Historic Preservation Training Center and an intern from the Traditional Trades Advancement Program. These teams specialize in preserving historic structures, enabling the National Park Service to complete projects in small and medium-sized parks while passing critical trade skills to the next generation.

Sheep Camp Ranger Station is located a quarter mile from the Sheep Camp Campground, the last stop on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail. When based here, rangers provide safety briefings, share the trail’s rich history, and respond to emergencies.

Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/news/2026-03-30-sheep-camp-ranger-station.htm

03/12/2026

Interested in putting your carpentry and repair skills to work in a national park? Join our team in Skagway!
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is looking for a Seasonal Carpentry Worker to help maintain and restore historic buildings — from installation to painting, flooring to roofing, and doors to windows. Build craftsmanship, protect history, and learn what it's like to work for the National Park Service.
Apply today via USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/860482200
Note that this is a local hire position. To be eligible, your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration.

03/05/2026

Spend Your Summer Telling the Story of Where History Struck Gold

We are looking for local hire candidates to step into the boots of a Park Ranger at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. If you love history, storytelling, and connecting with people from around the world, this could be your trail to follow.

What You’ll Do:
As a Park Ranger, you’ll be at the heart of the visitor experience:
- Present dynamic public programs
- Inspire the next generation by leading and supporting Junior Ranger activities.
- Operate the visitor center, welcoming travelers and helping them plan their park adventures.
- Engage with visitors from around the globe, answering questions and sharing the spirit of Alaska.

We’re searching for candidates who are:
- Passionate about history, education, or the outdoors
- Comfortable speaking to groups and engaging diverse audiences
- Friendly, adaptable, and team-oriented
- Ready for a fast-paced, rewarding summer season
- May be interested in working for Klondike long-term

Apply today on USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859729800

03/05/2026

If you've lived or worked near Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, Alaska and want to gain experience maintaining buildings, facilities, and equipment, apply to be a Seasonal Maintenance Worker at the park this summer!

Klondike Gold Rush NHP preserves and celebrates the legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush, including historic buildings, a campground and historic townsite, and the numerous facilities necessary to welcome more than a million visitors each summer. It takes a lot of effort and expertise to keep everything in good shape! The park is hiring workers to assist with tasks such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, operating vehicles and equipment, and maintaining campground sites, restrooms, and other visitor facilities throughout the park.

Learn more about the position's duties and requirements and apply via USA Jobs: https://ow.ly/mvUY50YppWQ

Applications are due by Friday, 06 March.

02/21/2026

Are you planning on hiking the Chilkoot National Historic Trail this summer?

This legendary route once echoed with the footsteps of thousands of stampeders during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it remains one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in the National Park Service.

While the international border crossing remains closed at this time, visitors departing from Klondike Gold Rush NHP are welcome to explore the historic trail on the U.S. side.

How to Hike the Chilkoot:
• Learn about the trail! Read up on the campgrounds, history, wildlife, weather, and known challenges. We'd recommend starting at www.nps.gov/klgo 😉
• Watch for reservations to go live on Recreation.gov (likely early April) to pick and reserve your campgrounds.
• Stop by the Trail Center before you hike for a mandatory safety briefing and update on current trail conditions.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and have the adventure of a lifetime!

01/31/2026

👀 It's a bird?! It's a plane?! No, no! It's Klondike Gold Rush completing safety inspections! (Which is just as exciting - right?)

Heads up, Skagway!
From February 2–6, 2026 (weather permitting), Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park will be flying drones around some National Park Service buildings in the historic district.

Why the drones?
They’re helping with seismic studies and roof/chimney inspections—a safer way to get the job done without putting staff or contractors at risk.

What to expect:
• Flights during daylight hours only
• Drones flying no higher than ~150 feet
• Aerial images will be focused on NPS buildings only
Thanks for your patience while this important work takes place—and feel free to share the word!

10/01/2025

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

09/12/2025

Please join us in welcoming Law Enforcement Ranger Matt to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park! Originally from Montana, Matt has just joined our year-round team and he's already making a big impact.
Matt is excited to live and work in such an incredible and historic place, surrounded by the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska and the rich stories of the Klondike Gold Rush era.
As a Law Enforcement Ranger, his job is to help keep visitors safe, protect park resources, and ensure that everyone has a respectful and enjoyable experience. His jurisdiction includes all areas of Klondike Gold Rush NHP, from the historic buildings to the Dyea area, the Chilkoot National Historic Trail, and the surrounding backcountry areas.
If you see Ranger Matt out on patrol or on the trail, be sure to say hello! He's always happy to answer questions, share safety tips, or chat about the park's unique history.
Welcome, Ranger Matt! 👏