Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park- Skagway, Alaska

09/02/2026

On September 2, 1945, World War II officially came to an end when Japan signed the surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The day became known as Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day.

The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., features 24 bronze bas-relief panels illustrating the war effort, including scenes capturing the celebrations of V-J Day. The final panel depicts jubilant crowds celebrating the end of the war, including a scene reminiscent of the iconic gatherings in New York’s Times Square following President Harry S Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender.

NPS Photo

09/02/2026

Yeah, yeah. It’s still early. But leaf-changing season will be here before you know it. Are you wearing a carved pumpkin on your head yet? Is that pumpkin spice? No? Give it time.

While we’re here, autumn is a great time to visit national parks. From September through December, depending on the climate and conditions, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands can put on spectacular displays of color.

Before you venture out, check the park’s website for current conditions, weather, road and trail information, closures, rules, and other trip-planning advice. Because the leaves may be changing, but the need to plan ahead remains evergreen.

09/01/2026

“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" - Ms. Frizzle

Seat belts, everyone! School is back in session for many. As we always say, national parks are America’s biggest classrooms. Take your students beyond your classroom with lesson plans, in-park and virtual learning experiences, and teacher training designed to spark a little curiosity, discovery, and adventure.

P.S. While on a park field trip, your bus won’t literally be shrinking, going into space, or taking a detour through a grizzly bear’s digestive system. Which is probably for the best. We imagine the permission slip for that sort of excursion would be several pages long, with boxes for “Yes,” “No,” and “I understand the bear may eat the bus.”

The good news is your class can still dive deep into those topics, and plenty more, at a national park. The bus can remain reassuringly bus-sized and, most importantly, uneaten.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Photo

08/31/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: An Introduction

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we embrace the story of America from our founding to today. National parks help preserve many chapters of that story, including one of the most defining events of the 20th century: World War II. Sixteen million Americans served under arms, more than 400,000 were killed, and countless millions more supported the war effort at home. The war touched every part of American society, and little was left unchanged—including national parks.

For the next 16 weeks, leading up to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will take you across the country to explore America's experience in World War II through the lens of national parks. These sites preserve different parts of America's wartime story, including both triumphs and tragedies. This list of parks is by no means exclusive, nor are the stories that will be shared. They represent just a fraction of the war's impact on our parks and the nation, with many of those impacts still felt today.

To follow the series, use . Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a new park will share its story and point you to the next stop in the journey.

The series begins here at .

Image Caption: WWII enlisted visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Credit: NPS/Emily Welch

08/31/2026

Search and recovery efforts continue following the flooding in Grand Canyon National Park. One body has been recovered and recovery operations for a second body are currently underway. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed. Forecasted weather may affect the timing and pace of operations.

Visitors are asked to remain out of the closure area while search and recovery operations continue. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed until further notice.

For current conditions and updates, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch

📞 NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

Full news release: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm

08/30/2026

Calling all explorers, curious minds, budding historians, wildlife watchers, and future park protectors!

Today is National Junior Ranger Day, a chance for kids of all ages to learn, explore, and discover the stories, science, history, and wildlife that make national parks special.

Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete the activities, talk with a ranger, ask questions, and earn your badge. You might even discover something you didn’t expect. That’s part of the adventure.

Because caring for special places starts with understanding why they matter. We’ll see you out there!

08/29/2026

National Park Week rolls on…

Jessica Bowron, NPS Comptroller Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, joined National Capital Parks East staff and community members to celebrate National Park Week and experience some of the many ways visitors connect with these parks.

At Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, she toured the home of statesman and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations. She also stopped by Anacostia Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Late Skate at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion—NPS’s only roller-skating rink—and enjoy a longtime community tradition that brings people together through music, movement and outdoor fun.

From preserving and sharing stories of American history to maintaining places where communities can gather, recreate and enjoy the outdoors, dedicated employees at National Capital Parks East and across the National Park Service make these experiences possible. They work on the front lines and behind the scenes to care for our parks, protect their stories and ensure these special places remain welcoming and accessible to all.


NPS Photos/Lubanovich

07/30/2026

It's Junior Ranger Day at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park!

Visitors of all ages are welcome to join in the festivities at the Moore House between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. today, including: a performance by the Chilkat Dancers of Klukwan and Haines at 11 a.m.; music and magic with Andrew Nadon at 12:00 p.m.; a swearing-in ceremony for all Junior Rangers present at 1:45 p.m.; a meet-and-greet with live raptors from the American Bald Eagle Foundation; ice cream making with Friends of the Klondike Corridor; an obstacle course designed by the Skagway Fire Department; and several more family-friendly activities hosted by park rangers and community organizations.

Can't make it to Skagway midday? Come to the Junior Ranger Activity Center in the historic Pantheon building between 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. to complete your booklet and earn your badge!

A full event schedule is available at the Visitor Center. All events are free and open to the public.

07/24/2026

Come celebrate Junior Ranger Day at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park next Thursday, July 30!

The day will feature performances by the Chilkat Dancers of Klukwan and Haines, live raptors with the American Bald Eagle Foundation, family friendly activities guided by park staff and community organizations, a live musical performance, an appearance by Nuggets the Bear, and a group Junior Ranger swearing-in ceremony.

Junior Rangers of all ages are also welcome to visit the Junior Ranger Activity Center in the historic Pantheon building at Broadway and Fourth Avenue.

A detailed schedule will be available at the park visitor center Thursday, July 30. All events are free and open to the public.

06/30/2026

Happy 50th anniversary, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park!

On June 30, 1976, Congress established the park to preserve historic structures and trails associated with the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 for the benefit and inspiration of the people of the United States. In 1998, the park was designated and included as part of Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park, acknowledging the significance of the gold rush to both Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory. In 2022, part of the park was designated the Chilkoot National Historic Trail to commemorate a traditional Tlingit trade route followed by stampeders during the gold rush. Now, more than a million people visit Skagway and the park each year.

Help celebrate the occasion! Come to the Moore House lawn between 1 - 3 p.m. to play games and eat birthday cake (while supplies last) 🎂 Listen to festive live music at the Mascot Saloon from 6 - 7:30 p.m. 🎵

Check at the Visitor Center for a list of additional special presentations, activities, and tours throughout the day. All events are free and open to the public.

06/25/2026

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is celebrating our 50th anniversary, or "Golden Jubilee" next Tuesday, June 30th!

To celebrate the milestone, join us for special presentations, activities, tours, and games throughout the day, including birthday cake on the Moore House lawn from 1 - 3 p.m. 🎂 (while supplies last) and festive live music at the Mascot Saloon from 6 - 7:30 p.m. 🎵

Look for a detailed schedule at the park Visitor Center. All events are free and open to the public.

05/15/2026

Did you know that Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is home to both brown bears (Ursa arctos) and American black bears (Ursa americanus)?

Spring and summer are periods of increased bear activity. If you’re planning to stay in the Dyea Campground, visit the historic Dyea townsite, and/or hike the Chilkoot National Historic Trail, please be especially bear aware!

Core tenets of bear safety:
• Never approach a bear.
• Stay alert. Do not wear headphones or earbuds.
• Hike in groups and stay together.
• Make noise near streams, dense vegetation, and blind corners.
• Store food, trash, and scented items properly. Do not leave backpacks unattended.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Never run from a bear.

If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak in a steady voice, back away slowly, and do not make sudden movements. Report bear encounters to park staff as soon as it is safe to do so.

To learn more, stop by the Trail Center in Skagway or refer to the park’s resources on Bear Safety https://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm

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.