Dyea
Gateway to the Chilkoot
State: Alaska
County: Skagway Borough
Founded: 1897
Abandoned: 1903
Peak Population: 8,000
Dyea was the starting point for the Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike. At its peak, 8,000 people lived here awaiting their chance at gold. When the White Pass & Yukon Route chose Skagway over Dyea, the town was doomed. By 1903, almost everyone was gone.
Chilkoot Trailhead
Stampeders started their journey to the Klondike here. The famous photos of miners climbing the Chilkoot Pass show people who departed from Dyea.
Skagway Wins
When the railroad was built to Skagway instead, Dyea's role as gateway ended. The town simply evaporated.
Timeline
- 1897 - Gold Rush Thousands arrived
- 1898 - Peak 8,000 residents
- 1899 - Railroad WP&YR chose Skagway
- 1903 - Abandoned Last residents left
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 2 hours
Quick Facts
- Part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Cemetery and foundations remain
- Starting point for Chilkoot Trail hikes today
Location
Address: Dyea, Alaska (Klondike Gold Rush NHP)
Coordinates: 59.5094, -135.3592