KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH Hikers on the Chilkoot Trail: A Descriptive Report

The following are answers written by hikers in response to the question:

"Why did you hike the Chilkoot Trail?". In parentheses following each quote, we indicate how the quote was coded based on the answer categories listed in Table 14.

"Wanted a good family hike with some Alaska and Yukon historical interest as a main part of a six-week vacation trip to Alaska and the Yukon." (Hiking, history, social)

"To get away from the mobs of tourists (I didn't)." (Hiking)

"Challenge and scenery, try to understand the hardships of the gold rushers." (Hiking, history)

"Historical interest. At the end of my summer vacation wanted a logistically sound backpack." (Hiking, history, convenience of the Trail)

"Having read Berton's book, I became tremendously interested in the possibility of following this part of the saga." (History)

"After viewing some of the old photos taken in winter, I wanted to see exactly where the 'golden steps' had been cut into the ice at the Pass. Wanted to see if I was tough enough to endure as they endured (even though I hiked it in summer). Finally, it is not the type of thing everyone does upon reaching Skagway." (Hiking, history)

"I like history and out of the way places. I live in an old gold town, Rossland, and worked in a smelter for 37 years." (Hiking, history)

"Most hikers from this area either have hiked the Trail or plan to—it's a very popular summer 'thing to do"." (Hiking)

"I wanted to sit on top of the Chilkoot Pass, look down and imagine the line of men coming up. Also, I was interested in seeing the ruins left behind. The 37 miles to Bennett and not knowing whether I could get on the train or not were a challenge." (Hiking, history)

"These people I met on the ferry told me about it and when I expressed an interest, they invited me along." (Encouraged by a friend or relative)

"We had time after arriving in Skagway and could save money on the train." (Convenience of the Trail, transportation trail)

"My husband wanted to hike it. He heard about it when in Alaska two years ago and this sparked his interest. So I went along." (Social responsibility)

"Childhood friend participated in the Gold Rush." (Encouraged by a friend or relative)

"Because it was one of the few trails of any length we had come to up the Inside Passage of Alaska." (Hiking)

"After I heard of the Chilkoot Trail and its accessibility, I chose it over another trail I had in mind, partly because of its historical significance but mainly because of the challenge I was seeking." (Hiking, history, convenience of the Trail)

"To see what those greedy fools were up to." (History)

"For the experience and to find out what these people had to go through and since my son is 17 years old this will possibly be the last time with me till after he is married." (Hiking, history, social)

"To experience a little of what the 98'ers endured and to share a hiking challenge with friends." (Hiking, history, social)

"Wished to do some backpacking in Southeast Alaska. Originally planned on doing most of our backpacking in Glacier Bay. Subsequently changed plans and decided to hike the Chilkoot Trail." (Hiking)

"It was the longest trail in SE Alaska we could find. Our group likes to go on extensive hikes." (Hiking)

"To get to Canada, to be in the bush and mountains." (Hiking, transportation trail)

"On my way to Anchorage—and I like to hike—the Trail was on route—so why not?" (Hiking, convenience of the Trail)

"To lead a group of seven teenagers over as a part of a recreational program." (Job responsibility)

"Living here seven years we felt that in order to be true Yukoners hiking the Chilkoot was a must before moving away. The Gold Rush is important here." (Live in the area)

"My mom and dad insisted that I go." (Social responsibility)

"For the beautiful scenery. For the good exercise. Because I thought my son would enjoy it (he did!)." (Hiking, social)

"Because it was part of a planned itinerary." (Part of the travel itinerary).

"It's a good trail and I knew the country would be beautiful. It hasn't been spoiled yet." (Hiking)

"To get a taste of wilderness trails of the area and to see gold rush remnants of which I saw very few relative to my expectations." (Hiking, history)

"We had heard that the trail had some fine vistas. Also the trail provided a form of transportation from Bennett to Skagway." (Hiking, transportation trail)

"Because my husband wanted to do it." (Social responsibility)

"I wanted an interesting backpacking experience on an established trail as I'm a novice in backpacking." (Hiking)

"It was intriguing. Our first long summer hike; the fascinating history (we read all we could get our hands on once we decided to go); getting away from the road, being on our own resources more; the physical work—it was all exciting. " (Hiking, history)

"We wanted to get off in the sticks—it sounded like the right amount of time (four days or so) to get back in touch with the woods and mountains." (Hiking)

"I had read the historical accounts and heard from friends and family that it was a lot of fun. Also, wanted to see some sunshine (which we did!)." (Hiking, history, encouraged by a friend or relative)

"Because I've never done a long trail before and thought that the experience would be worthwhile and because it is the original trail with an interesting history and artifacts and because the summit made it a challenge." (Hiking, history)

"To study alpine flora and fauna. Also to snow walk." (Hiking)

"Mainly because of reports I've heard regarding its scenery and hiking challenge. Also this visit serves as a reconnaissance for future mountaineering possibilities." (Hiking)

"Because brother-in-law and husband wanted to. However, glad I went along." (Social responsibility)

"After spending the summer following the stampeders routes on the rivers (Yukon, Pelly, Teslin) I decided I should do the rest of the route. Had heard it was a beautiful hike." (Hiking, history)

"It was a part of the very exciting Gold Rush period that can be partially relived by following the trail." (History)

"Just to have a look at the nature in the surrounding area." (Hiking)

"I wanted to do a hiking trip in the "North" and the Chilkoot seemed to have a lot of information written on it; it was well marked; a nice length; transportation to and from trail is easier than some (you don't need a car) Also the sentimental and historical aspects were interesting." (Hiking, history, convenience of the Trail)

"For the scenery and wilderness experience." (Hiking)