Hiking With Ghosts: The Chilkoot Trail, Then and Now

by Frances Backhouse, Adrian Dorst (Photographer)

One century ago, the lure of Klondike gold led thousands of fortune seekers over the majestic Chilkoot Pass, which rose a thousand meters from dockside in Alaska, to artic meadows on the shores of Lake Bennett in the Yukon. In this Raincoast Journeys book, experienced travel writer Frances Backhouse and acclaimed nature photographer Adrian Dorst team up to hike the arduous yet inspiring 50-kilometer trail, now a popular destination for ambitious ecotourists. Together they depict the route in all its beauty and reflect on its storied past.

129 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Frances Backhouse is a veteran freelance journalist who has written for Audubon, New Scientist, Canadian Geographic and numerous other magazines. Her training and experience as a biologist inform her environmental writing, including her books about owls and woodpeckers. Her other three books reflect her ongoing fascination with Klondike gold rush history.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically detailed account of the Chilkoot Trail. Follows the author on his modern day backpacking journey. Includes some history to illuminate the trail. Thank you!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am hiking the trail in one month and liked the descriptions and history. I am, however most concerned about climbing the Golden Stairs and wished there had been more specifics on this and its level of difficulty.

[Ms. Littell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for my hike on the Chilkoot Trail. I liked her descriptions and the leisurely pace she had as that is what I will be doing. I wished there had been more description of the difficult portions of the hike as that is what worries me the most.

[Chris K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my thoughts on this book at: http://terracanadensis.ca/chilkoot-pa...