News Release

Dyea Townsite Trail Closure Due to Riverbank Erosion

NPS

News Release Date: August 8, 2019

Contact: Jordan Neumann, 907-983-9225

Skagway – Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has closed the northeast portion of the Dyea Townsite trail due to severe erosion caused by the Taiya River. 

Trails throughout the Dyea Townsite mimic the historic street grid laid out during the Klondike Gold Rush. However, the Taiya River has shifted and has in recent years started to erode the riverbank north of the townsite at a rapid pace. According to park Superintendent Jason Taylor, “The Taiya River is largely fed by glacial runoff. This also means that the river banks are mostly comprised of glacial silt. When the river shifts, perhaps caused by a fallen tree or a rock slide up stream, the force of the flowing river is redirected. This can quickly eat away at the river bank. Although rare, park natural resource managers have recorded losses of up to 10 feet of river bank in a single day.” 

While the Taiya River has forced closure of this section of the trail, all other Dyea Townsite trails remain open for the public to enjoy.