The first step in getting filthy rich on the Klondike in 1898? Getting to the Klondike in 1898. The “All American Route” came through the North Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska to Valdez, Alaska and then over the Valdez Glacier. Good luck with that.
But let’s say you survived all with your determination to get to the Klondike intact. You’ve crossed the summit of the glacier. Now what?
You’re not climbing any more, so you can increase the weight on your sled to 800 pounds and that means you go faster. Past the summit you move on to the shore of Klutina Lake, 150 miles out of Valdez. You stop there, maybe join forces with fellow travelers, and build a boat.
You launch and start down the Klutina River. A whole lot easier than walking. But the Klutina has rapids, a couple or relatively easy ones then tougher ones. Hazelet described the next miles. “This river…is strewn with wrecks of all kinds. Goods can be seen every few rods along the river put out to dry, broken boats are piled up every little distance and all seems one grand wreck.”
You’re lucky. You make it to Copper River, turn up the Copper toward its headwaters. But the Copper River proves as hazardous as the Klutina. Hazelet again. “Came to a high bank of 150 feet… We could see the rocks and gravel start from the top and roll down… The stones that were falling were from the size of one’s fist to that of a half bushel… We pulled for our lives… Suddenly without any warning the current caught her and shot out into the river like a bucking bronco.”
You’re still lucky. You make it. And you keep making it. Into and through interior mountain ranges as rugged and much taller than the coastal ranges, along and across more rivers whose names run together in your weary brain.
You cross the border into Canada, make your way to Forty-mile on the Yukon River and float down to Dawson City. And, finally, you get filthy rich.
Or not.
Hazelet found gold, but out of 4,000 to 5,000 prospectors who crossed the Valdez Glacier in 1898 he was one of the very few who succeeded.
More on the Klondike Gold Rush
Why not fly in ?
Doesn’t that sound more logical..
I have always been fascinated by the things ive read about the klondike, and gold rushing. Mostly ficticious books yet it still stirs me. Thank you for writing the truth.
Heath,there are so many things about the Far North that fascinate me. It’s nice to find a “fellow traveller”. Thanks for your kind words.