The South Canol meanders 220 km (143 miles) from Johnsons Crossing (Alaska Hwy) to Ross River (Campbell Hwy). There are no services along the road. There is one semi-maintained territorial campground and several unmaintained recreation sites.
For additional information about the South Canol Road (external links):
After a quiet night at Squanga Lake Yukon gov't campground (km 1316 on the Alaska Hwy), we backtracked the 20 km to Johnsons Crossing (km 1296), where we filled the truck with diesel. There is also a commercial campground at Johnsons Crossing.
While paying for the diesel, I enquired about conditions on the South Canol. Turns out a fellow buying coffee was responsible for road maintenance in the area; he told us there was some freshly graded areas, some recent repair of washouts, and was in reasonable condition. He checked out the window to see what we were driving and said he thought we would be all right.
So with cautious excitement, we ventured north on the South Canol Road ...
Northbound from the south end of the South Canol Road
The road was good gravel and varied from 2- to 1-lane. Initially the scenery was not overly spectacular; however, the fall colours added emphasis to the sights.
Meadow and creek along South Canol Road
Northbound on the South Canol Road between the Alaska Highway and
Evelyn Creek
Some of the vistas were very nice. The landscape was quiet and expansive.
View from top of hill on South Canol Road, northbound
The bridges were single-lane with wood decks. Generally the wood decks were in good condition.
Evelyn Creek at km 43
The road was in better condition than we anticipated. The miles were rolling by too quickly even though we weren't in a hurry to get anywhere.
There are few signs along the road. However, there were ample
places to pull over.
The spot below made for a great lunch
break.
Lunch stop at km 50, high above the Nisutlin River
Quiet Lake Yukon Government campground (km 76) was VERY quiet. The campground is maintained; however, the sites were not well-used. The sites also did not have a view of the lake.
We decided to camp at the boat launch, since it seemed there was not a lot of demand for the launching area. We were right. During our two day stay, no one arrived who wanted to launch a boat.
Quiet Lake boat launch and impromptu campsite
Steve decided he needed a bath. Because we weren't sure how long it would be before the fresh water tank could be refilled, he took advantage of the water out our back door.
Jake watching Steve take a bath in Quiet Lake
The campground likely gets more use in winter than in summer. The picnic shelter had an interesting sign posted on its side.
Sign on the picnic shelter at Quiet Lake campground