Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

Ross River to Simpson Lake - Campbell Highway, Yukon

10 September 2007

Our goal was to reach the Frances Lake government campground at km 171.5.
We had stayed at this campground in 1996 and wanted to see it again.

Frances Lake shoreline in the fall
Frances Lake shoreline alongside the campground, looking southeast

Frances Lake, Yukon
Frances Lake shoreline alongside the campground, looking northeast

We stayed in the same site we had in 1996. Lovely site overlooking the lake.

Frances Lake Yukon gov't campsite, Yukon
Campsite at Frances Lake

I picked cranberries while my husband was fishing. He caught a good fish that we enjoyed for dinner. Shortly after he got back the wind picked up significantly.

Canoeing on Frances Lake, Yukon
Steve returning from catching a fish for supper

11 September 2007

This morning the wind continued to howl. The sky was overcast too. So we decided we could drive  to Watson Lake, fill up with diesel, drive back to Simpson Lake campground and get an early start on the Nahanni Range Road the next day.

Watson Lake has a grocery shopping opportunity. I asked some locals about Nahanni Range Road and they indicated we would have no problems, even towing our fifth wheel. One said, "It's only them outsiders that cause problems up there." I took that as a compliment.

We left Watson Lake to go to Simpson Lake government campground (km 81). It was a small campground with lots of waterfront sites. The evening provided another fishing opportunity. We also noted a bit of bear sign in the area.

Simpson Lake campground, Yukon
View of Simpson Lake from our campsite

The lake stayed quiet in the evening with some subtle colours in the sky.

Simpson Lake, Yukon
Fishing on Simpson Lake

The campground stayed quiet for the night. Nice spot to stay!

Simpson Lake Yukon Gov't campground
Simpson Lake camping site

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