We had planned to stay the day in Dawson City. However, our whirlwind tour yesterday was disappointing and had us wondering if we really wanted to spend another day. When we last visited Dawson City, it was a beehive of activity with much hustle and bustle. The heritage sites were all staffed and there was much to learn. Not so this year.
And so, the decision was made to head south for some "backroads". It was a decent day as we headed south from Dawson City to the turnoff to Tatchun Lake.
The Frenchman Tatchun Road meanders east from the Klondike Highway to the Campbell Highway along the Tatchun Hills. There are three Yukon Gov't campgrounds at lakes along this road and we had it in mind to visit each of them.
Looking west from the Klondike Highway between Dawson City and Stewart Crossing
Evidence of forest fire to the west, southbound on the Klondike Highway
Yukon River alongside Klondike Highway, north of Carmacks
The sign marking the road to Tatchun Lake is easy to miss. The Tatchun Lake campground should not be confused with the Tatchun Creek campground, which is alongside the Klondike Highway, and very near the Five Finger Rapids rest area.
Sign on the east side of the Klondike Highway marking the entrance to Frenchman
Tatchun Road
The 8.4 km to Tatchun Lake was good gravel and easy driving. The campsites were roomy with easy backing.
Campsite at Tatchun Lake Yukon Gov't campground
Tatchun Lake was typical of many Yukon lakes ... marshy around the edges and surrounded by much greenery. There was also a boat launch and a dock.
Tatchun Lake
There was also a great spot to launch the canoe so Steve headed out for an evening paddle and some fishing.
While Steve was out fishing, I took pictures of the wildlife near our campsite.
Whisky Jack at Tatchun Lake
Squirrel at Tatchun Lake
Another fuzzy furry at Tatchun Lake
Apparently there were no fish in Tatchun Lake, not one ... or so the story went, anyway.
Steve on Tatchun Lake in the indestructible Coleman canoe
The campground was about half full, even though this it was a long weekend (Canada Day!). Only a few of the licence plates were locals though. It was a quiet night, with no campfire. Too many mosquitoes were enjoying snacking on us!