Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

Million Dollar Falls to Pine Lake, Haines Junction Yukon

4 September 2009

South of the campground there is a hiking trail around the oddest little lake, called a "thermokarst lake". These lakes are also known as "cave-in" or "thaw" lakes, which are formed by thawing permafrost. Very steep banks!

Thermokarst lake at Million Dollar Falls in Yukon
Thermokarst lake at Million Dollar Falls campground

After the dog hike we hit the road. The clouds were hovering near the mountaintops as we pulled out of the Million Dollar Falls campground. 

Million Dollar Falls on the Haines Rd, Yukon
View leaving Million Dollar Falls campground, on the Haines Road

Haines Road, Yukon Territory
Southbound on the Haines Road

We have always driven by Klukshu Village, a First Nations fishing village. This year we had planned a very short day of driving so took the time to pull in and take a look. I'm glad we did!

Klukshu Village on the Haines Road, Yukon Territory
Cabin with impressive moose rack in Klukshu Village

Klukshu Village on the Haines Road, Yukon Territory
More cabins in Klukshu Village, looking westward

Back on the Haines Road, the view northward to Dezadeash Lake was beautiful!

Approaching Dezadeash Lake on the Haines Road, Yukon Territory
Dezadeash Lake seen from Haines Road, northbound

It was nearing lunch time so we pulled into the Dezadeash Lake Yukon gov't campground.
We overnighted at this campground last year and debated staying again this year.

Dezadeash Lake gov't campground, Yukon
View westward from a campsite at the Dezadeash Lake Yukon gov't campground

Last year there was a good wind that kept the bugs away. This year the lake was much calmer!

Dezadeash Lake, Yukon Territory
Dezadeash Lake in Yukon

Too many bugs this year! So, on the road again heading towards Haines Junction and the Pine Lake Yukon gov't campground on the Alaska Highway.

Haines Road, Yukon Territory
Northbound on the Haines Road, approaching Haines Junction (on the right side)

Last year the Pine Lake campground was very wet when we visited so we didn't stay. This year, the weather was better.

Sign at Pine Lake Yukon Gov't campground at Haines Junction
Sign marking the entrance to Pine Lake Yukon gov't campground a few miles south of Haines Junction

Campsite at Pine Lake Yukon Gov't campground near Haines Junction
The campsite was typical for Yukon campgrounds

Haines Junction is close to the campground. Since it was late afternoon we thought we'd go out for supper while in town and enjoyed it.

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