Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

South Klondike Highway, Yukon & Alaska

10 September 2011 - Saturday

An errand to pick up a package in Skagway AK had us on the road on a sunny Saturday.  We hadn't been to Skagway since 1993 during our first trip north, so we were looking forward to the drive!

Perfect weather greeted us as we drove south through Carcross.

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Looking west while crossing the bridge southbound

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Bove Island in Tagish Lake, from the viewpoint on the highway -- N60 09.118 W134 39.585

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Near the south end of Tagish Lake, approaching the B.C. border

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Southbound along Tutshi Lake

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Southbound alongside Summit Lake on the left

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Crossing into Alaska, high in the clouds!  The GPS says the elevation is 3280 feet (1,000 metres).

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Continuing southward, looking back along a valley bottom

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
A "run away lane" for those with brake problems descending Porcupine Hill

South Klondike Highway in Yukon and Alaska
Even though we'd been in Alaska for a while, we now arrive at the customs house

Skagway, Alaska
Looking northward towards downtown Skagway from near the harbour

A quick trip to the historical cemetery where Soapy Smith is buried.  I was intrigued by some of the other headstones though ...

Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

After collecting our package, we still had some time before needing to head home.  So drove out to Dyea, near the start of the Chilkoot Trail.

This road was very narrow in places, with some blind corners.  I was glad we were not towing the fifth wheel!

Skagway, Alaska
After leaving Dyea, heading southeast towards Skagway -- N59 28.980 W135 20.757

Skagway, Alaska
Overlooking Skagway and the harbour & marine terminal -- N59 27.775 W135 19.216

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Looking east towards the Sawtooth Range

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Pitchfork Falls, descending from Goat Lake  

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Trailbed of the White Pass is visible in the distance above the Glacier Gorge

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
The landscape is harsh through this area, just 12 km south of the Canada Customs building

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Driving north alongside Summit Lake

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Black bear busy snacking & preparing for winter near Summit Lake

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
This bear had an injury to its mouth ... its tongue dangled out the left side of its mouth

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Approaching Bernard Lake the views to the east are wondrous

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Looking northward on the Klondike Highway, approaching Bernard Lake

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
There were a series of lakes through this area ... this may be Shallow Lake, or it may be Maud Lake

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
This is Tagish Lake, near the Yukon & B.C. border

South Klondike Highway, Yukon and Alaska
Back in Yukon by Tagish Lake! 

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