See this page, south end of the Cassiar Highway, for pictures south of Kinaskan Lake.
North of Kinaskan Lake the paint lines abruptly disappear.
Driving southbound near Kinaskan Lake, approaching the beginning of
the paint lines - September 2009
The Cassiar Highway continues northward as an asphalt 2-lane highway, with minimal shoulders.
Travelling southbound on the Cassiar Highway approaching Kinaskan
Lake - September 2009
In some spots the asphalt is rough. Some folks express concern regarding the roughness and narrowness of the north end of the Cassiar. It is not uncommon to hear tall tales of the horror of the highway. However, we think it is fine. It has not torn apart the fifth wheel, the truck has not disappeared into a pot hole, and we have yet to be pushed off the highway by a semi truck.
We meander along this route at an easy pace. When a vehicle comes up behind us, we pull over and let it by on the first straight stretch. If someone is approaching, we slow down and ease to the side of the highway as we pass. Some motorhomes go barrelling on by, rocking and rolling as they go. I wonder if these are the same people that express concern about the road conditions?
This picture accurately reflects the road width and conditions ...
Northbound on the
Cassiar Highway north of Kinaskan Lake - August 2009
View of glacier on the west side of Eddontenajon Lake - September
2009
There are sections of recent construction that remain as gravel. And there is some new construction underway. Slow down! 20 mph slow. Enjoy the scenery instead of the speed you're travelling.
The descent to the Stikine River crossing is gravel (mud when it is
raining) - August 2009
Seeing wildlife often requires a roaming eye. Movement in a marsh area caught my eye while I was gazing out the passenger window. The reward was some nice pictures of this cow moose, even though she was far away.
Cow moose south of Dease Lake, in a
marshy area on the east side of the highway - June 2008
The community of Dease Lake is a good spot for replenishing fuel and the pantry. The grocery store and gas station are combined so it is an easy stop. If the timing is right we sometimes purchase a hot lunch at the deli to enjoy in the fifth wheel. The parking area is HUGE, so no issues snacking while parked in their gravel lot.
The Cassiar Highway north of Dease Lake was gravel for numerous kilometres until the fall of September 2009. It is now paved. It was a relief to know the days of mud and slime on the truck are over!
Dease River Crossing, a commercial campground on the Cassiar Highway
- August 2009
We really enjoy the drive through this area. It is scenic and wildlife can be abundant. Usually there is a moose or two to be seen in the lakes. Also numerous spots to pull of the road to enjoy lunch.
Approaching Good Hope Lake on the Cassiar Highway northbound -
August 2009
Mountain goats have graced the scenery near Good Hope too. Had a herd of about 20 on the road one trip. That instance required inching along through them as they weren't about to move away. Not quite as intimidating as shuffling through the herds of bison near Liard Hot Springs though.
We love staying at the campground at Boya Lake Provincial Park and have stayed during three different seasons. The lake is unique and always lovely, regardless of season or weather.
Boya Lake on a September morning - September 2007
In 2009 we explored the lake with kayaks. It much larger than it appears from the campground with numerous islands, some occupied by a variety of wildlife. I had the GPS with us so no chance of getting lost; however, another couple were thoroughly lost in a rented canoe and asked us for directions back to the campground!
The white lake bottom reflects the light through the crystal clear waters and it is easy to see fish swimming along, although they generally are not too interested in fishing lines.
Boya Lake Provincial Park and campground, along the
lakeshore near a campsite - June 2008
Visit my page dedicated to this special park.
Back on the Cassiar Highway and headed north, the highway was rough in 2008 for about 20 miles south of the Yukon/B.C. border. In 2009 the rough section was under construction.
It is narrow and there are rough spots. Take your time. Enjoy the sights.
If you are northbound, the busy Alaska Highway is too near. The solitude and silence of the Cassiar will soon be left behind.
North of Boya Lake, northbound on the Cassiar Highway at km 665 -
August 2009
Leaving BC on the Cassiar Highway northbound at km 720 - August 2009
The border between Yukon and British Columbia, looking
south toward B.C. - July 2008
Note the change in road surface ... the painted centreline disappears going into B.C.
Yukon sign at the border between British
Columbia and Yukon, looking north - July 2008
The Alaska Highway is a very short drive from the border, just over 3 km.
Sign at the north end of the Cassiar Highway - August 2009
At the junction, in 2008 the RV park and restaurant were closed and the gas station was looking a little sad. In 2009, things looked better with the RV park again being open and the restaurant operating. Not looking too snazzy, but open. Might be closed again in 2010. That is the nature of the north ...
Now on to the Alaska Highway, northbound to Whitehorse.