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At Haines Junction, along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon, travelers can continue on the Alaska Highway or head south on the Haines Road to Haines, Alaska. Kathleen Lake in Kluane National Park is a popular destination. The Haines Road is beautiful, but often overcast and windy. Even so, the photo opportunities are plentiful! |
Monument acknowledging the significance of Kluane National Park - September 2009
Kathleen Lake is 26 km (16 miles) south of Haines Junction and is within Kluane National Park.
View of Kathleen Lake from a viewpoint on the Haines Road -
September 2009
Standing on the east shore of Kathleen Lake looking north - June 2008
Looking towards the northwest shore of Kathleen Lake - June 2008
There are numerous hiking trails in the area. This is the start of the Cottonwood Trail, which can take numerous days to complete.
Start of the Cottonwood Trail - June 2008
Trail users see this warning as they head out
The national park campground is similar to the Yukon government campgrounds in that there are no services. However, the overnight fee was more costly and there has an additional fee of $8.00 per night for firewood. Fortunately, we still had some firewood from home. The campground was not near the lake either, although the sites were private and scenic.
Campsite at Kathleen Lake Campground
Southbound on the Haines Road
Twenty-four kilometres (14 miles) south of Kathleen Lake is the Dezadeash Lake Yukon Gov't campground. Many of the campsites are along the lake edge.
View from lakeshore by our campsite at Dezadeash Lake
Campsite at Dezadeash Lake
Dezadeash Lake Yukon Government campground
Continuing south, the St Elias mountains provide wonderful views.
Southbound on the Haines Road, north of Million Dollar Falls -
September 2009
Southbound on the Haines Road just
north of Million Dollar Falls Yukon Gov't campground
The campground at Million Dollar Falls was closed in June 2008 due to grizzly bear activity. This was very disappointing. However, just north of the campground entrance, there was a side road that led to a riverside spot that would make a great boondock spot.
Good boondock spot near Million Dollar Falls Yukon Gov't
campground
Pictures of the Alaska portion of this road, and of Haines, will be added sometime in the future, after we have again made the trip.