Yukon Territory

Haines Highway, Yukon Territory & British Columbia

Haines Junction YT to Alaska Border

At Haines Junction travelers can continue north on the Alaska Hwy or head south on the Haines Hwy to Haines, Alaska.

Kathleen Lake in Kluane National Park is a popular destination.

The Haines Hwy is beautiful, but often overcast and windy.  Even so, the photo opportunities are plentiful!

September is a particularly lovely time of year, with golden red colours painting the hillsides!

We've driven the Canadian portion of the Haines Hwy in 2008, 2009, 2011 and in March 2013.  This is a favourite route for a day trip.

These pictures are in order from Haines Junction southward.  Some were taken northbound and some southbound, thus it can be a bit confusing. 

Looking north towards Haines Junction, Yukon
Northbound on the Haines Hwy, looking towards Haines Junction - September 2009

Monument for Kluane National Park on Haines Road in Yukon
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.

Kluane National Park, Yukon
Looking north on the Kluane Ranges from the rest area near Kathleen Lake, in Kluane National Park - September 2011

Kathleen Lake, Kluane National Park
View of Kathleen Lake from a viewpoint on the Haines Hwy - June 2008

Kathleen Lake, Yukon
Standing on the east shore of Kathleen Lake looking north - June 2008

Kathleen Lake, Kluane National Park
Similar view as above image, looking north on Kathleen Lake - September 2011

Kathleen Lake, Kluane National Park, Yukon
Looking towards the westside of Kathleen Lake from the parking day-use area - September 2011

There are numerous hiking trails in the area.  This is the start of the Cottonwood Trail, which can take numerous days to complete.

Cottonwood Trail, Kathleen Lake
Start of the Cottonwood Trail in Kluane National Park - June 2008

Warning sign at Kathleen Lake
Trail users see this warning as they head out - June 2008

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.

Kathleen Lake campsite, Kluane National Park, Yukon
Campsite at Kathleen Lake Campground - June 2008

Haines Road, Yukon
Southbound on the Haines Hwy - September 2011

There's a designated hiking trail up Rock Glacier alongside Dezadeash Lake. 
Easy parking at the trailhead for RVs and great views from above!

Rock Glacier Trail view
View of Dezadeash Lake from the Rock Glacier Trail - July 2012

The trail is good walking, more difficult descending though because the rocks slip under your feet!

Rock Glacier Trail

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.

Dezadeash Lake, Yukon
Southbound beside Dezadeash Lake, before the Yukon Gov't Campground - September 2011

Haines Hwy near Dezadeash Lake
Same view over Dezadeash Lake in March 2013

Dezadeash Lake, Yukon on Haines Road
View from lakeshore by our campsite at Dezadeash Lake - June 2008

Dezadeash Lake on Haines Road in Yukon
Dezadeash Lake Yukon Government campground - June 2008

Dezadeash Lake seen from Haines Road, Yukon
View of Dezadeash Lake northbound on the Haines Hwy - September 2009

Continuing south, the mountains provide wonderful views near Klukshu.

Haines Road, Yukon
Southbound on the Haines Hwy near the village of Klukshu - September 2011

Haines Highway near Klukshu
This shot taken near the same location as the image above, near Klukshu - March 2013

Klukshu village
Klukshu Village - September 2009

Haines Road, Yukon
Southbound on the Haines Hwy 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. 

Boondocking near Million Dollar Falls, Yukon on the Haines Road
Good boondock spot near Million Dollar Falls Yukon Gov't campground - June 2008

In 2009, we camped overnight at Million Dollar Falls.

Million Dollar Falls campground
Campground sign at Million Dollar Falls - September 2009

Million Dollar Falls Campground in Yukon on Haines Road
Million Dollar Falls Campground - September 2009

Million Dollar Falls campground on Haines Road in Yukon
Million Dollar Falls viewed from trail near the campground - September 2009

Haines Road, British Columbia
Looking west into the Tatshenshini Park from the Haines Hwy - September 2011

Tatshenshin-Alsek viewpoint
Snowed in viewpoint overlooking the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park - March 2013

winter at Haines Summit
Haines Highway Summit in winter - March 2013

Pictures of the Alaska portion of this road, and of Haines, will be added sometime in the future, after we have completed the drive all the way to the end!