Whitehorse - Haines - Skagway Loop (Summer)
Whitehorse, YT
Start this Journey in the capital of the Yukon. Check out my free Whitehorse Guide for things to do before hitting the road.
Haines Junction, YT
Approximately 155km (96 miles) West along the Alaska Highway you will reach the small community of Haines Junction. Stop at the Village Bakery to fuel up on delicious and fresh food and drinks for the journey ahead. Check out the Da Kų Cultural Centre / Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre.
Kluane National Park and Reserve, YT
It's a National Park, it's beautiful! Many different adventures can be had in the park, day hikes, overnight backcountry camping, fishing, boating, etc. Kluane is just outside of Haines Junction and the driving distance with depend on your destination in the park. A few suggestions:
1. Auriol Trail is an easy beginner overnight hike, or day hike (15 km / 9.3 miles RT)
2. Dezadeash River trail is a flat walk along the river valley (6 km / 3.7 miles RT)
3. Rock Glacier is a easy hike with a bit of elevation gain, providing some beautiful views (2 km / 1.2 miles RT)
4. Kathleen Lake is a beautiful (tends to be windy) lake with a short boardwalk around the edge and the starting point to more difficult trails in the area. This is also home to the Kluane National Park campground (for a fee). More information below on camping.
Check out YukonHiking.ca for further information on these recommended hikes and more difficult hikes in the area.
Haines, AK
Approximately 238 km (147.6 miles) from Haines Junction. Depending on where you decide to visit in Kluane National Park this distance will change. You will want to top up on fuel in Haines Junction, there will be no services until Haines, AK. This is a beautiful drive, with many look outs and a few hikes along the way.
Along the way, Make a stop at the Million Dollar Falls Campground (details on camping below) to stretch your legs. Located at Km 159 of the Haines Highway, it has a short boardwalk that overlooks a fast flowing waterfall.
A few suggestions:
1. Ayiklutu Trail, easy hike through trees and along the ocean. It is 11km (7 miles) one way but can be made as short as you like. The first part of the trail takes you through the trees and out into Moose Meadows, which is a great picnic spot to enjoy the glacier / mountain and ocean (Chilkat Inlet) views before heading back or keep going if your feeling adventurous. It is also an option to camp in along the trail.
2. Chilkoot Lake, short drive from Haines, AK you will find this beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. There are options to rent kayaks and camp (for a fee). The corridor into the lake is known for bears and eagles and the river is monitored for fish counting.
3. Mount Ripinski or Mount Riley for those up for a moderate hike with spectacular views.
Skagway, AK
A quick 1 hour ferry ride will get you from Haines, AK to Skagway, AK. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you begin this journey as the Ferry does not run daily and will only travel up the Chilkoot inlet once per day when it is running.
Skagway is full of history from the gold rush, and is a majour stop on the cruise schedule. From April - October they can get up to 6 cruise ships in a day. This floods the town with people, but with lots of things to do in the area you can escape them easily.
A few suggestions:
2. Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove. A short little walk close to town brings you along the inlet with mountain and water views. 2.3 kms / 1.4 miles RT.
3. Take a drive over to Dyea, the starting point of the historic Chilkoot Trail, now a ghost town.
4. Lower Reid Falls, a well marked trail through the forest behind the Gold Rush Cemetery.
5. Lower Dewey Lake / Devils Punchbowl for those up for a moderate hike starting in Skagway.
White Pass
Your journey back to the Yukon will be through White Pass. Many roadside pull outs along the way for you to stop and take in the views. Be sure to stop at the pull out at the USA/Canada border, which is signed but not the location of the customs checks.
Check out the YukonHiking.ca website if your looking for hikes within the pass. Majority of these hikes will be moderate - difficult and may include bushwhacking, creek crossings or following unparked routes.
Carcross
Approximately 104 kms (64.9 miles) from Skagway, AK. Previously known as Caribou Crossing, this is a stop of the original prospectors coming over the Chilkoot pass. The area is known for Bennet lake, mountain views and the Carcross Desert (often referred to as the Worlds Smallest Desert) The town is known for its mountain biking on the near-by Montana Mountain. You can rent bikes in Carcross from the Icycle shop.
Whitehorse
Approximately 72 kms (44.7 miles) back to Whitehorse. Recommend a stop at Emerald Lake (Yukon), known for its intense green colour (best seen when the sun is shining). Located on the South Klondike Highway at km 117.5.
Camping, YT
Camping along the way is strongly suggested! It is a great way to truly see the Yukon and enjoy the journey along the way at your own pace without having to stress about reservations.
Camping in the Yukon requires permits from the Yukon Government. You can pick up a permit online or at the campsites with cash. Everything is on a first come first served bases but with 42 territorial campgrounds on 11 highways, it shouldn't be an issue. This also means that you do not have to decide where and how long you want to be somewhere. You can show up, fill out the permit and stay longer if you like. Many of the campsite will allow fires and have firewood provided.
$20 per site, cash on site.
$18 per site, pre-paid at a vendor or online.
Yukon camping information:
Camping, Kluane NP
Camping in Kluane National Park requires booking through the park. The front country campground is at Kathleen lake. This is a first come, first served. Site fees are $26 per site, per night and includes firewood.
If you are camping in the back country you will require a permit ($12.75 / night per person) and you must check in and out of your trip.
All overnight camping in the park will require the use of a bear canister, these are available for rent from the park for a small fee.
Camping, AK
Camping at established camping areas within any of the state parks will be at a fee. In 2023 the fee was $18, cash on site. If hiking into a state park and camping it is at no cost. Around Haines there are a number of pull outs and rest areas that you are able to stay at for no cost.
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