From Whitehorse, Yukon, we had planned to take the Klondike Highway northwest to Dawson City, Yukon – home of the famous Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. However, due to an uncontrolled wildfire, we needed to look at different options. One was going south to Skagway, AK, taking a 1-hour ferry across Chilkoot Inlet to Haines, AK, northwest on the Haines Highway and rejoining the Alaska Highway. The only problem was we would have to wait 5 days to get passage on the ferry for our trucks & RV’s. We were told that the drive to Skagway is beautiful, but the town is very touristy as it is a cruise ship port. So, we decided to skip Skagway (we can also see it on our way back to the lower 48), drive down to Haines, AK and back up, and then continue to head toward Fairbanks, AK. Haines, pictured above, is a waterfront town, surrounded by majestic mountains, luscious forests, meadows filled with wild flowers and of course, the water streaming in its inlet from the Gulf of Alaska.
From Whitehorse, we stopped at a beautiful campground on Pine Lake at Haines Junction, Yukon. We were surprised to see the beach full of people and lots of kids swimming in the lake. Isn’t it very cold water? They allow dogs on the beach, so Murphy enjoyed several dips in the clear lake water. Helen enjoyed a nice jog on a 3.5-mile path the leads from the campground to the town. Greg and I walked the trail and Murphy joined Helen at the end of her jog. On our way out of town the next morning we stopped for, wait for it, yes…Cinnamon rolls! Greg and I are split on these. Greg rated them a 4 of of 10, as they were quite doughy. Dave and I really enjoyed them (since there was lots of frosting!). That is why we all are doing the taste testing.
After we were full on our bakery purchases, we headed 150 miles south on the Haines Highway to Haines, Alaska. What a scenic drive. We must have stopped at least 4 different places to take pictures, including a stop at a rock glacier for a short hike. Just gorgeous.
Our campground was right in downtown Haines (small town) and after setting up, we headed for a 4-mil moderately challenging hike to Battery Point. The hike took us through a beautiful forest, down to the rocky beach, through a meadow filled with wild flowers, and the turn-around at Battery Point. We spotted a cruise ship going by after it left Skagway (on the other side of the inlet).
Salmon have started running north and our campground neighbor said he has been out to the “mud flats” the last 3 days and has seen bears in the river fishing for salmon each day he went. We were told high tide is the best time for the salmon to run upstream (more water for them to swim over the rocks), so off we went about 7:30 pm. Greg fished in the river but no fish were caught or bears were seen. Dratz! We also went three times the next day and still no bears. We did see bear scat on the road so they were around. There were also several bald eagles flying around, looking for their salmon dinner as well. Helen and Greg took excellent photos of the eagles.
Here are just a few other photos of the Haines area, harbor, etc. There is a hammer museum with 2500 hammers. We had a very delicious lunch at a small take-out taco joint. Helen and I enjoyed fresh Halibut tacos. Yummy!
Speaking of yummy, we had our next variation of S’Mores. Greg had the great idea to try Reese’s peanut butter cups and he found “thin” ones. This delectable treat received 4 thumbs up. Dave even approved going away from the original. But he did rank it below his S’moreos.
We headed back the way we came to Haines Junction, Yukon and back on the Alaska Highway heading west. The next “larger” town is Tok, Alaska. We will then be in the interior of Alaska to keep exploring!
Thanks again for following along.
Scenery so beautiful Brenda, Amazing view around every corner Dave, and I love hiking in the forest Murphy
So sorry to hear about your detour. As always, you’ll make the best of it! 😊
Wow beautiful country makes beautiful photos.
Wish you would had caught a salmon. Nothing better than fresh salmon.
The bears would be interesting and fun to watch them fish. Remember. The bears love puppy chow and chicken noodle soup. Be d so ure to wear gloves while feeding them
Love the postcard views! And the pics of the eagles were my favorite on this post besides the cinnamon rolls and s’mores. ☺️
Living your best life!
Now I’ll just have to try some Reese’s s’mores—but they’ll probably not taste the same in the lower 48 without all that fresh air.
Safe travels!