The Golden Circle: Haines Junction to Haines

We arrived mid-afternoon in the small community of Haines Junction, Yukon located at the junction of the ALCAN highway and the Haines Highway. We checked into the Raven Hotel, and then headed up to Kluane National Park and Reserve to see how recent glacial activity had diverted water away from the Slims River. We found a dry river bed, where once had been the Slims River. The Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre was closed, but we found some information posted in one of the outhouses. Apparently, the water that once fed Kluane Lake via the Slims River is now diverted away from Kluane Lake, and Kluane Lake has already dropped by 8 feet without the water source all within the last year or so.

The Raven in Haines Junction, Yukon

Kluane Lake area in Yukon

What happened to the Slims River?

From the Visitor Center, we counted over 70 Dall sheep grazing high up on Sheep Mountain (now called Thachäl Dhäl), and enjoyed watching them via telescope. We continued our drive up through the beautiful high country to Destruction Bay, and then returned to Haines Junction for dinner at Kluane Park Inn. After dinner, my folks and I strolled around the streets of Haines Junction, enjoying the misty evening air, and the local gardens and containers filled with vibrant annuals.

Leaving Haines Junction

Along the Haines Highway

Drone Pilot

After breakfast at the Raven Hotel and some time spent investigating a slow leak in one of the tires, we headed for Haines. The Haines Highway cuts through some spectacular country - the big, sweeping, open vistas, the slate-gray St. Elias mountain range, the tapestry of green, orange, and red mosses and low plants, the dramatic cloudy skies sometimes opening for a peep of sun that sets the whole place ablaze with light. We stopped multiple times to take pictures, drink in the beauty, check out Million Dollar Falls, and fly the drone. We saw very few yellow leaves (too soon), but saw lots of red fireweed leaves.

Million Dollar Falls

High Country along the Haines Highway

Winter is Coming

We passed through U.S. customs, and descended into the tall, moist coastal forests, and then checked into the Aspen Suites hotel in Haines, Alaska. We dined at the historic Bamboo Room, a place that is frequented by locals, and then enjoyed rhubarb pie back at the hotel. Mom and I walked down Main Street in the misty dark, and remembered trips to Haines to visit good friends.

Weather Shift on the Haines Highway

Descending from the high country to coastal Southeast Alaska

Aspen Hotel in Haines, Alaska

The following day we explored Haines, and Port Chilkoot, and then drove out Mud Bay road, with its spectacular views. We hiked around in the Chilkat State Park with more beautiful views, and stopped at the fish weir on the Chilkoot River, and had the thrill of watching two young bears fishing for salmon. They rode the river down to continue their feeding, then disappeared (presumably into the woods). We caught the fast ferry from Haines to Auke Bay in Juneau, Alaska, and enjoyed reading, dozing, and looking at the scenery from the front lounge.

Two bears fishing for salmon near the fish weir on Chilkoot River

Picnic area at Chilkat State Park

The fast ferry coming into Haines, Alaska

I recommend the Golden Circle for anyone who wants to see some of the most beautiful country of Southeast Alaska and the Yukon in a short span of time. We did the Circle comfortably in five days, but could have easily spent ten, with all there is to see and experience! We really enjoyed seeing those sweeping views, and immersing ourselves in the natural and gold rush history.