May 30, 2010
Dawson Creek To Atlin, BC
This week we drove from Dawson Creek to Atlin, BC.
Total distance on the Alaska Highway was 1,324 km (821 miles). Then we followed Hwy 7 south to Atlin, a distance of 95 km (59 miles). We overnighted in Ft. St. John, Fort Nelson, Liard Hotsprings, Watson Lake, Teslin, and Atlin.
Of course we stopped and visited every campground along the way too, there were 64 of them. Updated information will be in our new 5th edition of Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping.
Road conditions were excellent. On the Alaska Highway we encountered only one section of gravel. It was 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles) long and located just south of Jake's Corner, where we turned off the highway toward Atlin. It ran from just after Km 1330 and ended just before Km 1340.
Large animal sightings along the highway:
11 Black Bears
24 Stone Sheep
4 Moose
1 Cariboo
3 Deer
9 Bison
Here's a link to a set of pages with wildlife photos from this trip.
Here are some pictures of highlights along the way.
Kiskatinaw River Bridge
One of the last wood bridges from the orignal Alcan. This one is curved.
Typical Alaska Highway
The road is in excellent condition.
First Black Bear
Dandelions along the roadside were apparently very tasty this time of year. There were lots of black bears, mostly between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake.
Ice on Summit Lake
Looks like it will be going out any day. The altitude here is about 4,300 ft, the highest spot along the Alaska Highway
First Cinnamon Roll
An Alaska Highway specialty. Many will follow. This one at Tetsa River Services
Hats at Toad River Roadhouse
Latest count 7,756.
Tourist Catching A Little Sun Along Muncho Lake
The weather was perfect and the view fantastic, but there are many campgrounds offering a more relaxing setting along here.
Liard Hotsprings
Water temperature from comfortable to as hot as you can take.
Mike Hard at Work Birding at Liard
Moose in Liard Hotsprings Campground
Traveler Taking Advantage Of Boondocking Site
A New Sign in the Watson Lake Signpost Forest
Latest count 67,983.
View From Our RV At Atlin Lake
