WHITEHORSE TO DAWSON CITY, YT

We had planned to drive from Takhini Hot Springs to Dawson with a stop or 2 along the way along the Klondike Hwy (#2). After a night at a Territorial campground at Tatchun Lake, we headed through Pelly Crossing up towards Stewart Crossing but had an urge to drive the 112km east along what’s known as the Silver Trail – to the end of the line at Keno City. The guidebooks seemed to think it a worthy diversion, so “what the heck!” For more on that, check out our post: The Silver Trail, Keno City and Signpost Hill.

Stewart Crossing, YT

Flowers along the Silver Trail

We’re so glad we did! The drive from the junction to the 1^st ‘town’ of Mayo was beautiful … lakes, meadows and a road lined with amazing purple flowers! Mayo was a bust, being basically a bend in the road where about 300 people called home. Lots of ‘historical’ buildings which were not really worth getting out of the RV to look at. We gassed up and drove on. The rest of the drive was mostly tree-lined gravel road and we began to get discouraged. We finally made it and what a gem! A VERY small town (pop. 50) but very cool buildings and a wonderful 4-building museum! We tootled around a bit and decided to take the ‘drive’ up 11km to the signpost at the top of Keno Hill which is now it’s claim to fame. The road was pretty hairy but passable and at the top … well you felt like you were on top of the world! Magnificent views for 360 degrees! So beautiful! We were greeted by the resident Hoary Marmot who seemed intent on eating the foundation of the signpost!

Hoary Marmot on Signpost Hill

We took a bit of a hike along one of the trails from the signpost, but there was still piles of snow and where it had melted it was pretty mucky. Trying to go around it wasn’t much better as it is all soft, squishy moss that you could quickly sink into if you stayed in one spot too long. We reluctantly drove back down – we’re wishing now we’d spent the night up there – it would have been magnificent (cold but magnificent), but we camped at a small campground in behind Keno instead.

The next day we were out early heading back down the 112km to the junction, gassed up again at Mayo and headed to Dawson. Along the way we came across a funky place called Moose Creek Lodge and had coffee and snacks, wandered around a bit, then on to Dawson City!

Moose Creek Lodge

Ahhh … Dawson. The land along the drive into town has been plundered by countless thousands of miners and the miles of gravel dredge tailings are a horror in an otherwise beautiful spot.

Dredge Tailings along the Klondike Highway approaching Dawson City

Once we arrived in Dawson City proper though we were enchanted! The town has somehow kept most of it’s original flavor, and there are numerous buildings that are original and some have been refurbished, some are new … but it all feels like you’ve stepped into the 1800’s. I expected to see an old-timer stroll by with his mule and pick at any time!

The streets are all dirt and the ‘sidewalks’ are boardwalks. Very cool! There are some great historical landmarks to visit including the old paddle wheeler The Keno, Jack London Museum and a beautiful Dawson City Museum. For more on Dawson City and more pictures check out our post: Dawson City.

The Gold Rush Campground we stayed at is located right in town so we walked around all afternoon, then had a wonderful dinner at Klondike Kates! Some local craft beer quaffing and good bar-b-que with a short walk home and bed in full sunshine at 9:30!