While visiting the southern side of Kluane National Park from Haines Junction, we were able to check out more of the park by traveling on two trails that allow vehicle traffic but require high clearance and possibly 4-wheel drive. Alsek Valley and Mush Lake Trails both allow such travel.
Fall colors along Mush Lake Trail
Before heading out on either road we checked in with the Canada Parks staff at the visitor’s centre in Haines Junction for trail updates. They did not have much information about Alsek but were able to share information about Mush Lake. They had a one page summary with a basic map for each trail. We were traveling alone, so we made sure we had all of our 4WD Emergency Equipment.
Alsek Valley Trail
We checked out Alsek Valley Trail first. The trailhead is located about 7 miles north of Haines Junction off of the Alaska Highway. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed to drive to a park gate at 15.4 km (over 9 miles). The trail is also open to hiking and mountain biking, with a parking lot available at the beginning of the trail. We headed back past the parking lot and through some trees and an open meadow area. At 1.5 km we reached Summit Creek. We crossed the creek after checking the depth. Summit Creek is about 20 feet across and about 8-10 inches deep with a swift current. We had no difficulty with the crossing.
Alsek Valley Trail starts out as an easy drive
Summit Creek
Early fall color along the trail
A more mature poplar section
We headed through more forest until reaching the rocky creek bed for Thunderegg Creek at 5.0 km (3.1 miles). Unfortunately our trip was cut short here by a good sized wash-out. The area was at almost 2.5 feet deep and 3 feet across. It was just wide enough that break-over angles and the sheer drop off and rise would have been a problem.
Some uneven gravel surface ahead
Alsek Trail had a wash out at Thunderegg Creek
Mike adds some scale to the washout
We had several days of heavy rain prior and the ground nearby was extremely muddy, so we did not attempt to find a go around, though it appeared some other vehicles may have as there were many deep ruts. This is against our “Tread Lightly” mantra so we turned around.
Views on the Alsek Valley Trail included fresh snow on the peaks
Mush Lake Trail
Mush Lake Trail is a 32 mile roundtrip out and back 4WD high clearance trail that starts 54 km (33.5 miles) south of Haines Junction off of the Haines Highway. The trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers. The trail can be very rough and muddy when wet. It took us 3-4 hours to drive the trail, which has some rough and slow going sections.
The single lane trail travels through stands of spruce and poplar
We started back the trail, which is mostly a narrow single lane with few places to pass or turn around for long stretches. The trail is easy to follow. There was at least one junction that was not labelled. At each junction, head to the left. There is an early easy creek crossing within the first 5.5 km (3 miles).
Alder Creek
After 5.5 km, we crossed Alder Creek’s many channels over the course of a kilometer. We drove downstream paralleling the main channel for a bit. Check creek depth before crossing. The main channel was about about 10-12 inches deep and 30 feet across. There are some good sized rocks in the creek and there is a swift current. We had no problems.
The trail follows a channel of Alder creek for a distance
The rest of the route was a mix of forest and wetland areas. The lower elevation areas were wet and muddy, but passable. If it had been wetter, deeper mud would be a problem. There are some long rutted sections and we did have the back end of the Jeep get loose several times. There were also some off camber sections which were above a drop off which some may find unnerving.
A wetland area along the trail
We spotted some bear scat full of berries on the road. We also spotted numerous spruce grouse along the trail. While we didn’t see any moose, the wetland areas would provide prime habitat.
Bear scat full off berries
Spruce grouse along the trail
We reached Mush Lake and took in the beautiful views including the fall colors. After exploring for a bit we headed back out. For experienced back country travelers, this trail is usually not very difficult. We agree with the assessment that the trail can be quite muddy following heavier rains. There are muddy sections that are narrow, steep and have some drop off on the one side of the trail. Caution should also be used at creek crossings, check for depth which can vary greatly based on rains, glacial melt, and snow melt.
Mush Lake and beautiful fall colors rewarded our effort
