Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
TOK, AK
A restless night beside the border led to a day of discoveries. From watching geese in a quiet pond and finally learning the purpose of thermosyphons along northern highways to reflecting on Indigenous languages and culture before crossing back into Alaska, the drive to Tok offered far more than just miles on the odometer. The day ended at Eagle Trail State Recreation Site as I prepared for the journey toward Wrangell–St. Elias.
Skagway to Whitehorse
Before leaving Skagway, I explored the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls, learning about Martin Itjen, Soapy Smith, and Frank Reid while photographing one of the town's most visited historic sites. The drive north on the Klondike Highway offered rain-soaked mountain views, a stop at the historic Venus Mine near Carcross, and a return to Whitehorse to end the day.
Toward Haines Through Clouds
After a quiet morning beside Kluane Lake, I headed south through Haines Junction and onto Haines Road. With clearer weather than the day before, the snow-covered mountains finally emerged from the clouds. Frequent stops for photography, vast open landscapes, and the strange experience of daylight lingering late into the evening made for a rewarding day in the Yukon.
Kluane Lake
After waking to snow and an empty Alaska Highway north of Haines Junction, I headed toward Kluane Lake, visited the surprisingly good Kluane Museum of History in Burwash Landing, discovered a touching memorial to Douglas Richard Twiss II, and spent the afternoon photographing mountains, ice, and changing weather along one of Yukon’s most dramatic landscapes.
North From Whitehorse, YT
A short drive from Whitehorse turned into a day of unexpected discoveries. I followed a side road to historic Mendenhall Landing, photographed one of the largest beaver lodges I've ever seen, explored the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre, and learned about the Southern Tutchone people. With rain, wind, and low clouds hiding the mountains, Yukon reminded me that conditions can change quickly.
Whitehorse May 27–28
A planned stop in Whitehorse turned into two days of unexpected discoveries. Between a glassblowing event, Yukon history at the MacBride Museum, a potentially dangerous wheel problem, and conversations with surveyors, nurses, travelers, and locals, the city revealed itself through the people who call it home. Sometimes the most memorable travel days aren't planned at all.
Whitehorse, YT
After five days of heating problems in the van, I drove north to Whitehorse, Yukon. What began as a routine travel day turned into the discovery of a developing wheel issue, a visit to the Robert W. Service memorial, an evening exploring the territorial capital, and a reminder that summer nights in the North seem to last forever.
Teslin, YT
A quiet drive from Watson Lake to Teslin turned into one of the most interesting days of the trip. From seeing my first wild caribou to learning about WWII aviation history, Indigenous culture, and life in remote Yukon communities, Teslin revealed far more depth and history than I expected.
Signpost Forest
I arrived in Watson Lake, Yukon without realizing how much history was packed into one small stop along the Alaska Highway. From the massive Sign Post Forest and the Northern Lights Centre to the wartime history of the Alaska Highway and a quiet walk through the local cemetery, the day turned into something far more interesting and reflective than I expected.