Walking, Hiking, Backpacking

There are many options for stepping out in the Haines Junction area. Kluane National Park and Reserve offers everything from a very short walk, to an extended backpack trip for an adventure into the remote wilderness. Below are a few suggestions:

EASY

Pine Lake Interpretive Trail

• short stroll at the campground
• trailhead: Pine Lake Campground

Kathleen Lake Interpretive Trail

• short stroll, wheelchair accessible
• trailhead: Kathleen Lake Campground

Pine Lake Trail     (4.2 km one way)

• a trail between Haines Junction and Pine Lake Campground
• along the edge of a wood, 45 min. one way
• trailhead: Glacier View Motor Inn in the community

The Dezadeash River Trail     (5 km loop)

• an easy walk near the edge of town
• a pleasant 40 minute stroll through wetlands, forest and meadows
• 300 m is wheelchair accessible
• good bird-watching and the possibility of seeing small mammals
• interpretive panels at the start of the trail
• good for families
• trailhead: day use area just south of the Village on the Haines Road

St. Elias Lake    (3.8 km one way)

• a popular, easy hike to an alpine lake
• there is a designated campsite for overnighters
• trailhead: 60 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Road

MODERATE

Auriol Trail    (15 km loop)

• a moderate hike that climbs through spruce forest and up into the sub-alpine
• this trail can be done as a long day hike but is also a popular overnight trip with a designated campsite
• trailhead: 7 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Road

King’s Throne     (5 km one way)

• strenuous hike
• view of Kathleen Lake and the Auriol Range–well worth the effort
• can continue to the peak of King’s Throne
• trailhead: 27 km south of Haines Junction, off the Haines Road at the Kathleen Lake day use area

BACKCOUNTRY

Cottonwood Trail    (85 km round trip)

• a backpacking trip of 4 to 6 days
• hike through a variety of landscapes and over two low passes
• trailhead: 27 or 55 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Road

Kluane National Park is prime hiking for the wilderness backpacker, with few established trails and campsites in the backcountry. The park is well-known to the self-sufficient and experienced hiker–those that like to chart their own route, ford streams, and choose their own campsite.