Alaska Highway

Km 1487 - Takhini Valley

The Takhini River Valley

This valley represents an area in transition. Here, the rugged coastal mountain range to the south gives way to the uplands of the central Yukon Plateau. Watersheds divide between the Alsek River which drains directly to the Pacific, and the Takhini which flows into the Yukon River and heads 2,000 miles north to the Bering Sea.

The region was also transitional in the movement of people and trade goods between the coast and interior. Coastal natives developed trails from locations such as present day Haines, Alaska through the Chilkat Pass and into this area to trade with interior natives. These trade routes were jealously guarded from European traders until the late 1800's. When Jack Dalton developed the trail that bore his name in 1894, he followed the native trade routes from the coast, turning north at Champagne for Dawson City.

Today, the Takhini River and Kusawa Lake are among the most popular of wilderness recreation areas for Yukoners. Along the 24 km (15 mile) access road to Kusawa Lake, travellers can view and experience the transition from uplands to the coastal range, with views of the river, lake and mountains from the high banks of the Takhini River.

The river is a favourite with paddlers. It offers the excitement of class one and two riffles for beginners in the first few kilometres, up to a class three rapids affectionately known as the "jaws of death" (easily portaged on the east side) nearer the confluence of the Mendenhall. River travellers put in at the Kusawa Lake campground or make a steep hike down the bank at the beginning of the river. A beautiful half day trip can be made from here to the Takhini River Campground. A full day will take trippers to the Mendenhall River, where the Takhini meets the access road.

The river has much to offer: clear clean water early in the season, good grayling fishing especially in May and June, spawning salmon in August and September, and sheep viewing on the surrounding mountains.

Kusawa Lake offers good camping, spectacular views, clean sandy beaches and good lake trout fishing, especially early and late in the season. Boaters must use great caution on this lake as it is subject to sudden, intense winds sweeping through the interconnecting valleys.

The scenic Takhini River, with its relatively easy water between Kusawa Lake and the Alaska Highway is ideally suited for one-day trips. Kusawa Lake is popular with many Yukoners for providing easy access to the wilderness. Good fishing, sandy beaches, clean water and mountain scenery await travellers at Kusawa Lake.

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