Dezadeash River Trail

Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 mi) loop, or 5.5 km (3 mi) loop
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 15 m (50')
Maximum elevation: 640 m (2,100')

Trailhead:  South end of Haines Junction behind the truck weigh station, OR behind Kluane RV Campground.
Topo map: Kloo Lake 115 A/13

In summary

This is a short but pleasant trail through wetlands, meadows and forest along the Dezadeash River. The trail is easy and well-marked, and is recommended for families with small children and for those who want a short but interesting hike. Benches and a viewing stand are also located along the trail.

It is also possible to start and/or finish the trail at the Kluane RV campground. The round trip is 5.5 km unless you decide to exit or start by the Kluane RV campground (in this case it would be 3.5 km).

Download the Dezadeash River Trail description (PDF, 436Kb)

The details

The first part is boardwalk and wood chips (the first 300 m of boardwalk is wheelchair accessible) passing through a wetland area. The next section of the trail travels through aspen forest and small meadows. A viewing stand is located along the riverbank about 1 km down the trail. This is a good place to stop to look for animals such as beaver, moose and waterfowl. At 1.4 km the trail splits to form a loop for the remaining 2.6 km. The left branch continues along the riverbank through tall aspen then turns back through a shady spruce forest to the beginning of the loop.

The variety of habitat along this trail makes it an especially good place to watch for birds. Also, if you look carefully you can find other animal sign such as moose browsing, squirrel middens (caches), a beaver dam, bear claw marks on trees, etc.

What you need to know

Bear sightings are common in this area. Review recommendations for travel within the You Are In Bear Country brochure. Please report all bear sightings to the staff at the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre in Haines Junction.