Alsek River Valley Trail
A gentle trail along a former glacial lake bed into the Alsek River valley, with ancient shorelines, dunes and a broad valley where grizzly bears roam.
The Alsek River Valley Trail begins beside the Alaska Highway about 10 km northwest of Haines Junction. It was once an old mining road, so the surface is level. On a day hike you can walk more than 10 km out and back. Mountain bikes are allowed on the first section. Continuing further leads toward Lowell Glacier, which requires several days and registration at the visitor centre. The trail follows the broad valley left behind by a retreating glacier. You can see shorelines and dunes left by Glacial Lake Alsek, an ice-dammed lake, and in the distance the snowy front of the Mount St. Elias Range. The valley is home to grizzly bears, moose and wolves. The park sometimes temporarily closes or restricts the trail because of bear activity, so check with the visitor centre before setting out.
Opening hours
Open all day (may close temporarily due to bear activity)
Nearby sights
- Kluane Icefield Flightseeing
- Dä Kų Cultural Centre & Kluane National Park Visitor Centre
- Haines Junction Village
- Auriol Trail
- King's Throne Trail
- Kathleen Lake
- Rock Glacier Trail
- Dezadeash Lake