Month: May 2018

I have a goal this summer.  I want to get out and do more hiking.   The true Yukon needs to be experienced from the path least travelled.  I have done quite a bit of hiking over the years,  but I want to take a more focused approach this year.  I’ve downloaded a copy of the Yukon hiking guide,  and will be using this as my trip planner this summer.  Here’s a copy of the link: http://www.yukonhiking.ca

The snow hasn’t totally melted,  but as luck would have it,  Yukon Wildlife was hosting a guided hike at Brownie Mountain,  also known as the M’Clintock West Ridge.    This was the perfect opportunity to get my first hike of the season under my belt,  and after confirming our attendance,  me, my wife and our friends were committed. 

The trail head is approximately 40 kilometres south of Whitehorse;  two kilometres north of the Swan Haven access road.   The start of the hike is in a gravel pit at the base of the hill.  Once you start your ascent you’ll be able to pick up the trail without any problem.  

Although the Yukon Hiking Guide rates this as an easy hike,  and it is only 2 kilometres return, the ascent is quite steep.  With 250 metres of elevation gain, it does create some tricky spots on the descent.  I would suggest its closer to a moderate hike rather than easy.   I found the trail leading to the first lookout was easy to follow,  but the trail leading to the second lookout isn’t as well worn.  If you follow the ridge line you won’t have any trouble finding your way.  

From the lookouts,  you are rewarded with a spectacular view of M’Clintock Bay,  Marsh Lake and the surrounding mountains.   Mount Lorne lies directly across the lake and towers above the other hills, and the views of the mountain from the first lookout are stunning.

This was an evening hike for us,  and we were treated to a beautiful setting sun, peaking out from behind the wispy clouds.  Both lookouts afforded a great opportunity to sit on the rock bluffs, relax, and take in the serene views.  You can’t help but appreciate the majesty of the Yukon landscape. 

Although wildlife is abundant in the Yukon, we only crossed paths with a Ruffed Grouse near the base of hike,  and a Spruce Grouse on our decent.  You always hope to see wildlife,  but you never know what you might see;  just remember to bring bear spray with you, this is the time of year they are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation,  and they can be ornery.

Here’s a few quick tips for this hike.   Hiking in the springtime in the Yukon is always mucky,  so make sure you have good waterproof hikers.   I also recommend bringing hiking poles with you,  I find they make the decent much easier;  and wear layers. Once you start your ascent the temperature will drop a few degrees, even more if the wind is blowing;  and lastly,  take your time.   It’s a steep ascent,  but the views are worth the effort. 

Arrival of spring is one of my favourite times in the north;  the snow is melting,  warmth is returning and the bears are starting to emerge from a long sleep.  One of the surest signs that spring is here is the arrival of migrating birds and from mid April to early May,  Marsh Lake comes alive with their return.  Marsh Lake is one of the first bodies of water in the Yukon to lose its winter layers of ice.  M’Clintock Bay is the first to see the ice retreat.  This area is where Marsh Lake and the Yukon River converges, creating a safe refuge for migrating birds where they can rest, and forge for food, before resuming their northward journey to the tundra.   

There is a large abundance of species that return at this time of year,  but the most impressive of them are the Trumpeter and Tundra Swans.  They can be seen in the open water along the ice sheets around the lake,  but for the best views, Environment Yukon has set up a viewing station at Marsh Lake called Swan Haven.  They have a visitor centre on site, that it’s staffed with wildlife officers who complete daily species counts on the bird populations, provide educational awareness and host viewing programs.   There is also a large viewing platform with spotting scopes to view the birds from above,  and a staircase for visitors to access the lake and walk out on the ice to get a better view. 

When our kids were younger,  this was always a great activity to get out and enjoy the outdoors.   You can walk along the ice covered shores of Marsh Lake for several kilometres,  and bird spotting aside,  the views around the lake are spectacular.   The surrounding mountains are still snow covered and the sounds of the birds echo across the lake. Even now that our kids are older,  this still remains an annual tradition for us,  and the celebration of the swans arrival is also a celebration of the end to winter, and the anticipation of summer.

There is no cost to visit Swan Haven,  but here are a few tips to make your visit more enjoyable.  First, don’t worry about walking on the ice,  the water level of the lake is quite low at this time year,  and the ice sheets are still quite thick,  but come prepared with a good pair of muck boots,  it can start to get quite slushy and muddy.  I also recommend that you dress in layers.  The wind can blow hard across the lake,  so temperatures can vary dramatically once you leave the cover of the trees.  Swan Haven is also about 40 kilometres south of Whitehorse, so bring snacks and drinks with you, there isn’t anything nearby.   

Lastly,  don’t forget your camera and binoculars.   Although there are spotting scopes at the visitor centre, you’ll appreciate having your own binoculars when you’re walking along the lakeshore.  This is one of natures amazing displays,  and you won’t be disappointed to see these beautiful creatures in their environment. 

Check out the attached link to listen to the sounds of the Trumpeter Swans;  you’ll hear how they got their name!   

Trumpeter Swan Video