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This route starts at Quiet Lake and begins with the Big Salmon River which is a slow meandering river that feels both intimate and expansive in its slow progression north. It gets its name from the salmon who spawn here in the shallow river bends. You will reach the junction with the Yukon River at the historic trading post of Big Salmon Village, the landscape shifts dramatically—valleys open, the sky feels wide overhead, and the current carries you with a quiet, powerful momentum.
From this point on, until you reach Dawson City, the Yukon River becomes the heart of the journey, a broad, silty artery rich with history. High clay banks rise and fall, revealing layers of earth shaped by time. The current does much of the work here, fluctuating from 5-10 km/hour, and allows for long, meditative days on the water. Paddlers can stop at a variety of points along the river, including 5 Finger Rapids, or for a shore lunch at Carmacks. As Dawson City finally appears—colorful buildings nestled along the riverbank—it feels less like an endpoint and more like stepping into a living piece of northern history, the journey having carried you not just across distance, but through the wild spirit of the Yukon itself.
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All skill levels.
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740km; ~20 days
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No rapids; although log jams on Big Salmon River that require a portage by-pass are not uncommon.
There is no cell phone reception along the Big Salmon River. All paddlers are encouraged to bring a satellite-enabled communication device.
The Yukon River has a current of 5-10km/hour.
Campsites are rustic and not professionally maintained.
Grizzly bears & wolverines are present throughout.
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GETTING THERE:
Shuttles can be organized with most outfitters in Whitehorse to bring you to Quiet Lake. Vehicles can be left for an extended period of time at Quiet Lake itself, but it is at the owner’s risk.
GETTING BACK:
Shuttles can be organized with most outfitters in Whitehorse to bring you back to Whitehorse.
Dawson City is accessible along the Alaska Highway.