Backpacking in the Tundra

Samuel Glacier from "camp"
Last weekend I went up the Haines Highway into Canada and backpacked into the Tatshenshini-Alsek wilderness with a group of friends. A World Heritage Site that encompasses over 3,000 sq. miles and part of the Tatshenshini-Alsek river system, this wilderness is known for its pristine beauty and wildlife. It was a fabulous hike through the tundra – full of wildflowers and views of glaciers.

Friday afternoon we crossed the border and camped at the Chuck Creek trailhead, about 30 miles into British Columbia. The mosquitoes were pretty determined so several of us sat around the fire in our very fashionable head nets (HaHa).  It kept them off faces but arms and legs suffered a few bites.

Lupine in the tundra
Saturday we hiked in 6 miles along a glacier run-off creek. We were up in the alpine and tundra with flowers everywhere! One couple said they identified 60 different wildflowers! The dogs we had with us flushed several White Tailed Ptarmigan from the brush as well. Along the way we had to ford the creek several times, removing hiking boots and walking barefoot thru ice cold glacier fed waters - an exhilarating way to refresh tired feet!

Our chosen camp area gave us a view of 7 glaciers – some hanging from mountain sides, some running in long ice rivers down valley until they merged into the rushing river below. The wind off the glacier was cold – but it kept the mosquitoes at bay!


The next day we turned around and hiked back out, re-crossing the stream
Backpack crew
and again enjoying fabulous views and fresh flower scented air. I woke Monday morning with sore muscles, but felt wonderful after getting out there and enjoying some of the vast beauty of the north that can’t be seen from Pacific Son!

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