| Author |
Topic |
|
Ottawa, Ontario
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2004 : 6:10 PM
|
I am doing some initial planning re. a Kluane hike that I (53)would like to take in mid-August this summer with with my daughter (23) and niece (30). At this point we are thinking about a Donjek Glacier route that would take us in at Burwash Uplands, over Hoge pass, along Donjek, over Atlas pass and out via Copper Joe Creek back to Hwy. We are planning 10-11 days for the trip.
We are aware that the hike is difficult and requires good map/compass skills. I have received various input about the route (from great - don't miss it to look out - its dangerous).
We would really appreciate any hints or suggestions about the route, essential equipment, stream crossings, good camping areas (ie. good spots and suggested locations for each nite), problem areas, things to avoid, things to be sure not to miss, etc.
According to the Vivian Lougheed book, Hoge pass has a particularly steep descent. Are there any other particularly difficult (or non-obvious sections?)
Any interesting wildlife to watch for? Are bears a problem (are food cannisters / bear spray suggested)? How about mosquitos/blackflies in mid-late August?
GPS - useful? If so do you have any points of interest/issue tagged (campsites, passes, creek crossings, etc.)?
Any suggestions and cautions will be much appreciated. Thx very much in advance.
|
|
 Buntzen roving stealthy beer mule and artist, aspiring weird image findmaster who loves BC
lower mainland
Canada
1647 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2004 : 2:15 PM
|
Well I wish I could give you a lot more info but all I have is that the mosquitos weren't too bad when I was up there between beginning and middle of September a few years ago. I didn't do the trek you're talking about but I've seen a show on it (Great Canadian Parks, Knowledge Network) and it looks incredible. If you haven't seen this site yet, it looks pretty helpful. Have fun up there!
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/index_e.asp
----------------------------------------
'Keep on keepin on' |
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2004 : 6:49 PM
|
Thx for the info. I'm trying to get as much background info in advance as possible
forewarned = prepared
Thx also for the link - Great Parks Canada site. I would also note that the Kluane Park staff have also been very helpful. I'll keep my eyes open for the Great Canadian Parks Kluane special.
quote:
Originally posted by bclover
Well I wish I could give you a lot more info but all I have is that the mosquitos weren't too bad when I was up there between beginning and middle of September a few years ago. I didn't do the trek you're talking about but I've seen a show on it (Great Canadian Parks, Knowledge Network) and it looks incredible. If you haven't seen this site yet, it looks pretty helpful. Have fun up there!
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/index_e.asp
----------------------------------------
'Keep on keepin on'
|
|
|
vancouver
37 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2004 : 4:39 PM
|
hi davidt,
my friend and i did a 3-day hike to hoge pass and surrounding area last july and loved it. it's a spectacular area with wide open tundra that leads to snow-capped, rugged mountains and glaciers.
day one:
hiked along old mining road, mild elevation, hopped over several easy creek crossings, beautiful wildflowers, distant icefields visible, caribou, bugs, bugs, bugs, incredible expanse of arctic tundra opens up. we started at 5pm, so we only got as far as the end of this trail and made camp around 10:30pm. (keep in mind this is mid-july where there is light until midnight. you will have light until 10pm in late august.)
day two:
crossed through the tundra past burwash uplands (obvious hump to the south), headed south across the tundra. it had rained for a few days before so the tundra was swampy and swarming with blackflies and mosquitoes. our head nets saved us much grief. hiked over low saddle on amphitheatre mountain, saw a bear tearing down the hill, made camp and explored amphiteathre mountain. since you're heading to donjek, i would recommend pushing on along burwash creek to the warden's cabin, 2-3 hours further on and a fantastic campsite.
day three:
excruciating long day. hiked up burwash creek, crossed the icy cold, knee high creek (we crossed high up on the creek -- bad idea) to warden's cabin then to hoge pass. spectacular! watched dall sheep 100 feet below climb up the scree mountain face, only to find us and race away. returned the way we came.
i've heard the 10-day donjek glacier route is challenging, but we saw a group of men, many in their 50's doing the hike.
in late late august you'll get the start of beautiful fall colours, less bugs, less daylight. in july there are wildflowers and bugs everywhere. if it's been rainy, be prepared for swampy tundra and wet boots.
i certainly recommend bear spray and bug spray. there is a fee for overnight trips in kluane park and bear cannisters are highly recommended, if not required. you can get them for a refundable deposit at the visitors centre in haines junction.
it's a fantastic trip!
|
|
|
154 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2004 : 5:17 PM
|
The following is a description of a guided trip from Bear Mountaineering School. It's somewhat descriptive.
The Donjek Trek (5 days) ( Bear Mountaineering School)
Email Advertiser or phone: 250-847-3351 and refer to trip #114
Camp below Atlas Pass.
This is a non-technical, yet fairly demanding five day trek through the tundra and over the passes of Kluane National Park. Some creeks and rivers need to be crossed. Visiting the toe of the enormous Donjek Glacier shows what most of North America looked like during the last glaciation. The icy giants of the Saint Elias Mountains - Steele, Wood, and Logan - tower away to the west. In September, the tundra glows in all shades of fall colour. This is a spectacular, fulfilling wilderness trip.
Floatplane access from Haines Junction to Bighorn Lake. After crossing Bighorn Creek, camp is made on the far side. The next day belongs to the giant toe of the Donjek and its thundering glacial river - an encounter with the great forces of ice, water, and mountain. Camp at Chert Creek. Day three takes us over the gentle west and dramatic east side of Atlas Pass, with unlimited views of this remote mountain wilderness. Camp by the Duke River. A day's hike up the red tundra-clad banks of the Duke leads to a crossing and the ascent to Copper Joe Lake. The fifth day takes us out the wonderful valley of Copper Joe Creek, back to the shores of Kluane Lake and the Alaska Highway.
Difficulty: No technical difficulties, but rough, trail-less tundra and some scree and snow. Bighorn Creek and the Duke River must be forded, which is usually easy this late in the summer. Food for five days must be carried in 20 to 25 kg packs (45 to 55 lb). Daily travel hours : five to six.
Equipment: Good hiking gear: poly underwear, two light fleece jackets, good rain and wind pants and jacket, toque and gloves, sunglasses, gaiters. Sleeping bag to -10 C, pad.
Provided: tents, cooking gear, food on the trek. All park fees and permits. Floatplane access from Haines Junction to Bighorn Lake.
Group Size: 3 to 6
Meeting Point: Whitehorse Airport the day before departure; and the Village Bakery in Haines Junction (across street from the Kluane Park Visitor Centre) at 10 am the morning of the departure.
Departures 2004: 4 to 9 September
Costs: $1,750.00 (Canadian funds, 7% GST not included). Food on the trek, tents, cooking gear, floatplane from Haines Junction to Bighorn Lake, all park permits and fees included. Access to Whitehorse and food and accommodation in civilization are not included.
----------------------------------------
"We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us."
-Albert Einstein |
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2004 : 11:53 AM
|
Thx to AYU and DCONGRAV for their input. I `appreciate` the issue of bugs, having spent having spent a number of years in the NW Ontario bush. Part of the territory I guess, although I`m hoping that the combination of timing (late August) and winds in the area will work in our favour. Once again, thanks for your input.
David |
|
|
den haag, zuid holland
Netherlands
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2004 : 05:04 AM
|
hi david,
my name is Sijmen 34 years of age. i hiked the route twice the last 3 years.
the first time with a man i met in a bar in holland 47 years of age who had the same preocupation with nature walks.
we were relatively unexperienced, but verry well prepared.
Besides the steep decend of hoge pass, the altas pass is equally challenging! Routefinding can be hard at times.
I would certainly recommend a bearproof container for your own protection and for the gear as well. keep your cannister away from your tent at night.
Although you can hike for 12-14 hours in daylight i would not recommend so because the hiking is hard en tyering.
a few tips : (and let me know if you want more!)
- light waight sportshoes, for wearing dry shoes after making your camp. (on almost all days you will cross rivers several times, so your shoes will be soaked most of the time. when the wether is bad this will cost you al lot of energy needed for other things.
- no bear spray, until now no one actually used the spray during a bear attack or a bluff attack. the bearspray cost aprox. 40 dollars, and you have to carry it all along. if it gives you a feeling of safety you can choose for it. but i am convinced that following the bear encounter rules a far more valuable.
- if you don't know were to go, try to look out for foutprint. They are most often there.
- use a goretex jacket. the weathercondition can vary al lot.
- take a waterfilter with you, this will get you from being sick (giardiasis)and you won't have to cook your water long to desinfect (saves a lot of fuel).
- anyway if you want some facts about wildlive or more tips, please let me know.
greetings,
Sijmen.
|
|
|
56 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 6:57 PM
|
| On the topic of the Yukon, what sorts of transportation are there to get up north? Say Dawson and further? I had trouble sourcing trains and buses on the net. Thanks |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Kluane - Donjek Glacier Route - Info pls
