The Journey from Tok to Destruction Bay
Today’s 224-mile journey took us from Tok, Alaska, to Destruction Bay’s rugged and remote beauty in the Yukon.
The first leg of the trip covered an 88-mile stretch to the US-Canada border. Leaving Tok, the road meandered through vast boreal forests. The effects of permafrost were apparent, with many trees leaning at odd angles, illustrating the “drunken forest” phenomenon. Even the utility poles seemed unstable, tilting precariously as the ground beneath them shifted.
The towering peaks of the Wrangell-St. Elias and Saint Elias Mountains made sporadic appearances, their jagged summits and vast glaciers visible through breaks in the dense forest. The Tanana River flowed beside us, adding to the region’s natural beauty.
When we crossed the border into the Yukon, we felt nostalgic for Alaska—our time there had been unforgettable. The customs station stop was brief, and soon, we continued our drive toward Destruction Bay on the Alaska Highway, with 138 miles left.
Upon entering Canada, the highway continued to meander through a mix of dense forest and dramatic mountain landscapes, rising and falling through highland plateaus and valleys. Along the way, the peaks of the Saint Elias and Wrangell-St. Elias mountains continued to provide a majestic backdrop.
The route crossed several major rivers, including the White, Donjek, and Kluane. With their silty waters, these glacially fed rivers carved their way through the rugged terrain, adding to the journey’s wild, untamed feel.
The final stretch of the journey hugged the western edge of Kluane Lake. The terrain around the lake flattened into rolling plains.
The entire route tested our patience and driving skills as we encountered some of the roughest road conditions of the trip. Frost heaves, caused by the freeze-thaw cycles of permafrost, turned the highway into a patchwork of dips and cracks, forcing us to reduce our speed to a cautious 30-40 mph to protect our camper. Sections of gravel road, part of ongoing repairs, further added to the difficulty, sending up dust clouds as we passed through construction zones.
While the day’s journey posed challenges, the region’s ever-changing landscapes and raw beauty made it an unforgettable experience. From the towering mountains to the serene shores of Kluane Lake, this section of the Alaska Highway left us with memories of both the difficult journey and the stunning landscapes we had witnessed.
Destruction Bay Lodge
We spent the night in the sloping, gravel parking lot next to Destruction Bay Lodge, which appeared unused and abandoned. The lot had electrical hookups but no water or sewer. Having stayed here on our way up the Alaskan Highway, we were not surprised by the lack of utilities or stark conditions. One advantage this time was that it was less crowded, as we didn’t have to share it with another caravan.
Due to trailer issues, our Wagon Master had to stay behind in Tok, leaving other caravan members to manage the parking duties. The process went smoothly despite the challenges, thanks to everyone’s teamwork. The lot was situated near Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon, though its sparkling waters weren’t visible from our parking area. Instead, we were treated to stunning views of the surrounding snow-dusted mountains, which stood in stark contrast to the rugged simplicity of the lodge.
Some of our group opted to boondock at a scenic pull-off along Kluane Lake, an opportunity we later wished we had taken. Their photos and stories of the lakeside views made our parking lot accommodations feel all the more lackluster in comparison.
That evening, the Tail Gunner led our trip report meeting, providing updates and ensuring the group stayed organized. Other caravan members stepped up to take on the Wagon Master’s role the following morning, volunteering to leave early to secure our check-in at the next campground. Their initiative highlighted the camaraderie and adaptability that made traveling with the group a memorable experience.