Those with a basic understanding of paddling and a thirst for a remote river adventure will love this trip. The river is a beauty with gracious mountains, swifts racing through downhill runs and graceful, sweeping turns. It has enough challenge for a feeling of accomplishment and provides the satisfaction of a wilderness adventure that can touch your soul. It winds through the Big Salmon Mountains starting at Quiet Lake and ending at the town of Carmacks on the Klondike River. The river was first visited by white men in 1880 when prospectors, George Langtry and Patrick McGlivechey drifted north on the Yukon River to the Big Salmon panning for gold as they went. They found "colour," the first recorded discovery of placer gold in the Yukon.

Our departure is made from the town of Whitehorse. After your flight arrives in the late afternoon, there is time for a final equipment check, a gold rush dinner and an evening rest before leaving the next day. Next morning, we take a road shuttle south on the Alaska Highway to Johnson's Crossing and a short lunch stop. The Canol Road runs north-east from here towards Norman Wells, NWT. This road provides an access to our put-in-point, Quiet Lake. We spend one night camped at the end of Quiet Lake after a beautiful lake 2-3 hour lake paddle. After camping here, we paddle through 3 lakes, connected by short stretches of river where fishing is fabulous for trout, pike, grayling. Pan-fried fish will be a supplement to our fresh and dehydrated gourmet menu. We camp on a glorious campsite on Big Salmon Lake before paddling down to the headwaters of the Big Salmon River. Early on, the Big Salmon is quite narrow with a quick current and several tight bends. The only portages are short lifts over log jams in the upper section of the river. Then, the Big Salmon broadens its flow with steady current and occasional swifts. Two large peaks rise up setting the stage for fantastic views. Hiking opportunities with imposing views await us here.

As we leave the Big Salmon Mountains, a valley appears edged by the rolling Seminof Hills. Here, the gentle bends make perfect calving grounds for moose. With luck, sightings of cows and calves will be a common occurrence. As we approach the North Fork, swift water will make for some entertaining paddling. A First Nation camp was located upstream where spawning salmon were speared, netted, and sun-dried or smoked along the river banks. The river broadens but is quick-paced through this stretch. The scenery is quietly majestic as we near Big Salmon Village at the confluence of the Yukon River. We continue our paddling trip for two days on the Yukon River with its sandy banks and substantial current. We may barge the boats together, read a good novel and still make 6 miles an hour! There are hiking opportunities on the east bank and we can explore Eagle Rock to view the Yukon River. After travelling north along this historic, goldrush river, we pull out at the village of Carmacks to meet our van and travel back south to Whitehorse. That evening, we have our final dinner in Whitehorse