Due to it's remoteness and difficulty to access, Atlin remains a truly amazing adventure location. Situated on the edge of the glacier fed Atlin Lake, there is an unlimited amount of beauty and exploring potential. The lake its self is a beautiful mixture of blue and green, created by the the glacier silt and continuously changing depending on location on the lake. Taking the boat out on this lake is an experience I will not forget, and the views are truly world class. We were very fortunate to finally get a day with very minimal wind and some exceptional glass smooth water. Taking the narrows into the back channel of the lake is only possible with a smaller boat, but it is a very beautiful and protected area, and given the chance it is well worth the trip in. Getting into the back channel you are welcomed with an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains, the glacier and the world famous Theresa Island.
My attempt to properly capture these views was slightly hindered by an unexpected drone crash and large hike to recover it, but the view from the top was nearly worth the cost. Drone crash or not, this trip was really special.
From Atlin, we did push much north to Dawson City and beyond, but there is of course a lot to see in between, we just didn't have the time. Dawson City is another really great adventure location, and of course it is the city with the richest history in the Yukon, still thriving today. We took the ferry across the Yukon river and made our way up to the Top of the World Highway. The drive to the border and back was our goal, but that quickly changed when we were told about a potential ghost town about half way. The trip down into 40 Mile is a real treat, but nothing compared to the experience we were offered upon arrival. The folks caretaking Clinton Creek Hideaway were incredibly accommodating, and offered to take us for a proper tour of the old ghost towns and abandoned mine.
The first ghost town, is that of 40 Mile, which is the original gold discover launching the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, due to the effects of mother nature, there is very little left of the old city, but efforts are currently being made to restore and recover what remains. Clinton Creek, situated only several KM away, tells a very different story. This was a mine town, built to house the families of employees working at the asbestos mine up the hill. The asbestos found at Clinton Creek was some of the best quality ever discovered, and a full city was built and mining was officially underway. Throughout the late 60s and 70s, this was a bustling community with everything needed to be comfortable and happy. The mine operated at a rate that put out approximately 117,000 tons per year, packaged and shipped out in 100 pound bags.
We all know now of the dangers presented with asbestos, which was the ultimate fate of Clinton Creek. When industries changed, there was no longer a need for asbestos, and no other reason to stay in the area. Clinton Creek shut down in 1978, all of the buildings were auctioned off and remediation began. Much of the equipment that was not bought was buried on site, and today what is left is little more than just a large hole in the earth. Some of the old iron is sitting exactly where it was left, and apparently is still in running condition. This area is beautiful, but unfortunately because of the unstable tailing pile, it is under risk of flash flooding, but hopefully that day will not come.
If you would like to make a trip up here and check out some history, take a look at the accommodations available at Clinton Creek Hideaway: https://www.clintoncreekhideaway.com/
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