By the time we hit the scree of the upper slopes, we can see 100 kilometres in any direction not blocked by a mountain, and it’s impressive to think this entire vista is unmarred and unoccupied, free for any animal to wander at will. paddler.nl. We spend a last, subdued evening around a driftwood fire, sharing tea and river stories, the melancholy of finality tempered by accomplishment. Jan 13, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by United Van Lines (Canada) Ltd.. The tower is now a rub, with wisps of grizzly hair attached to bolts and the jagged edges of rusted metal. Twice, we trudge loads one hour over alpine scrub, ford a creek, beat through a maze of willows, struggle across a hummocky wetland, burrow through another strangle of willows and land on the flood channels of the Snake. The Snake is one of three majestic paddling rivers, along with the Wind and Bonnet Plume, whose waters flow north into the Peel River en route to the Arctic Ocean. Following animal trails back to camp, we wade through swaths of bear flower, a plant characteristic of the unglaciated areas of Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon, yet another of the Peel’s dimensions: though much of it was heavily glaciated, a good chunk of the watershed missed out on the most recent Pleistocene party. (Photo: Fritz Mueller), Veteran Peel paddler Blaine Walden points out more relics from erstwhile oil exploration. The Yukon is again experiencing a boom; this summer expects to see a rash of new claims and increased work on established claims outside the Peel River watershed, mostly due to the strong price of gold and demand from China. Yukon River. Snake River, Yukon - a canoeing paradise Snake River, Yukon - a canoeing paradise. Chevron’s leftover trash encourages hunters to treat the site as their own modern-day dump. “Wow, look at these things,” laughs Mary, turning the sharp, ochre impressions in her hands. The beautiful Snake River runs over 300 kms through the Yukon's northern mountains. This is "Canoe trip on the Snake River in 2011 - Yukon (Canada)" by Francis Soenen on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. Rising between the Bonnet Plume Range (Selwyn Mountains) and the Backbone range (Mackenzie Mountains) along the Yukon/NWT border The Snake River of the Northern Yukon is a superb paddling river with much diversity and many moods. On … Paralleling the border of the Yukon and Northwest Territories, the Snake River is one of the most remote northern rivers that offers superb mountain hiking without the mosquitoes of the tundra. In the upper reaches alpine tundra stretches almost to rivers edge, allowing easy access to wildflower meadows and sweeping ridgelines. “Wild Rivers of the Yukon’s Peel Watershed,” by Juri Peepre and Sarah Locke, includes a guide to paddling the Snake, Wind and Bonnet Plume rivers. How lucky we were to be in an area this summer I will name Snake river paradise. The Snake River is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest region in the United States. “One of the best ways that we can manage natural systems to ensure resilience to climate change is through protecting large habitat areas and ecosystems,” explained Karen Baltgailis, executive director of the Yukon Conservation Society, when I spoke with her after the trip. The thought, which has hovered all morning, turns on its side as our float plane tips steeply into the alpine vale cradling Duo Lake, in the headwaters of the Snake River. In no time, our group — a Whitehorse-based crew consisting of photographer Fritz Mueller and guides Blaine and Mary Walden of Walden’s Guiding & Outfitting — plus our tonne of gear and pair of canoes are all on shore. “I’m not saying that happened 30 years ago, but these days, that’s how we conduct our business. In 1963, Californiabased Standard Oil (now Chevron) cleared an airstrip on a forested plateau and erected a camp to conduct oil and gas exploration. Rising between the Bonnet Plume Range (Selwyn Mountains) and the Backbone range (Mackenzie Mountains) along the Yukon/NWT border The Snake River of the Northern Yukon is a superb paddling river with much diversity and many moods. Mining is one way where people living in the community can earn a living. That afternoon, the river braids out for the first time, and we bob below cliffs dotted with dirty white puffballs — Dall sheep munching the succulents they lust for — and crisscrossed by peregrine falcons. It is the farthest east river in the Peel watershed, a major tributary of the Mackenzie River. The Snake is known for exciting, but manageable, whitewater and exceptional hiking. The Snake is 300 km (186 mi) in length. His estimated adult weight is 7-9 pounds. As small and removed as the site may be, it not only is clearly contaminated but is affecting local wildlife. The Kids are still alright - Duration: 7:06. “The area we’re talking about is huge,” says Claire Derome, president of the Yukon Chamber of Mines. Kendall R, Nunavut. Head to the Yukon in the summer for long days paddling under the midnight sun or in the early fall to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. With a final decision expected this fall, the fight for the Snake is heating up. It was very low and boy did we trash our canoes. Having already received five major rivers, the Peel here is already huge. ••• “Right draw, right draw!” yells Al Pace from the stern. It drains from the Wernecke Mountains along the Yukon/NWT border into the alluring Peel River. The Peel watershed is … The Snake River is renowned for its remote beauty, excellent hiking and whitewater paddling. No matter the perspective, there is room for humanity, since we are a part and not apart. Welcome! Sort of. Travelling 300 kilometres and dropping 1100 metres from high alpine to arctic plain. This river is known for its exciting Class II whitewater and beautiful scenery. It was very low and boy did we trash our canoes. During a layover day, we light out on a four-hour hike to a nearby peak, following an animal trail through dense, spongy spruce up a ridge that plateaus into sparser trees and mossy hummocks. Except for encountering the occasional rock garden, our days on the river are braids and eddies, braids and eddies. Kellet Canyon, Nunavut. On the side of exploitation is the Yukon’s traditional economic engine — the mining and oil and gas industries — intent on preserving leases that have been staked on uranium, iron and oil and gas deposits. The Snake is a pristine tributary of the Yukon’s Peel River watershed flowing due north along the Northwest Territories border on the Continental Divide. Canada is one of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. Underfoot is a riot of lichens, bryophytes and small alpine plants: reindeer moss, dead man’s fingers and even fairy parasol (which grows only on moose dung). In December 2009, after seven years of consultations, the independent Peel Watershed Planning Commission recommended that 80.6 percent of the region be withdrawn from staking and protected and that 19.4 percent become Integrated Management Areas, where mineral, gas and oil could be accessed only if there were no significant environmental deterrents. I didn’t know a thing about the river. The alabaster flow pours through three separate channels into the teal-coloured Snake, yielding an uncanny and alluring parfait. Call us Toll-Free in North America: 1-888-667-2209 Eventually, the water slows and grows bigger, working through soaring cutbanks peppered with mineralized nodules from much further back in time. The Teslin River is a very enjoyable and relaxing ride as it flows from Teslin Lake to the confluence of the Yukon River at the historic Hootalinqua NWMP station and Telegraph Post. Kellet Canyon, Nunavut. Climbing up off the river, we are treated to the true breadth of the land. Dendrites of former drainages fell like dark veins between muscled ridges. Day 10, our last day on the river, is sunny but gruelling. Yukon River – Lake Laberge to Dawson City Terre Boréale. The water is rising, growing browner and nastier, adding the hazard of new channels roaring through gravel bars crowded with old log-jams. your own Pins on Pinterest The bow split open in several places. Both rivers provide some of the most picturesque and pristine hiking and paddling found anywhere in the Yukon… This long-standing, unperturbed ecosystem holds significance for the future. After remaining mute for half a century, Chevron, as of this writing, has committed to a two-phase cleanup that will comply with all government regulations. I didn’t know a thing about the river. What lay ahead was 35 kilometers - as the crow flies - of alpine hiking. Book your adventure Call 307.733.6295. The cleanup might be a double-edged sword: although belated and welcome, it is also necessary if Chevron holds any hope of acting on its stakes in the area. Add to My List Edit this Entry Rate it: (5.00 / 4 votes) Translation Find a translation for Snake River, Yukon Territory, Canada in other languages: Select another language: - Select - 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) The Teslin and Yukon rivers are worse than the Snake. Snake River, Yukon Territory. Like many Yukoners, Mary and Blaine arrived from other parts of Canada to fall in love with this wild land. 3:13. Please only send messages in the event of an emergency.. Drive, bike, walk, public transport directions on map to Snake River - HERE WeGo I modified it for an outboard and added complete new internal structure with Off Shore Bracket. Coppermine River. “Given how well the economy is doing, it’s hard to justify the government’s plans for the Peel.”, Subscribe to Can Geo Today >Digital Edition >Our FREE Newsletters >Cover Vote >. Discover (and save!) The four of us (Tim, Bill, Ardie, and Sherry) paddled it in the middle of July 2001 when it was in a high and rolling mood brought on by “That’s Iron Creek,” says Blaine, directing us to pull over. The bow split open in several places. A chance to experience it in its current state is an opportunity I can’t turn down. The idea comes sharply into focus as we near our destination, the isolated Snake River. The Yukon Explorer – Snake River Accessible only by float plane, this stunning trip begins aboard a DeHavilland Beaver or Otter air plane that takes you into a lush alpine valley, moves through the awe-inspiring Mackenzie Mountain range and drops you off in the tranquil Duo Lakes. Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company 3,066 views. By the end of the day, the canyon is in shadows. One Royalex Dagger Venture showed considerable abuse too – deep gouges and cuts…. Arrays of circular lakes told a story of leftover ice chunks buried beneath rubble. In 2012, the company will undertake any necessary soil remediation. Wilderness, though, is not always pleasant. Yukon is a medium energy boy who loves to be active and play but then is more than happy to cuddle up and hang out when the fun is over. Yukon; Snake River; Snake River Travel Guide ; Yukon Travel Guide . 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