Cottonwood Trail Tour

Hiking Tour in the Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park, Cottonwood Trail – Mush Lake Road to Kathleen Lake, 85 km / 7 days

The Cottonwood Trail in the Kluane National Park is still an absolute insider tip for nature travellers. In this original wilderness, we hike through one of the most breathtaking landscapes of Canada. The Kluane Park is also known for the biggest Grizzly population of North America and we may view some wildlife close by. During our trek through the mountainous region of the Kluane Mountains, we hike two passes and cross several creeks. A real adventure awaits you.

The length of the trail is 85 km and rated as moderate level. The difference in altitude on the Cottonwood Trail is 520 m. Good hiking boots, rainproof clothing, as well as a comfortable hiking backpack are recommended.

Day 1:
Your guide will greet you at the Whitehorse Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After the check-in we will meet for a tour briefing, discuss your trip details and get prepared for the hike.

Day 2:
We start our tour with a drive on the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction. Once there, we will inform us about the Kluane National Park at the Parks Visitor Center and receive our bear-safe food containers. These are mandatory in the National Park!
We continue along the park border in a southerly direction. Over an old mine road and crossing a riverbed we reach the interior of the Kluane National Park and our starting point for the Cottonwood Trail, on Mush Lake Road.
With a short leg of about 10 km, we start our hike in slightly ascending terrain. At Alder Creek, we will pitch our first camp in the wilderness.

Day 3:
Today we set off for the first pass. Along Dalton Creek, we quickly reach higher locations. Here, above the tree line, we get a first glimpse of the peaks of the Kluane Mountains.
This area is home to grizzly bears, elks, wolves and other nordic animals. Along the entire trail we will find numerous signs and traces of bears, moose and other wildlife. Maybe we are lucky and can take a few good wildlife pictures from a safe distance.
After passing the Dalton Pass, we reach Upper Victoria Creek. We have to cross this small creek before we setup our camp on the other side for the night.

Day 4:
We follow the course of the Victoria Creek for a few kilometers, before we make the ascent to the second pass of the hike. After just 150 meters of altitude we reach the pass and can now enjoy the descent over some large meadows with wild flowers and through poplar forests, into the beautiful Cottenwood valley.
In the valley we find the “half way” marker for the Cottonwood Trail.
We will continue along Cottonwood Creek. In dry weather we can hike through the dried creek bed and cross it later.
Before leaving the creek and heading towards our camp for the night, we have to fill up all our water reserves. Our evening camp is located in a dry area without a creek. The openess of this valley often allows us to observe moose and other animals at close range.

Day 5:
We leave the open valley and hike after a short ascent along the mountains. After a few kilometers the trail continious on an old mining road to Louise Lake. Here on this beautiful lake, at lower Victoria Creek, we will setup our camp for tonight.

Day 6:
On our last leg we have to cross Victoria Creek. This is not an easy task, since the water is ice cold and the flow can be quite fast, depending on the water level.
In the further course of the tour we reach Kathleen Lake. Along this beautiful lake we walk on a narrow trail. Several rock slides and another creek are still to be crossed before we reach the end of the Kathleen Lake and thus the end of our Cottonwood trail hike.

At the foot of Kathleen Lake, we are already expected by our driver. In the minibus we drive back to Whitehorse and have one more time the opportunity to admire the Kluane Mountains from afar.
In Whitehorse we check in at the hotel for the last night and conclude our Cottonwood Trail Tour.

Day 7:
Transfer from your hotel to the Whitehorse Airport and say “good bye”.

What is included:

  • Whitehorse Airport shuttle
  • 7 days tour from/to Whitehorse
  • English speaking guide
  • Guided tour in small groups from 2 to 12 people
  • All overnight fees (2 x hotel, 4 x camping in tents)
  • Overnight stays in two people Dome Tent incl. Therm-A-Rest mats
  • 5 days hiking trip in the Kluane National Park
  • Kluane National Park permits, trail fees, etc.
  • All meals during the tour
  • All transportations
  • Emergency equipment including Satellite communication

Not Included:

  • Air fare to/from Whitehorse
  • All hotel meals and during the transportation
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking backpack
  • Fishing License
  • Travel and cancellation Insurance
Date: Price Availability
17.07.2023 to 23.07.2023 $1,980 CAD available
24.07.2023 to 30.07.2023 $1,980 CAD available

Single room supplement: $200.00 CAD
Single tent supplement: $120.00 CAD

All prices are in Canadian dollars plus 5% GST.