Wilderness camping is allowed in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. The term ‘wilderness’ refers to an area with no amenities, which is more than 1 km from any road. Therefore, there are no formal campgrounds or other services provided. We do not charge any fees for wilderness camping in this park.

For information on suggested wilderness camping locations, see park and activity maps, below.

To minimize wildfire risk, campfires are not allowed in most parts of Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. Campfires are allowed only along the Tatshenshini and Alsek river corridors. You must use a fire pan for any campfires you light.  

If you are wilderness camping away from the river corridors, use a camping stove for cooking. For information on campfire safety, see the responsible recreation page.

There are two toilet facilities along the eastern edge of the park, on the west side of the Haines Highway. One is at the small roadside hut just south of West Nadahini Creek. The second is at the pullout for the Chuck Creek trailhead.

There are nearly endless hiking opportunities in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. However, the Chuck Creek Trail is the only properly maintained hiking trail anywhere in this park.

All other routes listed below follow old mining roads that predate the establishment of the park. These are hiking and mountain biking routes rather than maintained trails. Therefore, you may encounter difficult conditions.

Summer weather is highly variable in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. Although a day may start with clear skies and sunshine, it can quickly change. Snow is possible any day of the year.

High winds are frequent and there are often long spells of cold, wet weather. Fog can be a particular challenge for hikers. It may roll in at any time, making route finding difficult.

See below for information on these routes:

• Chuck Creek trail
• Parton River route
• Copper Butte route

Chuck Creek Trail

The trailhead for Chuck Creek Trail is 140 km south of Haines Junction, on the Haines Highway. There is a pull-out at the trailhead with an outhouse, information kiosk, and bear-proof garbage bin.

This is the only maintained hiking trail in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. The trail is 12 km one-way, for a 24 km return trip. It has recently been upgraded to improve sightlines and prevent further braiding and widening.

This is a moderate difficulty trail. However, it has multiple creek crossings. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Consider bringing hiking sandals or an old pair of runners for the crossings.

Conditions are frequently wet along this trail. You should not attempt mountain biking on this trail in wet weather.

We recommend bringing the relevant 1:50,000-scale map for this trip (# 114 P/10 – Nadahini Creek). Also, take a GPS and mark a waypoint at 9.5 km, as foggy conditions can make route finding very difficult.

The trail starts in a sub-alpine valley. After roughly 3 km, Mineral Lakes comes into view to your left. If you decide to continue further along this trail, you will come across Chuck Creek.

Around the 7 km point, the trail drops to Clear Creek, where the spectacular Samuel Glacier comes into view. From here, the views keep improving as you walk closer to the glacier.

Parton River route

The Parton River hiking route is an abandoned access road and horse trail. The trail is unmaintained and there is no signage at the start of the route or anywhere along it.

We recommend bringing the relevant 1:50,000-scale maps for this trip (# 114 P/10 - Nadahini Creek, # 114 P/11 - Carmine Mountain and # 114 P/15 - Parton River).

Park your vehicle at the Tatshenshini River to begin your journey. The trailhead is roughly 112 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Highway, just past Stanley Creek.

Take the gravel road that turns off the highway. After this, you cross the Tatshenshini and Parton rivers. The hiking is good until you reach a rockslide area with three obstacles.

The first obstacle begins at UTM coordinates 397020 E / 6639350 N to 396906 E / 6639287 N. It continues to 396822 E / 6639150 N. The second is at 396635 E / 6638929 N. The third, at 396549 E / 6638102 N, completely covers the road.

Mountain bikers should take extra care at the second obstacle, It is known for clogging up mountain bike tires.

After the third obstacle, you cross a prominent gully. Here, the hiking becomes easier as it follows an old mining road. At the next creek, it is very easy to lose the trail and end up bushwhacking through a muskeg.

Pay attention after passing the ‘old wagon’. Keep to the right fork, away from the Parton River. The hiking is good up to the old cabin by the junction in the road. The junction is at 393884 E / 6631715 N.

Going northwest from the junction puts you on the Shinny Lakes Trail, which has spectacular scenery throughout. The trail has good hiking, following the old mining road and horse trail.

Mountain biking is not recommended past the first lake, as the route follows a very narrow, soft horse trail. This lake is suitable for swimming because it has little vegetation and a gravel beach at the east end.

Going east from the junction, across the creek, puts you on the O’Conner Trail. This is a roughly 16 km hike to an old airstrip. There is a steep climb for about 3 km. Then it slopes off to a serious rockslide.

This obstacle is at UTM coordinates 394849 E / 6630935 N to 394855 E / 6630880 N. It covers the road completely, with treacherous detours going above and below. Use extreme caution when negotiating these detours.

After the rockslide, there is another steep climb and then the trail levels off. The trail follows along the valley below, which provides spectacular scenery. Then, it leads down into the valley and through to the old airstrip, where it ends.

Copper Butte route

The Copper Butte hiking route is an abandoned access road roughly 160 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Highway. It is approximately 3 km past the end of Three Guardsmen Lake on the east side of the highway.

Park your vehicle in the pull-off at 59ﹾ 584022N and -136ﹾ467244W. Begin by walking down the old Haines Road. This abandoned access road is unmaintained and there is no signage at the start of the route or anywhere along it.

Walk roughly 2.5 km down the old Haines Road until you come to Schulz Creek. This will be the second creek you encounter. From here, head north (right) and begin a moderately strenuous hike through the Alder.

This goes on for about 100 m until it opens to the old Copper Butte mining road. 
Follow this to the old mines. It is a very scenic abandoned road with many visible remains from past mining activities.

The mineshaft on the east-facing slope is unstable and should not be entered. Do not enter any mine shafts.

Once you reach the first plateau, the terrain opens. You are greeted by mountainous vistas and get a bird’s-eye view of Inspector Creek. From the Copper Butte Plateau, you can continue north-northwest to Mineral Lakes.

There are beautiful camping opportunities on the shores of these alpine lakes. From Mineral Lakes, you can head towards the Chuck Creek Trail, which makes for an easy walk back to the highway.

Tatshenshini-Alsek Park offers world-class canoeing, river-rafting, and kayaking opportunities. The BC Parks River Fee is in effect in this park. For full details of the opportunities available and fees charged, see the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park: River-rafting and kayaking page.

Tatshenshini-Alsek Park offers world-class canoeing, river-rafting, and kayaking opportunities. The BC Parks River Fee is in effect in this park. For full details of the opportunities available and fees charged, see the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park: River-rafting and kayaking page.

Fishing is allowed in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park.

Dogs and other domestic animals must be kept under control in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park.

Authorized horseback riding is allowed in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. You must obtain a letter of permission before bringing horses into the park. Submit your request for a letter of permission online.

Hunting is allowed in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. Please consult the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for detailed hunting information.

Tatshenshini-Alsek Park is a popular destination for a range of winter activities. The park attracts backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and kite skiers. However, it is best known for its snowmobiling opportunities.

Extra planning is essential for winter recreation, especially if you are visiting the backcountry. For information, visit the winter safety page.

Snowmobiling

A snowmobile zone was established during Tatshenshini-Alsek Park's creation in the mid-1990s. Tatshenshini-Alsek is one of very few BC Parks where any snowmobiling is allowed.

Studies have shown that snowmobile activity negatively impacts a wide variety of wildlife. Most snowmobiling activity occurs at a time when wild animals are at their most vulnerable (the end of winter and the beginning of spring).

Snowmobiling is not allowed in most BC Parks. The Park Act specifies a $575 fine for illegal snowmobile use. This is strictly enforced in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. To avoid a fine, do not use your snowmobile outside the snowmobile zone.

For details of the area where snowmobiling is allowed, see the snowmobile zone, below.

When snowmobiling within the zone, give animals the space they need and deserve. Any snowmobilers who are disturbing or endangering wildlife may be evicted from the park.

We ask all visitors to help us protect local wildlife and keep this rare and exciting snowmobiling opportunity alive. Together, we can ensure everyone is able to enjoy this extraordinary park, safely and responsibly, for generations to come.

For more details of how you can enjoy the snowmobile zone without harming wildlife, see responsible snowmobiling, below.

The snowmobile zone

Tatshenshini-Alsek Park has two management areas:  

• The Natural Environment Zone (also known as the snowmobile zone)  
• The Wilderness Recreation Zone

Snowmobiling is allowed only within the Natural Environment Zone. Snowmobile use is not allowed in the Wilderness Recreation Zone. Anyone found snowmobiling in the Wilderness Recreation Zone is fined under the Park Act.

For information on the boundaries of these zone, see the following resources:  

• Google Earth file of the snowmobile zone boundary [KMZ]  
• Snowmobile zone [PDF]  
• Snowmobiling brochure [PDF]

Responsible snowmobiling

We work with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Klondike Snowmobile Association to promote safe, responsible snowmobiling in this park. Here’s how you can help:  

• Ride straight   
  Do not operate a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Safe snowmobile operation requires a clear head.  
• Be respectful of wildlife  
  Stick to the designated snowmobile zone. Take extra care to give wild animals and birds the space they need and deserve.  
• Be respectful of others  
  Snowmobiles can present a danger to other park visitors, especially backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and kite skiers.  
• Be prepared for the conditions  
  Check the forecast for adverse weather conditions, which are common in this area.  
• Be aware of avalanche risk  
  Be capable and equipped for self-rescue. Know how to identify risky areas. Avoid glaciers, cornices, gullies, and creek beds.  

Before heading out, check with Avalanche Canada for information on avalanche conditions.  

• Slow it down  
  Maintain responsible speeds. Use a lower speed in adverse weather conditions or in the evening when visibility is lower.  
• Leave No Trace  
  Pack out any litter or other waste. For information on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, see our backcountry guide.  
• Spread the word   
  Make sure your fellow snowmobile enthusiasts are aware of appropriate and responsible snowmobiling practices.