Plants of the Carcross Dunes

Click on the photos to enlarge them

In 2014, a rest area with outhouses and a small deck with several interpretive signs was built at this very popular stop. See more photos and information about the rest stop here.

"The World's Smallest Desert" as seen from the South Klondike Highway.

The Watson River, whose silt is the source of the dune system.

Looking north up the beach from the footbridge across the Nares River.

Although very unusual, small sections of the beach do occasionally get heavy use. This photo was shot during the White Pass & Yukon Centennial celebrations on July 29, 2000.

The entire dune system, from the Watson River at left center to the most active dunes at right centre. Much of the village of Carcross is built on the southern limit of the dunes.

Looking northwest across the Watson River valley from the top of the dunes.

Looking southwest to Lake Bennett from the top of the dunes.

At the eastern edge of the dune system, the wind-blown sand is gradually burying the spruce forest that borders it.

The dunes near the Watson River are being eroded quite dramatically during the storms that occur in the early summer when the water level in Lake Bennett is at its highest.

The active dunes near the beach have started to bury the schoolyard, and some people say that the activity there has dramatically increased since a house was built on the dunes between the school and the lake.

The bare knoll in the centre of the photo, right on the edge of the sensitive dunes ecosystem, is the site chosen by the Carcross-Tagish First Nation for a 150-room hotel to be built in 2002.

Another activity that increases dune activity by loosening the sand is the use of motorcycles and ATVs.

A rainbow over Lake Bennett and the dunes.

Photos are all © 2000-2007 by Murray Lundberg.

Plants of the Carcross Dunes

A Guide to Carcross