Today we are able to give a better idea of the probable location of the
Mush creek trail than we did in our article of a couple weeks ago, when we had to rely largely upon a map which proved upon comparison with the one in the police barracks to be inaccurate.
From the information obtained it is impracticable to pass around either end of Lake Arkell, as there are three swift glacial streams flowing into the lake from the south, while to the north the Tahkini, a wide, swift stream, and fordable only for a short time in the season of low water, presents a serious obstacle. By crossing lake Arkell at what is known as the Narrows, located near the center and only about one-quarter
of a mile wide, would make a saving of at least 50 miles in the length of the trail. In the winter this crossing can be made without difficulty over the ice while in the summer it will be only a matter of navigating a short stretch of still water.
The country between Lake Arkell and Dalton trail is pretty well known and presents no obstacles whatever. From the west side of the lake a well beaten Indian trail crosses the country almost due west to lake Frederick, which is situated midway between
lake Arkell and the Dalton trail. It is likely the route will pass around the northwest end of the lake, but the locating parties have instructions to examine the route around either end before making any recommendation.
Leaving lake Frederick the course will be directly south of west until the Dalton trail is reached about 15 miles north of Dalton Post.
The country between Whitehorse and lake Arkell is where the most difficulty will be experienced, for but few white men have ever traversed this section.
Dr. N. J. Lindsay claims that he has information from Indians well acquainted with this country that a route can be located from the Pueblo mine through an almost level country to lake Arkell. Our object in giving this road so much space in our columns has been for the purpose of attracting the attention of the few men who have been through the country and to learn their views of the best way to proceed to reach the desired end. We have the assurance of Major Snyder, who has charge of the work, that no steps will be taken for its final location until he is fully convinced that he has found the most easily traversed and direct route, and should the locating party miss the route suggested by Dr. Lindsay it is likely they will be sent out again immediately upon their return to make a return and report upon it.
