Selkirk Loop Road — Pelly Crossing to Fort Selkirk Historic Site
Ghost town on the Yukon River, earned by ferry.
Fort Selkirk sits at the confluence of the Pelly and Yukon Rivers, accessible only by water or by the seasonal Yukon River ferry at Pelly Crossing. Once the ferry drops you on the west bank, a rough two-track cuts south through boreal flats and creek crossings before opening up at the abandoned townsite — Hudson’s Bay post ruins, Anglican church, and all of it frozen in time since the 1950s. The route follows the west bank of the Yukon for roughly 25 kilometres of soft river-bottom track, with a particularly muddy stretch just north of Ethel Creek that’s eaten more than a few overconfident rigs.
This is a high-clearance trip minimum, and locker-equipped rigs will handle the soft sections with less drama. The ferry at Pelly Crossing runs mid-May through October — call Yukon Highways ahead of time because schedules shift. No fuel past Pelly Crossing, so top up. The payoff is enormous: a First Nations and fur-trade heritage site that sees almost no vehicle traffic, incredible Yukon River views, and dead-quiet camping on the riverbank. Cell service is zero from the ferry onward.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Pelly Crossing, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government / Selkirk First Nation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | yukon.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Selkirk Loop Road?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. The trail is moderate, but soft sections, ruts, and water crossings will punish anything with low clearance or 2WD.
When is the Pelly Crossing to Fort Selkirk route actually passable?
June through September is the reliable window. The ferry operates seasonally and the dirt road turns to greasy muck in wet shoulder seasons — early June can still be rough after snowmelt.
Do you need a permit to visit Fort Selkirk?
No permit required, but Fort Selkirk is managed jointly by the Yukon Government and Selkirk First Nation — respect the site, stay on marked paths, and don't disturb structures or artifacts. The ferry crossing is free.
What's the hardest part of the trail?
The water crossings and soft ground near the river bottom are where things get real. Nothing technically extreme, but if the ground is wet, you can sink fast — aired-down tires and momentum management matter more than lockers here.
Is there any cell service along this route, and where should I top up fuel before heading out?
There is zero cell service from Pelly Crossing all the way to Fort Selkirk and back — file a trip plan before you leave. Fuel up in Pelly Crossing; there are no services on route and the round trip plus the ferry approach adds up fast.
Trail track
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