Kluane Lake — Destruction Bay Viewpoint and Lakeshore Pullout

Destruction Bay is a small community on the western shore of Kluane Lake at roughly kilometre 1083 of the Alaska Highway. The lakeshore pullout here gives you an unobstructed read on Kluane Lake and the peaks of the St. Elias Mountains across the water — on a clear day it’s one of the most dramatic roadside views in the Yukon. For overlanders running the Slims River West Bench Road or the Haines Junction to Burwash Landing corridor, this is a natural stopping point. The old Destruction Bay Lodge has historically offered fuel and very basic supplies — verify current status before counting on it.

The lake itself is notorious for violent afternoon winds — Kluane means ‘place of many fish’ in Southern Tutchone, but what it really means for overlanders is whitecaps and blowing sand by 2pm. Early morning is glassy. Access is directly off the Alaska Highway with no special clearance needed.

Kluane's shore — St. Elias views right off the highway.