Kluane Lake — Slims River Delta Viewpoint

This is one of the most geologically significant viewpoints on the Alaska Highway. The Slims River historically drained meltwater from the Kaskawulsh Glacier into Kluane Lake. In 2016, glacial retreat caused sudden river piracy — the meltwater rerouted south toward the Pacific almost overnight, dropping Kluane Lake’s level and leaving this broad delta exposed as a windswept outwash plain. The Alaska Highway pullout near Destruction Bay gives you a clear look across the shrunken lake toward the St. Elias Mountains. Dust storms off the exposed delta can be intense in dry, windy conditions.

Pullout is right on the Alaska Highway (Highway 1) near the Sheep Mountain Kluane National Park kiosk, roughly 70 km north of Haines Junction. No facilities at the viewpoint itself. The kiosk nearby has interpretive panels on the glacier and lake dynamics. This area sees brisk Alaska Highway traffic in summer — pull well off the road. Wind is relentless here; tie down anything loose.

Where a river vanished overnight — for real.