Big Salmon River (Yukon)

Headwaters

The Big Salmon River ( English for " large salmon river ") is a 240 km long right tributary of the Yukon River in the Yukon Territory in Canada.

It flows through the traditional territories of the Teslin Tlingit First Nations, the Kaska Dena - and the Little Salmon Carmacks. It has its origin in the Quiet Lake. From there it flows north through the lakes Sandy Lake and Big Salmon Lake. The river forces its way through the mountains to the northwest. West of the river lies the Big Salmon Range, to the east is the Pelly Mountains. The largest tributaries of the South Big Salmon River and the North Big Salmon River. At river kilometer 208.5 ( ⊙ 61.306111111111-133.33111111111 ) the river is over its entire width by tree trunks blocked (so-called log jams ). In the area of river kilometer 15 (15 km before its confluence with the Yukon River), the Big Salmon River is looking for a new river course. There is a large delta has formed because the former course is blocked. The former trading post Big Salmon Village was at the confluence of the Big Salmon River, Yukon River.

Ecology

The black spruce is the dominant tree species in the catchment area of the Big Salmon River. The wildlife is very extensive. Elk, bear, wolves and eagles can be observed in large numbers.

Recovery

The Big Salmon River is a medium-sized wild - flowing river. There are two-week canoe trips on Quiet Lake, which is accessible via the South Canol Road, the Big Salmon River and another 120 km up the Yukon River down offered to Carmacks. The difficulty of the whitewater sections located at I -II. The river is not suitable for paddling beginners.