Dyea Alaska

I decided to head back down to Skagway and the Dyea area as it wasn't too far out of the way and I needed a salt water fix.

Along the way I hiked down to the Yukon River at an area known as Five Finger Rapids. At first paddle wheel river boats couldn't get past this point. Then they started winching them up using cables attached to the shore. Finally, over a period of several years, they blew up the rocks blocking the main channel and that was that.

I really like the Dyea Flats area as it is away from the cruise ship crowds in Skagway and very scenic.

This heron was just begging to have his picture taken.

Looking out over the flats towards the bay.

Later in the evening

Besides the river there is a stream that also runs through The Flats. It was loaded with spawning Pink Salmon. I was glad I returned just to see this. It's amazing how many fish were in the stream competing for nesting spots or females.

And the seagulls were going nuts! They would fly along the creek just above the water....

Then they would dive into the water going after the salmon eggs. I spent a lot of time by the creek watching all the activity.

Surprisingly I only saw one bear. It was far out at the end of the flats and took off as soon as he saw me.

I know I keep badmouthing Skagway, but this is why. I really can't stand crowds.

On the way out of town I took a short hike to a series of waterfalls you can see from White Pass. Sitting on a rock in the middle of the stream was this chick. You have to wonder what it was doing there other than being hawk feed.

One of the waterfalls.