Big Eddy Woodcamp

August 8, 2026

Breakfasted on a clear morning, but as we packed up it clouded in. As we paddled off on our last day of the Teslin river it started to rain. Fortunately the rain did not last long, but as it was fairly cool we remained in our waterproofs for a while.

A drizzly and cool morning

Final stretch of the Teslin

After about two hours of paddling the Teslin river ended and we entered the swifter waters of the Yukon river. There was a distinct line where the dark and clear waters of the Teslin met and mixed with the lighter blue and sedimented Yukon waters. Paddling across a wide and shallow bay brought us to the old town site of Hootalinqua. Today this is a very established camping area with lots of sites and even a covered picnic shelter. We took a break here and explored the various buildings which are being preserved as a museum. Two other groups were packing up camp here, including one guided group of four who we would be meeting several times over the next few days.

Ruins of Hootalinqua

About a kilometer farther down river brought us to Hootlinqua island where an old shipyard was to be found. On display was a dry docked steamer ship which we spent some time exploring before continuing.

Remains of steamer ship Evelyn

The sun came out around lunch time which we spent drying out on a a nice gravel bar. A long paddling stretch followed to Big Eddy Woodcamp, where we found two established campsites. We settled into the larger one and relaxed for a while, taking a swim, and getting some laundry done.

Deb taking a break on the Yukon

The guided group showed up and almost immediately a vicious storm struck. The eight of us crowded into our bug shelter as lightning, buckets of rain, and pea sized hailstones pinged all around us. The other four spent this time scurrying about trying to get their camp set up at the other site while we managed to keep reasonably dry. I finally ran to the tent to get a nap in for an hour while waiting out the remainder of the storm. Fortunately the sun came out again around supper time. At about 20:00 the sky was rumbling again and we all retired to the tents for the evening expecting another big storm.

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