Photo from dawsoncityrvpark.com
Section 1: Adrenaline Lane
The first 30 mile section of the river is fast flowing and straightforward to read. It is a popular day trip that guides as Kanoe People Outfitter in Whitehorse, YT suggest takes a full day for recreational paddlers. With the adrenaline of finally starting the race, it is easy to try to keep up with the fastest boats, wearing yourself out before you get to Lake Lebarge.
Section 2: Lake Lebarge
Lake Lebarge was made famous in Robert Service's haunting poem The Cremation of Sam McGee. The 30 mile (50 km) lake poses several challenges on the first day of the race. The current dies almost immediately when teams empty out into the south side of the lake, and there is often a steady headwind that can prevent teams from keeping up a quick pace. The waves on the extremely cold lake can easily reach 3 feet, which can be dangerous in narrow racing canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. New rules from the race director state that you cannot be more than 600 feet from shore, a difficult rule to follow with so many bays and the temptation of going straight up the middle to reduce mileage. Ptarmigan Point also proved to be a difficult landmark because it doesn't seem to get any closer over a fairly long period of time. The plus side is that there are a few great campsites near the end of the lake.
Section 3: Thirtymile
Thirtymile is the section of river from Lake Laberge to Hootalinqua. Getting back on the river is a relief after the grueling lake. The water moves quickly and has small riffles that are fun to run, making the section rather enjoyable. Watching the banks is always exciting, you never quite know what you'll find. At some point there is an old steam ship beached river left that can be explored on non-race trips.
Section 4: Confluences
The section of river from Hootalinqua to Dawson is long and mentally challenging. It is important to stay present and not get caught up in thinking about how you still have 800 miles to paddle. Passing Carmacks is another fun milestone, and also a reminder of the upcoming 5 Finger Rapids. The rapids can seem daunting given the size of the wave train, but overall is a straightforward set with little to worry about. The adrenaline rush is a nice pick me up for alittle bit after. The rest of the way to Dawson gets wide as more and more rivers flow into the Yukon. At the confluence of the White River, the water gets so silty the water looks thick. Water treatment becomes tricky in this situation, but can be resolved with coffee filters, alum, and iodine to make some tap-like water. The navigation gets more difficult in this section. The maps don't always accurately reflect the river due to constant changes from ice and water levels. The last few bends to Dawson seem to last forever, but knowing you've made it to the town/half way is a sweet relief.
Section 5: Dawson to Circle
Paddling from Dawson to Circle is fairly similar to the section into Dawson. The navigation is not particularly challenging.
Section 6: The Flats
Photo from 5 fingers rapids tripadvisor report
This is undoubtedly the most difficult section of the race. The terrain is flat and the river is braided. Choosing the wrong channel will not take you off the river, but it can slow your progress and hinder spirits. The water is shallow with less current in most channels, making it important to keep your wits about you even in an exhausted state. Teams can see the bridge for quite a while before actually arriving.