Exploring the ancient forests at Yakoun Lake on Haida Gwaii. This area is home to some of the island’s largest Sitka spruce trees, nourished by rich alluvial soils along the lake’s edge. Hiking here feels like stepping into an old black-and-white photograph of the grand forests that once blanketed the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks to the leadership of the Haida Nation, these ancient giants are now protected within the 7,970-hectare Yaaguun Suu Conservancy on Graham Island. The conservancy safeguards old-growth spruce and cedar forests, salmon habitat, and culturally important areas connected to the Yakoun River watershed.
A short 1.5-kilometre trail (800 m one way) leads through towering trees reaching over 230 feet (70 metres) tall and 11 feet (3.5 metres) wide before opening onto a quiet sandy beach at the lake. The lake is about a 40-minute drive along logging roads from Daajing Giids. Take Queen Charlotte Mainline to Rennel Sound FSR, then go left here before parking at the trailhead.
If you find yourself on Haida Gwaii and want to see old-growth forests, the Yakoun Lake trail is truly worth the journey!
Take action today by sending an instant message to protect old-growth forests.
