Ryan Dickie of @winterhawkstudios is an indigenous wilderness photographer based in Fort Nelson, British Columbia. Growing up along the Alaska Highway, his work is a reflection of his passion and love for the place he calls home.
To kick things off, I selected this image from an early morning sunrise at the top of the Nonda Creek Corridor. This 25km route starts at mile 409 on the Alaska Highway(near Toad River), and provides access to the high alpine slopes overlooking Muncho Lake Provincial Park to the west.”
Dawson Creek is mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, so the area is most definitely steeped in history. For example, the prairie city was a transshipment point during the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. Equipment, men, and supplies needed for the huge undertaking were shipped by rail to Dawson Creek during that time. No doubt, this certainly expedited the growth and economy in the area.
Many of the original wooden train trestle bridges from the past still stand to this day. Impressive feats of early engineering, they are a sight to behold.”
A two hour drive north of my home in Fort Nelson, the park sits at the highest point in elevation along the entire Alaska Highway. Given its high alpine location, it is indeed a beautiful playground for the adventurous soul. In my opinion, there is no better way to end a long day exploring the park than by cooking supper over the fire and sitting on the shores of nearby Summit Lake during sunset.”
The 16 million hectare tract of land features countless rivers, lakes, rugged mountain vistas, and thriving forests that have yet to be hindered by our modern way of life.
Like the first people long before us, taking a step through this wilderness is like taking a leap back to a simpler, more primitive time. I feel very fortunate to call this part of the world my home.”
I snapped this photo underneath the Muskwa River bridge, the lowest point in elevation along the highway, and a popular place to watch the northern lights for locals.”
In closing, I’d like to encourage anyone traveling the Alaska Highway in the future to use the hashtag #explorealaskahighway. The @explorealaskahighway handle is a collaboration among the Northeast BC Tourism Co-op and has been created to help share the beauty around us here along the historic stretch of road we call home.”
To see more of Ryan’s work, follow @winterhawkstudios on Instagram.
-the Alaska Highway