100,000 Signs & Soothing Hot Springs

 

 

100,000 Signs & Soothing Hot Springs: Day 4 on the Alaska Highway (Muncho Lake to Watson Lake, Yukon)

One of the best parts of any epic road trip is those perfect days where everything just clicks — stunning scenery, unexpected wildlife, a relaxing soak in the wilderness, and a quirky roadside attraction that stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what Day 4 of our Alaska Highway adventure delivered as we rolled from Muncho Lake toward Watson Lake in the Yukon.

If you haven’t watched the video yet, grab a coffee (or a virtual hot spring soak) and check it out here: 100,000 Signs & Hot Springs! ♨️ Alaska Highway Day 4. It’s packed with 4K footage, real-time reactions, and all the little details that make the Alaska Highway so special.

Wildlife on the Road: Bison, Ibex, and Pure Northern Magic

The day started early with some incredible wildlife sightings right along the highway. We spotted ibex grazing near the road, followed by multiple herds of massive wood bison — some wandering right beside (and occasionally across) the pavement. Driving slowly and giving them plenty of space was key. These animals are wild, powerful, and a reminder that on the Alaska Highway, nature is very much in charge. The fall colours lighting up the landscape added an extra layer of beauty to every mile.

Liard River Hot Springs: A Natural Oasis in the Wilderness

One of my absolute favourite stops of the entire trip — and easily a highlight for many travelers — was Liard River Hot Springs. Tucked just off the highway in British Columbia, this natural sulfur spring feels like a hidden gem (though it’s a well-known favourite among Alaska Highway veterans).

We took a relaxing dip in the warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by lush boreal forest and boardwalks. The water is soothing, the setting is peaceful, and it’s the perfect way to recharge after days on the road. There’s even a campground right there if you want to extend the stay. Pro tip: the sulfur smell lingers a bit afterward, but it’s totally worth it. This stop turned a long driving day into something truly memorable. ♨️

Crossing into the Yukon & the Legendary Signpost Forest

As we pushed north, we crossed the 60th parallel and officially entered the Yukon — with a few back-and-forths between territories along the way. Then came Watson Lake’s Signpost Forest — hands-down one of the most unique and fun attractions of the whole journey.

Started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. soldier (Carl K. Lindley) who nailed up a sign for his hometown while working on the Alaska Highway, the “forest” has exploded into over 100,000 signs from all over the world. License plates, hometown markers, quirky messages — you name it. Wandering through the maze of posts feels like a global scavenger hunt. We hunted for familiar places, marvelled at how far some signs had travelled, and soaked up the history at the nearby visitor center. It’s quirky, creative, and utterly unforgettable. Definitely bring (or make) a sign from home if you visit!

Why This Day Stood Out

From Muncho Lake’s shores to the hot springs refresh and the whimsical Signpost Forest, Day 4 captured the spirit of the Alaska Highway perfectly: wild, unpredictable, relaxing, and full of character. The mix of nature, history, and human creativity along this route is what keeps drawing people back (or inspiring first-timers like us to finally make the trek).

The video does a great job showing the real flow of the day — the drives, the stops, the “whoa” moments — all in beautiful 4K. Whether you’re planning your own northern adventure, reminiscing about one, or just dreaming from the couch, it’s a fun watch.

Have you been to Liard Hot Springs or the Signpost Forest? What was your favorite quirky or relaxing stop on a road trip? Drop your stories in the comments — I love hearing them!

Safe travels, keep exploring, and thanks for joining the KassDays journey. More Alaska Highway days coming soon!

 

Exploring the Iconic Sign Post Forest with KassDays

Exploring the Iconic Sign Post Forest: A Must-See Gem in Watson Lake

Nestled in the heart of Watson Lake, Yukon, the Sign Post Forest stands as a whimsical testament to human wanderlust and creativity. Captured beautifully in a recent YouTube Short by KassDays (check it out by watching the attached video.), this sprawling collection of signs transforms a simple roadside stop into an international mosaic of memories. If you're traveling through the area, perhaps along the legendary Alaska Highway, this quirky attraction is an absolute must-see. It's not just a forest of trees; it's a living archive where thousands upon thousands of signs from around the world tell stories of journeys taken and homes left behind.

The video pans across rows of wooden posts, each one densely packed with an eclectic array of street signs, license plates, homemade plaques, and even flags. From vibrant green highway markers to faded license plates hailing from distant countries, the sheer variety is mesmerizing. Set against a backdrop of tall pines under a partly cloudy sky, the scene evokes a sense of adventure and community. The accompanying music, "Tattoo" by Loreen, adds a rhythmic, uplifting vibe that perfectly complements the exploratory spirit of the place. KassDays' footage invites viewers to imagine strolling the dirt paths, spotting signs from their own hometowns or far-flung locales, and perhaps even adding one of their own.

What makes the Sign Post Forest so special? Its origins trace back to 1942, during the construction of the Alaska Highway. A homesick U.S. Army soldier named Carl K. Lindley, stationed in the area for repairs, nailed up a sign pointing to his hometown of Danville, Illinois, complete with the mileage. This simple act sparked a tradition that has endured for over 80 years. Travellers passing through began contributing their own signs, turning what started as a single post into a sprawling "forest" that now spans about two acres.

Today, the collection boasts more than 100,000 signs, with new ones added every year by visitors from across the globe. You'll find everything from official city limit signs stolen (or "borrowed") from roadsides to personalized messages scrawled on wood, representing over 100 countries. The Town of Watson Lake maintains the site, ensuring it's accessible year-round, though summer offers the best weather for exploration. It's free to visit, and if you're inspired, bring a sign to add, nails and hammers are often available on-site.

Why make the stop? Beyond the novelty, the Sign Post Forest captures the essence of travel: connection, nostalgia, and shared experiences. It's a place where strangers become part of a collective story, leaving a piece of themselves for others to discover. As KassDays' video highlights, even a quick walk-through can spark joy and wonder, reminding us of the vast world beyond our daily routines. If you're in the Yukon or planning a road trip up north, don't miss it, it's one of those rare spots that lives up to the hype and leaves you with stories to share.

Video Screenshot: A vibrant panorama of the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, as featured in KassDays' YouTube Short.