Originally known as Mud Lake, Marsh Lake is a 30 km widening at what is essentially the headwaters of the Yukon River. It forms part of what is known as the Southern Lakes, just off the Alaska Highway south of Whitehorse. The network of Steamboats developed to ferry passengers to the rapids at Canyon City, Yukon just outside what is now Whitehorse, used wood from this area to fire their engines. It is blessed by a lovely sandy beach and warm bay for summer swimming. With close and easy access to Whitehorse, people have built cabins along the lake. Mining in the area was discovered to be fruitless after prospectors were lured and disappointed by Fool’s Gold (pyrite). It is home to a well-attended loppet (cross-country ski race).