Five-Finger Rapids was the most dangerous part of the trip from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Eventually river guides were mandated, after many of the stampeders died. When sternwheelers started plying the river, a winch on the opposite bank (at the bend, in this picture) pulled the boats through. This 'finger,' the easternmost one, was the safest.  Over the years it was widened to ease boat passage.