Chilkat Bald Eagle Raft Trip And Wildlife Viewing

Chilkat Bald Eagle Raft Trip And Wildlife Viewing Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

This is an exciting raft trip through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

The towns of Haines and Skagway are on peninsulas divided by the Lynn Canal. Skagway owes its history to the gold rush, and Haines is a site of cultural importance to Tlingit Indians, as well as the home of the Bald Eagle Foundation. Haines is known as the "sunny spot of the Southeast" with only 60 inches of precipitation annually.

Treat yourself to a small group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The trip begins with a 45-minute catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Upon arrival in Haines, meet your expert guide and enjoy a riverside drive along the Haines Highway. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans. The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009.

Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 45 minutes away. Don your life jackets, listen to your guide’s safety talk, board the raft and leave the road and civilization behind. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river channels.

This is a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the home of the largest bald eagle congregation in the world. Thousands of bald eagles travel here to feed on salmon in the fall and winter. In the summer months, a healthy resident population of bald eagles lives along the river. Your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the intricate balance of nature that makes this a unique and special place. You do not have to paddle; your hands are free for your camera and binoculars. Keep an eye out for other wildlife besides bald eagles. ……moose, otters, brown and black bear, and even wolves, call this Preserve their home.

You will spend approximately one and one half hours floating the river. After rafting, your guide will select a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch on your way back to Haines. Board the Fast Ferry to Skagway and return to your ship with memories of an unforgettable adventure.

- Dress in layers and bring an extra pair of warm socks, a hat, and rain gear.
- Life jackets, rubber boots, rain ponchos, and light gloves will be provided.
- A boxed lunch is included in the price and includes a turkey sandwich, fresh fruit, a cookie and bottled water.

- Children must be at least 7 years old to participate.
- Maximum weight is 250 lb per person.
- This excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers.
- Each raft holds a maximum of 7 people. If there are more than 7 people in your group you will be in separate rafts. Please contact ShoreTrips if you have a larger group.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• , duration: 6.5 hours The departure time will be determined by ShoreTrips. Times vary due to ferry schedule.