Haines Wildlife And Nature Viewing At Chilkoot Lake

Haines Wildlife And Nature Viewing At Chilkoot Lake Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

A few extra hours in Haines should be spent outdoors taking in the reality of Alaska.

Haines has always been known as the place to go to see the all the seasonal changes in nature as they happen. Whether you arrive in the spring, summer, or fall you will enjoy the intensity of the times, particularly with the help of your naturalist guide. The guides are roaming these areas daily and know of every change that occurs, whether it be a new bald eagle nest or a burst of wildflowers that will stun you.

Evenings in Alaska remain light and allow you to enjoy a little bit more of what you came to experience. So why not fill the few hours remaining of your stay in port and return home with fabulous photos and memories?

Your guide will meet you and take you in a small group on a scenic driving tour to Chilkoot Lake State Park. Chilkoot Lake has it all. You will find this turquoise lake surrounded by stunning snowy mountain peaks as a background. The river that flows into the sea is filled with salmon and that was part of the draw for the Tlingit Indians who settled here. Many of their cultural sights are still visible and their history will surely be shared. Alaska also has the largest population of Bald Eagles with an estimation of 30,000 birds, and Haines is a particular draw for them so you can expect to see more than a smattering of birds most of the time. Along with the eagles, you can find harbor seals and brown bears, often near the river, feeding.

As you drive through the park, your guide will stop at those locations that afford the best scenery in hopes of spotting some incredible images. You will have binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring even the most distant sighting up close. And as you move along the trail, your guide will explain how these animals fit into the complex eco-system in Chilkoot.

May, June, and July will overwhelm you with an explosion of wildflowers and bald eagles nesting along the lush river. In August the pink salmon begin their run, always a sight to see. As they move upstream in large numbers to spawn you can expect to see a brown bear or two along the Chilkoot River looking for dinner. This is the best way to see this food chain happen and during spawning season it is almost a sure thing.

This experience is offered as a full day excursion as well, from both Haines and Skagway, but this snapshot of nature in the works will allow you to double up on experiences for your day in port, which is really why you have come to Alaska in the first place.

- Dress comfortably for the weather.
- You will be driving to several locations but outside to spot animals and nature. Waterproof shoes might be smart.
- You will want your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.
- Gratuities are much appreciated.

- There is a minimum of 2 people to run the tour.
- This tour is not available on the following dates in 2022:
6/6, 6/16, 6/29, 7/8, 7/22, 8/3, and 8/13.
- 5:15pm departure should ONLY be booked if you arrive on the Serenade of the Seas at 5:00pm. All other arrival times for the Serenade of the Seas should book the 1:00pm tour time.
- 7:15pm departure should ONLY be booked if you arrive on the Radiance of the Seas at 7:00pm.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 01:00 PM, duration: 2.5 hours
• 05:15 PM, duration: 2.5 hours Only for 5pm arrival of the Serenade of the Seas
• 07:15 PM, duration: 2.5 hours Only for 7pm arrival of the Radiance of the Seas