Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing Tour

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6.5 Hours

Leave the crowds of Skagway and visit Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines. Upon arrival in Haines, meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic and wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park.

The trip begins with a 45-minute ride via a 100-passenger shuttle catamaran along the steep-walled fjord that connects Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliffs rising above the sea. Marvel at the scenery and look for harbor seals basking on the rocks and bald eagles perched in the pine trees.

Arrive in Haines, meet your guide and board your comfortable vehicle for the half-hour drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights.

In May, June and July, the wildflowers are at their peak and eagles are busy caring for their young in the nest. Beginning in late July, the river fills with migrating salmon, and harbor seals follow them up into the river where they go to spawn. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases as well. There is a good probability of brown bear sightings from early August through late September.

Your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and safe wildlife viewing. Extra binoculars are provided for your use during the tour. If wildlife is spotted, the guide stops the vehicle and sets up a powerful spotting scope for everyone to use. They then explain the behavior of the animal while making sure everyone is safe.

The area is scenic and pristine nature abounds. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Your guide will help identify the vegetation and flowers, discuss the area’s Ice Age geology and explain how everything fits together in the Chilkoot’s rainforest ecosystem.

Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities. Enjoy lunch on your way back to Haines. Board the Fast Ferry to Skagway and return to your ship with memories of an unforgettable adventure.

Note: Sightings of brown bear are not likely before the salmon start running in August. This tour goes through prime wildlife habitat, however, wildlife sightings, including brown bear, are not guaranteed.