Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing from Haines

After disembarking your cruise ship in Haines, your small group will meet your expert naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic and wildlife-rich 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. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.

As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting.

Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem.

May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. Beginning in August, pink salmon-the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties-begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bear as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river.

Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities!

Please Note: Brown bear sightings are unlikely to occur until the salmon begin running in August. Although this tour passes through excellent wildlife habitats sightings of wildlife, including brown bears cannot be guaranteed. This tour requires a minimum number of 4 guests to book and can accommodate 14 guests in total.