Top Haines Outdoor Activities

Meet your knowledgeable guide for a 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 caring for their young in the nest. 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, so does the chance of seeing bears along the river, with a good probability of bear sightings from early August through late September. As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Your guide is equipped with a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, and your guide will help interpret the behavior of the various wildlife and explain how the animals fit into the Chilkoot’s complex ecosystem.

Experience the wildlife of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a half-day tour from Haines that features a 1.5-hour float trip aboard a sturdy raft. The preserve is known to have the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, and other native animals such as moose, otters, and bears. Learn about Alaska's pristine wilderness from your guide, and stop for lunch at a scenic spot before returning to Haines. Your tour includes lunch, guide, raft tour, and port pickup and drop-off.

Spend a day immersed in Alaska’s stunning nature during this kayak trip on Chilkoot Lake. Depart the town of Haines with your private guide and enjoy a leisurely few hours of kayaking on the uncrowded lake. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, and even brown bears.

Alaska Nature Immersion offers Forest Therapy in the beauty of the Alaskan Wilderness. This practice, inspired by Japanese Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), provides you with a transformative experience to promote healing and wellness through immersion in the forest, fostering a deeper connection to nature. We aim to facilitate moments of mindfulness, gratitude and rejuvenation, allowing you to tap into the restorative power of the natural world. The tour takes place in the sanctuary of Haines, Alaska, where mountains rise high from the coastal fjords, the oceans teem with wildlife and rivers flow from glacial waters. Your Forest Therapy Guide is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. You will be fully immersed in the healing energy of the forest by connecting deeply with your senses. Forest Therapy is more than a simple walk in the woods; it's a journey of self-discovery, a meditation in motion and communion with nature.

Glide through breathtaking Alaskan waterways, taking in stunning mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife on this guided canoe safari. Enjoy a leisurely pace while you learn about the region’s history and unique ecosystem, and spot bald eagles, spawning salmon, and bears along the way. This canoeing excursion is ideal for couples and families who want to experience the Alaskan wilderness in an active way.

Board bus for a 30 minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel 20 miles into the wilderness. You vessel is specially designed to travel on silt-laden rivers which is the only access to a remote roadless portion of the preserve. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley, although no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose or bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you'll enjoy a riverside picnic. **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**

Explore the breathtaking Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on this 5-hour rafting adventure, guided by experts who know the best spots for wildlife viewing. Glide through glacially braided rivers, where you may encounter bald eagles, salmon, and even bears, all while enjoying a mix of swift currents and tranquil floats. This trip is ideal for families and friends (ages 4 and up), ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Alaska's wilderness. The tour includes door-to-door shuttle service, waterproof boots, rain gear, lifejackets, and a hearty snack, making it a convenient and enriching outing. - 5-hour guided rafting tour in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve - Small groups for personalized wildlife viewing experiences - All necessary gear included, ensuring comfort and safety - Perfect for families and friends (ages 4 and up)

Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a half-day wildlife tour that includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River. From Haines, hear informative commentary during a scenic drive that takes you past Fort Seward, along the National Scenic Byway, and into the Chilkat Valley. Stop in the heart of the preserve to board stable rafts for a float on the calm waters of the river, keeping an eye out for eagles, bear, moose, and wolves. End your cruise with a riverside lunch before your return to Haines.

Focus on Haines with this guided tour of the area, focusing on nature, photography, or both. This is a small group experience (max 4), so you’ll get lots of personal attention. Your guide can offer advice on how to get the best composition when framing your shots, and will also fill you in on the area’s rich cultural and natural history stories. This is about a half day tour that stops at several places along the way.

Head into the heart of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve—and enjoy a personalized, hassle-free way to explore—on this private, half-day float tour. After departing from Haines, head to the preserve and board an inflatable raft. As your guide navigates the river, watch bald eagles swoop down to catch salmon, learn about the natural history of your surroundings, and look out for other wildlife from bears to moose.

Join this hassle-free kayaking group from Skagway to explore the wildlife on Chilkoot Lake in a beautiful wilderness setting. Your guide provides the gear, so you don’t need to bring your own kayak. Learn the basics from your guide before heading out, then keep your eyes peeled for eagles, bears, and all sorts of migratory birds.

Discover a side of Alaskan nature that few visitors experience—and learn to capture high-quality wildlife photos on this small-group, half-day photography tour. Follow your guide to the scenic Chilkat Valley to spot bears, bald eagles, moose, and more. Bring your camera and get expert tips to capture the best shots.

Climb to the top of Mount Riley, the highest peak on the Haines Peninsula, on this full-day guided hike. Follow the scenic mountain paths and forest trails to the 1,512-foot (461-meter) peak; enjoy spectacular views over Lynn Fjord, Chillkat Lake, and the Chillkat glacier; and tuck into a delicious picnic lunch on the mountaintop.

Kayak the waters of southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage without worrying about equipment. Let your guide provide you with all the gear you need and offer a safety-briefing orientation suitable for all skill levels. Photograph and take in the scenery of the Inside Passage as you paddle in your 2-person kayak. After several hours on the water, finish this tour with a beach-side lunch.