Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing Excursion from Haines - 4 Hrs

What your day looks like

Meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour (14 guests maximum) 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. Depending on the season, bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears can be 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 bears 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. Opting for the 4-hour tour allows for more flexibility in your itinerary. For example, if no bears are spotted the first time driving up to Chilkoot Lake, the guide may decide to make another pass. Because there is more time on the tour, more time can be spent at each stop. Additionally, the guide may choose to visit other locations like the pink salmon spawning areas, the trumpeter swan nest site, or the Pyramid Island Lookout.