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.
- Half-day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve rafting float tour, from Haines
- Board a sturdy raft for a calm water float on the Chilkat River
- Look for eagles, bear, moose, and wolves in the Chilkat Preserve
- Visit the preserve that has the world’s largest gathering of resident and migratory bald eagles
- Take in the tall mountains in this Alaska state park
- Includes guide, lunch, raft trip, and round-trip transportation from Port Chilkoot Dock in Haines
What To Expect
Haines
Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way to your rafting adventure. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.
• Admission Ticket Included
Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark
Check out Fort Seward (Alaska’s first Army post) on your way through Haines to begin your rafting adventure. Check out the historic structures that were formerly Army barracks stacked next to the picturesque Port Chilkoot overlooking the Lynn Canal.
• Admission Ticket Included
Haines Highway
You will board a motor coach for a beautiful 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, which is a National Scenic Byway. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley, and always keep an eye out for bears!
• Admission Ticket Included
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
At the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you’ll experience the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world! Your specially-trained guides await to begin your rafting adventure (a gentle float, no whitewater!). You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft – the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. After your hour and a half float, you will enjoy a riverside picnic lunch on the banks of the river.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Chilkat River
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers – the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
• Admission Ticket Free
Tsirku River
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers – the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
• Admission Ticket Free
Tsirku River
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers – the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
• Admission Ticket Free
Klehini River
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers – the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
• Admission Ticket Free
Klukwan
Klukwan is one of the largest communities of Tlingits (Alaska native people groups) still in existence, located twenty-two miles north of Haines. Klukwan sits on the banks of the Chilkat River.
The name Klukwan is taken from the Tlingit phrase “Tlakw Aan” which literally means “Eternal Village.” The site was chosen because of the rich natural environment found here, including the salmon runs.
• Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
Max group – 4
