Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the name of their cruise ship and Hotel guests must provide the name of the hotel or B&B.
Your tour includes a portable lunch. It consists of a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available with 48 hours advance notice.
The remaining hours will be allocated for the travel time from pick up until drop off.
What To Expect
Visit a true naturalist’s paradise - Haines, Alaska. Haines boasts some of the most pristine wild country in Southeast Alaska. Your expert naturalist guide will share their knowledge of this area’s unique wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Pause on your way to the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site to learn about the Lynn Canal ecosystem and get a safety briefing about being in bear country.
Chilkoot River
In May, June and July, the wildflowers are at their peak and eagles are busy caring for their young on the nest. Beginning in late July, the river fills with migrating salmon, while brown bears come down to the river’s edge to feed. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases, with a good probability of bear sightings from early August through late September.
Options
4 hours Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Port Pick-up
Lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie and water. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available with 48 hours advance notice.
Admission Fees
Knowledgable Driver/Guide
Gratuities
Pickup points
Aspen Suites Hotel Haines
409 Main Street Haines United States
Captain's Choice Motel
108 Second Ave., Haines United States
Port Chilkoot Dock, Haines, AK
Haines Municipal Airport
728 Main St Haines United States
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An excursion not to be missed
U8980GBmaureenc,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best excursion during our 9 Day Alaskan Cruise. Katt was an exceptional tour guide. Her knowledge and passion made the 4 hours just fly by. We didn’t want it to end. Besides bald eagles, we saw a black bear enjoying a field of dandelions, a brown bear quite up close and personal (no need to get off the bus), and some mountain goats.
Incredible Wildlife!
Jesse H,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Katt was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable of the area. We were able to see multiple Eagles. Seals, Mountain Goats, Swans, We saw a teenager Brown bear near the tree line. What an Amazing experience here in Haines Alaska.
Great day and saw plenty of wildlife
Gerald S,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kat was great and very personable and knowledgeable. Saw plenty of wildlife including black and brown bears, swan, otter, and bald eagles. Included lunch was yummy.
We had the pleasure of...
Brian P,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the pleasure of having Jeanette as our guide. She is a gem and led us to see many eagles and a family of bears (mama and 4 cubs). We could not have asked for a better time!
Fun, interesting and with great wildlife sightings
Cosmopolitan624865,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine was an excellent guide. She was enthusiastic and really knew where to take us. We saw a bear feeding her 4 cubs and watched them for ages, another down river, bald eagles and heard so much about the salmon which is so important to this ecosystem. We were a small number, left from the cruise ship and had a lovely picnic spot. Haines was such a peaceful place. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Did not disappoint
Denise L,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00On time and personable guide. Knowledgeable. We saw everything we wanted, mama bears either her 4 cubs feeding off salmon, bald eagles, seals, and spawning salmon. A great trip. Highly recommend.
Great wilderness tour!
ElizabethMInchilli,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent afternoon tour with Anna. She brought knowledge and enthusiasm and a genuine love of the place she calls home. We felt like a friend was showing us all of her favorite places while sharing a mix of history and personal stories.
A Great Day in Rainy Haines
richardmB1295PY,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great day with Karla! She gave us a very informative day. The weather did not make her job easy but she overcame all of it. Loved the art gallery and Hammer Museum. Thanks, Karla!
Great experience
ancienttravelor,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mikey was an excellent guide He had great stories, excellent information about the region and great camera advice. We particularly liked his knowledge of iPhones and digital cameras He was helpful showing us how to shoot in less than great weather
Too early for this tour.
James M,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Apparently July 2nd is not the time for this tour. The salmon aren't here, so neither are the bears, or the large number of bald eagles that feast on the salmon. Our guide Garret was very pleasant and informative, but there was only so much to work with. You can only talk about the river so much. And 3 1/2 hours was more than enough. We did see one bald eagle by the shore, and a couple of specks in a far off tree that were probably bald eagles, but I can't be sure. I don't think this tour, the "wilderness and wildlife" tour should be offered unless the salmon are running. We kept hearing "in a few weeks" this will happen, etc. Offer the tour in a few weeks, not now.
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