4 hours Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

4 hours Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Pickup included

Reviews

4.55

11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We had the pleasure of...
Brian P,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We 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
5.00
Catherine 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
5.00
On 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
Had 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
5.00
Mikey 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
2.00
Apparently 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.
Excellent commentary...
Marc W,
Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent commentary about fauna and animals. No bear sightings but everything was first class. We would do it again.
Great Scenic Tour
Joseph D,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Well coordinated tour, very knowledgeable guide who provided a lot of context and detail on the sights we were seeing including the history of the area. She had a powerful telescope which she set up to see mountain goats and eagles which she knew where to find. She was upfront that we were rather early to see salmon and bears which was disappointing but nevertheless the scenery and sights we saw were interesting.
Haines, AK review
Ckpshop,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Rainbow Glacier Adventures (owner-Joe) was so helpful and knowledgeable, sharing great information about Haines, Alaska before we arrived. Helped us to decide what excursion to sign up for. Garrett, our guide was wonderful. He was so knowledgeable about wildlife plants, etc., and that made the excursion very enjoyable. Sorry we didn’t see bears, but that is out of our guide’s hand! Saw lots of beautiful and majestic eagles.