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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
Pickup included
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
James M,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
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.
Marc W,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
Excellent commentary about fauna and animals. No bear sightings but everything was first class. We would do it again.
Joseph D,
Jun 27, 2025
- Viator
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.
Operated by Rainbow Glacier Adventures