Scenic Alaska Inside Passage town known for mountain views, outdoor adventure, and one of the world’s largest gatherings of bald eagles.
General Information
Skagway (nearby, via ferry)
How to Get There
From Juneau (~75 mi): Travel by Alaska Marine Highway ferry or small aircraft; Haines is also accessible by road via the Haines Highway connecting to Canada.
Overview
Haines (Tlingit: Deishú) is a small town on the Chilkat Peninsula at the northern end of the Alaska Panhandle, one of the few Southeast communities connected to the highway system: the Haines Highway runs 39 miles to the Canadian border and continues on to the Alaska Highway. It is more low-key than Skagway, with a strong Tlingit heritage and outdoor recreation.
Highlights
- Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: thousands of bald eagles gather from October to February, and a Bald Eagle Festival is in November
- Fort William H. Seward: a National Historic Landmark (1978) with parade grounds, Alaska Indian Arts, and the Chilkat Center
- Recreation: rafting the Chilkat River, hiking Mount Ripinsky and the Takshanuk Mountains, and fishing at Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake
- Southeast Alaska State Fair: each July, including part of the set from the film Big Miracle
- Getting there: the Alaska Marine Highway, a fast ferry from Juneau, and small planes
Things to Do
Discover Alaska's Adventure Capital
Nestled between the towering Coast Mountains and the deep waters of Lynn Canal, Haines is one of Southeast Alaska's most scenic communities. Known for its abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation, Native culture, and Gold Rush-era history, Haines offers a quieter and more authentic Alaska experience than many larger cruise destinations.
Visit the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Haines is world-famous for its bald eagle population. The nearby Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve protects critical habitat along the Chilkat River and hosts one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the world. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe eagles year-round, with especially impressive gatherings occurring during the late fall salmon runs.
Explore Fort William H. Seward
Established in 1902, Fort William H. Seward was one of Alaska's first permanent U.S. Army installations. Today the historic district contains restored military buildings, galleries, museums, restaurants, and waterfront views, making it one of Haines' most popular places to explore.
Experience Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
The Haines area is known for its incredible wildlife. Visitors frequently encounter bald eagles, brown bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, seals, sea lions, and whales. Guided wildlife tours throughout the Chilkat Valley and nearby waterways provide excellent opportunities to view these animals in their natural habitats.
Kayak Chilkoot Lake and Lynn Canal
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Haines. Paddlers can explore the calm waters of Chilkoot Lake, coastal areas along Lynn Canal, and nearby inlets while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and opportunities to observe wildlife along the shore.
Visit the Hammer Museum
Haines is home to the world's first museum dedicated entirely to hammers. The Hammer Museum features thousands of hammers from different cultures, professions, and historical periods, offering a fun and uniquely Alaskan attraction in the center of town.
Learn About Native and Regional History
Visitors can explore local museums and cultural centers that highlight the history of the Tlingit people, early explorers, mining activity, military history, and the development of Southeast Alaska communities.
Take a Scenic River Float Trip
The Chilkat River system offers outstanding rafting and float-trip opportunities. These excursions provide access to remote wilderness scenery while giving visitors chances to spot bears, eagles, salmon, and other wildlife throughout the river valley.
Top Trails
Mount Ripinsky Trail
Length: Approximately 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
One of the area's signature hikes, Mount Ripinsky rewards hikers with spectacular views of Haines, Lynn Canal, the Chilkat Valley, and the surrounding mountains. The challenging climb is popular among experienced hikers seeking panoramic scenery.
Battery Point Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This easy coastal trail follows the shoreline north of town and offers beautiful views of Lynn Canal, nearby islands, and snow-covered peaks. The route is popular for walking, birdwatching, and photography.
Mount Riley Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Located near Chilkoot Lake, this scenic trail climbs to viewpoints overlooking Lutak Inlet, Chilkoot Lake, and surrounding mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, and the summit offers excellent opportunities for photography.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Visit Haines - Things To Do, Alaska.org - Things To Do In Haines, Admiralty Island, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
