Haines Wildlife Viewing
Chilkat River

photo of Chilkat River area wildlife The Chilkat River serves as a travel corridor for wildlife as it slices through the rugged mountains that separate the interior of North America from the coastal ecosystems of Southeast Alaska. Moose wander the banks of the Chilkat throughout the summer. Watch for cow and calf pairs at the river’s edge. Brown bears and wolves come to the river as well, in part to opportunistically hunt moose calves. Mountain goats patrol the ridgelines, and are best spotted with binoculars or a spotting scope. Watch for many birds, including arctic terns and trumpeter swans, along the Chilkat.

Habitat

The Chilkat River slices through rugged mountain ranges, making it a natural “highway” for wildlife to move between the interior of North America and Southeast Alaska.

Species

  • Brown Bear
  • Eagles
  • Moose
  • Mountain Goat
  • Swans
  • Terns

Hints

Watch for moose cow and calf pairs feeding on the lush greenery along the riverbank.

Facilities

  • Fee
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Notes

Not all boats are wheelchair accessible, ask when booking a tour.

Plan to spend at least: 2 -hours - half day

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

Most boat tours will provide transportation from downtown to the river.

Contact

Haines Convention and Visitor's Bureau - (907) 766-2234 or http://www.haines.ak.us

Additional Information

Living with Bears