About this experience
Leave the crowds of Skagway behind and visit Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines.
Your tour begins with a high-speed catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords which connect Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. Upon arrival in Haines, you will 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. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Transportation and Fare on Haines/Skagway Fast Ferry
- 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.
- Driver/guide
- Port pickup
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Travel to and from Haines on a high-speed catamaran along steep-walled fjords at the northern end of the Lynn Canal. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. This is a 45 minute journey each way with a naturalist on board to highlight the sights. Our representative will assist you with boarding and your tour guide will meet you in Haines for the tour to the Chilkoot Lake.
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.
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.
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. Make sure you bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.
Nukdik Point is one of the many scenic places to stop for lunch. Across the water the seaside town of Haines will be spread before you with the stunning backdrop of the Chilkat Mountains.
Fort William H Seward overlooks the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock. Built by the US Army in 1904, the fort has a storied past and is now privately owned and maintained.
Meeting and pickup information
- There are three docks in Skagway. Please proceed directly to the greeting area at your arrival location. Your guide will be holding a Rainbow Glacier Adventures sign with a large rainbow logo. If you do not know which dock you are on, please let us know. IMPORTANT: If you do not immediately see your guide, stay at the greeting area and wait. Do not walk toward town. Railroad Dock (Tender or Shuttle Dock) If arriving by tender, walk up the ramp and wait by the "Small Boat Harbor" sign. If arriving by shuttle bus, remain at the shuttle drop-off area. Broadway Dock Walk to the end of the pier in front of your ship, near the start of the train tracks. Ore Dock Walk up the ramp and past security to the greeting area. Hotel & B&B Guests Meet your guide directly in front of your lodging. Look for the Rainbow Glacier Adventures vehicle. PLEASE DO NOT USE Google or Apple Maps, or the map link provided by Viator. These will send you to the wrong location. We pick you up at the bus loading area nearest your ship.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rainbow Glacier Adventures
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
- A minimum of 2 people is required for tour to run
- 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.
- Not accessible to motorized wheelchairs.
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
IMPORTANT: If you do not immediately see your guide, stay at the greeting area and wait. Do not walk toward town.
Railroad Dock (Tender or Shuttle Dock)
If arriving by tender, walk up the ramp and wait by the "Small Boat Harbor" sign.
If arriving by shuttle bus, remain at the shuttle drop-off area.
Broadway Dock
Walk to the end of the pier in front of your ship, near the start of the train tracks.
Ore Dock
Walk up the ramp and past security to the greeting area.
Hotel & B&B Guests
Meet your guide directly in front of your lodging. Look for the Rainbow Glacier Adventures vehicle.
PLEASE DO NOT USE Google or Apple Maps, or the map link provided by Viator. These will send you to the wrong location. We pick you up at the bus loading area nearest your ship.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
Not accessible to motorized wheelchairs.
What is the cancellation policy?
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