About this experience
Upon arrival in Haines, you’ll board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
You’ll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive from expert naturalists. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley on this excursion. At the preserve, experienced raft guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater).
You’ll float silently down the river aboard 18′ inflatable rafts – the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Your tour will float past the Native village of Klukwan where the Tlingit people have lived for centuries on the bounty of this beautiful wilderness.
**Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**
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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 7 years
What is included
- Rubber boots
- PFD (personal floation device)
- Professional guide
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Cruise ship pickup and drop-off
- Rain poncho if needed
- River float
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Your guide will help you board the comfortable ferry for a 45-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines
Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way to your rafting adventure. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.
Check out Fort Seward (Alaska's first Army post) on your way through Haines to begin your rafting adventure. Check out the historic structures that were formerly Army barracks stacked next to the picturesque Port Chilkoot overlooking the Lynn Canal.
You will board a motor coach for a beautiful 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, which is a National Scenic Byway. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley, and always keep an eye out for bears!
At the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you'll experience the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world! Your specially-trained guides await to begin your rafting adventure (a gentle float, no whitewater!). You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft - the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. After your hour and a half float, you will enjoy a riverside picnic lunch on the banks of the river.
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Klukwan is one of the largest communities of Tlingits (Alaska native people groups) still in existence, located twenty-two miles north of Haines. Klukwan sits on the banks of the Chilkat River.
Meeting and pickup information
- If you are not arriving on cruise ship. Please meet your guide at the Small Boat Harbor 15 minutes prior to departure time to fill out required paperwork.
- Disembark and walk to the end of the pier, where all shore excursion guides meet travelers. Look for your guide holding a sign with your tour name. Several companies use this area, so check signs carefully. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures, inc. Chilkat Guides Ltd
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 7 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- 100% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days prior to departure date
- 50% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days to 4 days prior to departure date
- No Refunds if cancelled within 96 hours of tour departure time.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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