Haines Adventure Moments

Welcome to Haines, the adventure capital of Alaska. In Haines, there is always a reason to celebrate. Engage in the beautiful summer that is reflected on the hills. In Haines, the United States Flag proudly flies. Whether it is the Fourth of July, or a new baby, it is time to celebrate. In Haines you will find some of Alaska’s friendliest people. Join the fun, and make new friends. Come on up to Haines and join the family. Adventure is waiting!

What beautiful and  majestic mountains surround the little village of Haines. It is a winter wonderland. These beautiful glaciers formed many years ago. Today, they define the valley. Haines is completely surrounded by spectacular mountains and cold glacier waters.  This little island is an adventure waiting!

Have you ever viewed the beautiful Bald Eagle in flight? How about thousands of eagles? The vast open waters provides plenty of food. Each year, over 3,000 eagles come to the Chilkat Valley. They arrive in early October and stay into January. This unique gathering of Bald Eagles is usually complete by mid-November. It is only a short 18 mile drive on the Haines Highway until you will begin to see these majestic birds. There are many viewing areas along the highway. Here, at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you will experience these spectacular birds! Join in the fun in November and December as thousands of Bald Eagles descend upon the Chilkat River Council Grounds. Photographers and nature lovers descend during this time to share this amazing experience. Come on up north and watch these majestic birds feed on chum salmon. This is a late run of chum salmon and attracts thousands of Bald Eagles. Your Bald Eagle adventure is waiting. 

Another exciting adventure is the Eldred Rock Lighthouse and Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center. Eldred Rock Lighthouse was lit for the first time in 1906 and is North America’s most remote lighthouse. The lighthouse was built after many shipwrecks in the area that led to major loss of life and property. For a fun-filled day, come explore one of the relics of the Gold Rush, back when Lynn Canal was visited by many steamships. There are currently no tours to the lighthouse itself, but many water tours come close enough to get some great photos. The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center has a lot of information on the lighthouse and other historical artifacts. 

The highlight of a day in Haines is a short 15 minutes trip by air to the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This has remained a favorite tour for many years. It is one of the top parks in all of North America. You will experience magnificent and beautiful glaciers that can be seen no other way. The alpine scenery is amazing and of course you will have the opportunity to see wildlife in their native habitat. There are many day cruises, kayaking trips, hiking and camping. You can choose to sightsee, whale watch or fish. There is a trip for everyone. For more information you can contact the Haines Visitors Center. 

At the visitors center you will find information on the Circle Tour, River Tours, and many more natural Parks in both Alaska and Canada. If you are desirous to go on any of the tours that includes nearby Canada, remember a passport will be needed. As plans change and often you see something you really want to see, I recommend always carrying a valid passport. They are easy to get if you plan ahead and then you are covered for the next 10 years. 

This is a great year to discover what is in your own backyard. Haines is only one of the magnificent places you may want to see on your Alaska adventure. For more Alaskan destinations see our website and enjoy your visit to America’s most northern state.