Chilkat Bald Eagle Raft Trip and Wildlife Viewing

Overview

Treat yourself to a small-group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The trip begins with a 45-minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Upon arrival in Haines, meet your expert guide and enjoy a riverside drive along the Haines Highway. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans.&

The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009. Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 40 minutes away. Board your raft and enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, leaving your hands free for your binoculars or camera. Along the way, your guide will interpret the natural history of the area. You will learn to spot bald eagles and gain an appreciation for the challenges that bald eagles face to survive.

Early in the summer, resident eagles are often seen coming and going from their nest to feed their young. As the summer continues and the river fills with salmon, more and more eagles arrive to feed. This tour is not only about bald eagles, but about experiencing a wild, Alaskan river and getting away from the sights and sounds of modern civilization. Enjoy lunch on your way back to Haines. Board the Fast Ferry to Skagway and return to your ship with memories of an unforgettable adventure.