Scenic Drive Along the Haines Highway – Haines, Alaska

The Haines Highway is one of Alaska’s most spectacular scenic drives, offering sweeping mountain views, glacier‑fed rivers, and wide‑open valleys that feel untouched and expansive. Even a short drive from downtown Haines delivers breathtaking scenery, but travelers with more time can follow the highway deeper into the Chilkat Valley for unforgettable views of the river, forests, and surrounding peaks.

For cruise visitors, this drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience the dramatic landscapes that make Haines so special.

Fun Facts

• The Haines Highway is designated a National Scenic Byway for its outstanding natural beauty.
• The route follows the Chilkat River, known for its late salmon run and abundant wildlife.
• The valley is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.
• The highway eventually connects Alaska to British Columbia and the Yukon.
• The landscape includes glaciers, braided rivers, wetlands, and towering peaks.
• The road is smooth, well‑maintained, and easy to navigate for visitors.
• Wildlife sightings may include eagles, moose, bears, and swans.
• The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons — lush in summer, golden in fall.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The drive begins just outside downtown Haines and quickly opens into wide river valleys framed by steep mountains. Pullouts along the highway offer safe places to stop for photos, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the Chilkat River.

The landscape feels vast and peaceful, with long stretches of open road and dramatic scenery in every direction. Even a 20–30 minute drive provides incredible views, while a longer outing offers deeper immersion into the valley.

Most travelers spend 45–90 minutes enjoying the drive, depending on how many stops they make.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

The Haines Highway is perfect for travelers who want a scenic, low‑effort experience with huge visual payoff. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Alaska and offers easy access to wildlife, photography spots, and river‑valley views.

Where It’s Located

The highway begins just north of downtown Haines and follows the Chilkat River toward the Canadian border.

How to Get There From the Cruise Port

• Car rental: Ideal for exploring at your own pace.
• Guided tour: Many excursions include narration and wildlife stops.
• Taxi: A simple option for a shorter scenic outing.
• Bike: Possible for experienced cyclists, though the route is long.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June–August): Lush greenery and active wildlife.
• Fall (September–October): Golden colors and peak eagle activity.
• Morning offers soft light and fewer cars.
• Clear days provide the best mountain views.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring binoculars for eagle and wildlife viewing.
• Stop at multiple pullouts — each offers a different perspective.
• Wear layers — the valley can be breezy.
• Combine with the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve for a full scenic‑and‑wildlife day.
• Keep your camera ready — the views change constantly.

Common Complaints

• Weather can be cloudy or misty, limiting mountain views.
• Wildlife sightings vary by day and season.
• The drive can feel long if you go all the way toward the border.
• Some visitors expect a single “viewpoint,” but the beauty is spread along the route.

Final Thoughts

The Scenic Drive Along the Haines Highway is one of the most rewarding and accessible experiences in Haines. With dramatic mountains, braided rivers, and abundant wildlife, it’s a must‑do for cruise travelers who want to soak in Alaska’s natural beauty at their own pace.

For more ideas to plan your day, explore my full guide to the top things to do in Haines.