Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve – Haines, Alaska

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is one of the most extraordinary wildlife areas in North America. Spanning 48,000 acres of river valleys, forests, and wetlands, this protected habitat is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. The Chilkat River’s unique warm‑water upwelling keeps salmon available late into the season, drawing hundreds of eagles to feed, nest, and soar above the valley.

For cruise travelers, the preserve offers breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful, untouched landscape just minutes from downtown Haines.

Fun Facts

• The preserve protects 48,000 acres of critical eagle habitat.
• It’s home to hundreds of bald eagles year‑round, with thousands gathering in late fall.
• The Chilkat River’s warm upwelling creates a late salmon run, sustaining eagles longer than anywhere else in Alaska.
• The area also supports brown bears, moose, wolves, and trumpeter swans.
• The preserve was established in 1982 to protect the eagle population and salmon habitat.
• The annual Bald Eagle Festival in November draws photographers from around the world.
• The scenic Haines Highway runs directly through the preserve, offering easy access to viewpoints.
• The Chilkat Valley is one of the most photographed landscapes in Southeast Alaska.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Visitors can explore the preserve by vehicle, guided tour, or short walks along the river. The landscape is wide‑open and dramatic, with towering mountains, braided river channels, and eagles perched in cottonwood trees or soaring overhead.

Interpretive signs explain the ecology of the valley, and pullouts along the highway make it easy to stop for photos. Wildlife sightings vary by season, but eagles are present year‑round.

Most travelers spend 45–90 minutes exploring the preserve.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is perfect for travelers who love wildlife, photography, and dramatic natural scenery. It’s peaceful, accessible, and offers some of the best eagle viewing anywhere in Alaska.

Where It’s Located

The preserve stretches along the Chilkat River Valley, beginning just north of Haines and extending along the Haines Highway.

How to Get There From the Cruise Port

• Shuttle or tour: Many excursions include transportation and guided narration.
• Taxi: Quick and easy for independent exploration.
• Car rental: Ideal if you want to stop at multiple viewpoints.
• Bike: Possible but long — best for experienced cyclists.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June–August): Eagles are present and the scenery is lush.
• Fall (October–November): Peak eagle season with thousands gathering.
• Morning offers soft light and active wildlife.
• Clear days provide the best mountain views.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for eagle viewing.
• Stop at multiple pullouts — each offers different angles of the valley.
• Wear layers — the river valley can be breezy.
• Combine with a visit to the American Bald Eagle Foundation in downtown Haines.
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and stay on designated paths.

Common Complaints

• Wildlife sightings vary by season.
• The preserve is large and spread out — no single “center” to explore.
• Weather can be cloudy or misty in the valley.
• Some visitors expect closer eagle encounters than nature provides.

Final Thoughts

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Southeast Alaska. With sweeping river views, abundant wildlife, and year‑round eagle activity, it’s a must‑visit for cruise travelers exploring Haines.

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