Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 hrs from Skagway

If you’re headed to Skagway and craving an authentic taste of Alaska’s wilderness, this tour promises a full immersion into the region’s stunning scenery and vibrant wildlife. It’s a thoughtfully curated day that combines a scenic ferry ride, expert-guided wildlife spotting, and serene stops at Chilkoot Lake State Park.

What we really like about this experience? First, the expert naturalist guides who elevate the trip with their knowledge and enthusiasm. Second, the opportunities for capturing spectacular photos of eagles, bears, and salmon — perfect for nature lovers and shutterbugs alike.

A potential consideration for travelers is that wildlife sightings, especially bears, are never guaranteed — it’s a matter of timing and luck. This tour suits those who value immersive nature experiences over fixed schedules, and who appreciate small groups and high-quality guides over a crowded, rushed trip.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic high-speed ferry ride with naturalist commentary
• Offers multiple wildlife viewing opportunities—eagles, bears, seals, salmon
• Guided stops at prime wildlife and scenery spots
• Small group size for personalized attention
• Balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and culture
• Price reflects a full-day, expert-guided experience with lunch included

Introduction: What’s This Tour All About?

Our review focuses on an Alaska wilderness adventure that takes you from Skagway to Haines, emphasizing the chance to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes. While we haven’t personally joined this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and guest reviews paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect.

First off, what’s special about this trip? It combines the thrill of a high-speed catamaran ride through fjord-like waters with expert-guided explorations at Chilkoot Lake State Park. Second, the experience offers amazing photo ops — from soaring bald eagles to possibly a brown bear in late summer — all with the help of knowledgeable guides and spotting scopes.

One thing to keep in mind: wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see bears — the scenery and guides alone make this trip worthwhile. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for a small-group, authentic wilderness experience.

Key Points

• Combines scenic ferry ride with wildlife-focused stops
• Expert naturalist guides enhance learning and sightings
• Lunch and transport included — great value for a full-day trip
• Small group experience maximizes interaction and viewing opportunities
• Wildlife highlights include eagles, salmon, bears, and seals
• Offers picturesque views and cultural insights in Haines

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Haines Skagway Fast Ferry

The adventure kicks off with a 45-minute high-speed ferry ride across the Lynn Canal. Travel from Skagway to Haines through steep fjord walls, where uncountable waterfalls cascade hundreds of feet down the cliffs. The boat is equipped with a naturalist who points out sights like waterfalls, seals, and soaring eagles. Guests often remark on how this waterborne journey is not only scenic but also a chance to see the region’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

One reviewer described it as “nice,” noting the eagles and salmon they saw along the stream, though some expressed disappointment about not seeing bears — a reminder that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed but always possible.

Haines and Tlingit Cultural Sites

Once in Haines, the guide introduces you to a pristine wilderness teeming with life. The small town acts as a hub of natural beauty and ecosystems, providing context about the flora and fauna that thrive in the area. The guide’s local expertise helps deepen your understanding of the region’s ecological importance, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Tanani Point and Safety Briefing

Traveling towards Chilkoot Lake, you’ll stop at Tanani Point to get an overview of the Lynn Canal ecosystem. This break also includes a quick safety talk about being in bear country. It’s a responsible step that reassures travelers and prepares you for the wildlife encounters ahead.

Chilkoot River & Salmon Run

The highlight for many is the Chilkoot River, especially between late July and September when salmon are migrating upstream. During May to July, the river is bustling with eagles caring for their nests and wildflowers blooming. When salmon are abundant, brown bears often come to feast along the riverbanks, creating dramatic wildlife moments.

However, the guides emphasize that bear sightings are not guaranteed; they’re dependent on the season, weather, and luck. In fact, some reviews noted disappointment when no bears appeared, but most still appreciated the chance to see eagles, otters, and the river’s lively ecosystem.

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area

Next, your guide takes you around Chilkoot Lake itself, stopping at prime viewing spots. The guide uses a powerful spotting scope to bring wildlife like eagles, seals, or possibly bears into clearer view. The stops are well-timed for scenic photography and wildlife observation, making it a favorite part of the tour for many. Reviewers frequently comment on the expert guidance and the beautiful scenery.

Nukdik Point and Lunch

Midday, the group stops at Nukdik Point for lunch. The setting is simply stunning—across the water, the town of Haines sprawls beneath the Chilkat Mountains. The provided lunch features a turkey sandwich, fruit, a freshly baked cookie, and water, with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available if requested 48 hours in advance. Guests find this meal to be a satisfying break amid the day’s activities.

Fort William H. Seward

Before returning, there’s a visit to Fort William H. Seward, built in 1904 by the U.S. Army. Though now privately owned, the fort offers a glimpse into the region’s military past and adds a historical touch to your wilderness experience.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

At $270 per person, this tour might seem on the higher end, but it includes a fair amount: round-trip transportation, ferry fare, expert guide, lunch, and multiple scenic stops. The small group size (max 14 travelers) ensures personalized attention, which enhances wildlife sightings and learning.

The ferry ride alone is worth mentioning—gliding through fjord-like waters with waterfalls and mountain vistas provides an unforgettable setting. Combined with the guide’s insights and spotting scopes, the experience feels both educational and immersive.

Most reviewers agree that the guides’ knowledge and friendliness make the trip special. They highlight the opportunities to photograph eagles and otters and the chance to learn about the local ecosystem. These moments can be quite fleeting, making a knowledgeable guide vital.

The Balance of Expectation and Reality

While many guests rave about sightings of eagles and bears, some express disappointment when no bears appear. That’s part of wildlife excursions—nature doesn’t always cooperate. However, many reviewers mention that the scenic ferry ride and the guides’ dedication still make the experience worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is suited for travelers who want a relaxed, small-group experience with a focus on nature and wildlife. It’s ideal for photography buffs, bird watchers, or anyone keen to learn about Alaska’s ecosystems from knowledgeable guides. It caters well to those who appreciate scenic boat rides and are comfortable with a day that depends partly on wildlife activity.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking guaranteed bear sightings or those with limited mobility, due to the outdoor nature and variable wildlife encounters.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a genuine chance to experience Alaska’s wilderness in a way that’s both enjoyable and educational. With expert guides, scenic ferry rides, and stops at wildlife hotspots, it provides a balanced day of scenery, wildlife, and culture. The inclusion of lunch and transport adds to its value, making it a strong choice for those wanting an authentic Alaska adventure.

It’s best for travelers who aren’t expecting to see bears at every turn but are excited about eagles, otters, and the chance to witness salmon runs. The small group size and knowledgeable guides foster a personal, enriching experience, ideal for nature lovers and casual explorers alike.

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the spectacular scenery and the guides’ expertise significantly increase your chances of memorable moments. This tour is a solid pick for anyone wanting to combine scenic watercraft, wildlife, and cultural insights into one memorable day in Southeast Alaska.

FAQ

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride from Skagway to Haines lasts approximately 45 minutes each way, providing scenic views of fjord walls and waterfalls.

Are lunch options included?
Yes, a lunch with a turkey sandwich, fruit, cookie, and water is included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours notice.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Guests often see bald eagles, otters, seals, and salmon. Bear sightings are possible but not guaranteed, especially during peak salmon season from late July onward.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The tour’s outdoor nature makes it suitable for families, but keep in mind the environment is natural and may involve some walking and boat travel.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits to 14 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Do I need to be concerned about safety?
Your guide provides a safety briefing at Tanani Point about being in bear country. The tour is designed to be safe, but always follow your guide’s instructions.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport between Skagway and the ferry terminal, as well as the ferry fare, are included in the price.

How do I prepare for this tour?
Bring your camera, binoculars if you have them, and dress in layers for variable weather. Don’t forget to specify dietary needs when booking.

Can I expect good photo opportunities?
Absolutely. The guide’s spotting scope and multiple stops at scenic views make photography a highlight.

What if I don’t see any wildlife?
While sightings are not guaranteed, the scenic ferry ride and expert-guided stops make this a worthwhile experience regardless. Many guests appreciate the chance to learn about and observe the environment even if wildlife is scarce during their visit.

This wildlife adventure from Skagway offers a memorable day among Alaska’s natural splendors, perfect for those who love the outdoors and are eager to learn about this rugged region.