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Haines, Alaska
Haines may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of Alaska, but this small town (population: 2,500) serves up one of the state’s most Alaskan experiences. Casual and quirky, Haines offers history, nature, and native culture and combines it with heaps of Alaskan charm. A U.S. Army fort gives historic significance to the town, artists bring their own sense of beauty and whimsy, and a melding of Tlingit culture rounds out the experience. Haines is Alaska at its most authentic—so much so that some visitors return to buy property and join the community.
You’ll also find wildlife and outdoor adventures—just more of it than in many towns. Sure, there are hiking trails right in town, hanging glaciers and other dramatic wilderness, and tons of marine wildlife. But Haines Alaska is best known for two very unique features: huge flocks of bald eagles—in the fall there are more here than anywhere in the world—and one of the planet’s longest fjords. Take it all in by car, plane, jetboat, raft, or sea kayak.
If you’re fit, the best way to get an overview of Haines is to climb Mt. Ripinski. 3300 feet above Haines, you can see downtown, Ft. Seward, and further south down the Chilkat Peninsula. The mountainous spine of the peninsula divides the valley into its two halves, Chilkat and Chilkoot. These like-sound names might confuse you. After all, there are Chilkat Mountains and Chilkoot Mountains, Chilkat Indians and Chilkoot Indians, Chilkat River and Chilkoot River, Chilkat Lake and Chilkoot Lake, Chilkat Pass and Chilkoot Pass…..you get the idea. But remember one thing and it becomes easy to understand: everything on the east side of the Peninsula is on the Chilkoot side, and everything on the west side of the Peninsula is on the Chilkat side. Both sides are worth exploring.
Essentials: Getting here from Skagway
Fast ferry. The 15-mile journey from Skagway to Haines takes 35 minutes, and there’s often a Tlingit narrator aboard. The captain usually stops for photographs at a harbor seal haul-out on the southbound journey and a large waterfall on the northbound back to Skagway. Contact Chilkat Cruises and Tours.
Ferry. The ferry schedule is irregular—always double-check times by calling on the day of departure. And if you have a vehicle, make your reservation early. Contact Alaska Marine Highway.
Car. Known as the "Golden Circle", this 360-mile (one-way) drive climbs into Canada, crosses two mountain passes, and traverses a series of national, provincial, and historic parks, including Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park, Kluane National Park, Tatshenshini/Alsek Provincial Wilderness Park, and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Contact Haines Convention and Visitor’s Center and ask for their “Golden Circle” brochure.
Plane. This scenic flight takes 10 minutes. Contact LAB Airlines and Wings of Alaska for scheduled flights.
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