Drive north, just past the airport, and there's a pull-out on your left with a sign describing the run of eulachon (pronounced "hooligan"), a type of smelt important for food, Tlingit cultural tradition, and—after oil was rendered from the fish—trade. In early May, the eulachon will probably be running and the river valley will be filled with seagulls and bald eagles.
A few miles upriver is the 48,000-acre Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, established to protect the critical habitat of the bald eagle. Each November, up to 3,000 bald eagles come here to feed on a late run of salmon. The drive is always scenic and there are a number of bald eagles that nest here in the summer. Keep your eye out for moose, bear, and trumpeter swans. There's a pull-out and short nature trail 19 miles from Haines, at the Bald Eagle Critical Habitat Area—a worthwhile stop with interpretive displays. This level, 300-foot-long boardwalk winds through cottonwood forest to a viewpoint along the river.
Three miles further up the road is Klukwan Village, which is in the process of creating a cultural center to share their history and traditions with tourists. Please do not drive through the village on your own. If you would like to visit, contact Klukwan Village or Keet Gooshi Tours.
Continue 11 miles to Thirty-Three Mile Restaurant (located, yes, 33 miles from Haines). Owners Jerry and Kathy Lapp are famous for their burgers and pies. This log cabin restaurant is a favorite hangout for the heli-ski crowd in March and April, and locals year-round. Another 16 miles and you've reached the Canadian border. The road continues north 100 miles along the edge of the Tatshenshini/Alsek Wilderness Provincial Park and on to Kluane National Park. At Haines Junction, the road intersects with the Alaska Highway. Turn left and you end up in Anchorage or Fairbanks. Turn right and 100 miles later you're in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory. Keep driving and in a mere 1,100 miles, you'll be in Seattle!
