The Chilkat Preserve is one of the best places in the world to find American bald eagles—thousands congregate there to feed on salmon during the fall and winter. This tour takes you on a scenic rafting trip along the Chilkat River—where the eagles put up residence during the summer—and provides the wilderness knowhow to spot the birds and other animals while navigating the river’s channels.

• Spot bald eagles along the Chilkat River in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
• Travel with a guide so you don’t get lost in the river channels of the Alaskan wilderness
• Have a picnic lunch after your rafting trip is over
• Round-trip transportation from Haines by catamaran

What To Expect

Treat yourself to a small group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains and colorful wildflowers line the highway. Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 45 minutes away. Don your life jackets, listen to your guide’s safety talk, board the raft and leave the road and civilization behind. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river channels. This is a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the home of the largest bald eagle congregation in the world. Your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the intricate balance of nature that makes this a unique and special place. You do not have to paddle; your hands are free for your camera and binoculars. Keep an eye out for other wildlife besides bald eagles. ……moose, otters, brown and black bear, and even wolves, call this Preserve their home.

You will spend approximately one and one half hours floating the river. After rafting, your guide will select a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch on your way back to Haines and/or back to your ship in Skagway.