Chilkat River

The world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve boasts the largest gathering of bald eagles anywhere in the world! Your adventure begins with a spectacular drive along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the heart of the preserve. After a riverside picnic you will board 18-foot inflatable rafts and enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down this ever-changing river. Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and wolves who frequent the preserve to feed on the plentiful spawning salmon. With 7,000-foot-tall peaks towering above as you drift through picturesque landscapes, floating down the river is the best way to take in the grandeur of Alaska. After your river trip, enjoy homemade cookies and hot and cold drinks by riverbank before boarding your bus back to Haines. This is an unforgettable adventure into the wilderness of Alaska! **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**

Board bus for a 30 minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel 20 miles into the wilderness. Your vessel is specially designed to travel on silt-laden rivers which is the only access to a remote roadless portion of the preserve. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley, although no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose or bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you'll enjoy a riverside picnic. **Wildlife sightings are not a guarantee**

This is a small group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve with a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the home of the largest bald eagle congregation in the world. Thousands of bald eagles travel here to feed on salmon in the fall and winter. In spring and summer watch for eagles nesting and raising their young.

Simply put, a private rafting excursion is the best possible way to see bald eagles in their natural habitat. Floating through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines Alaska is a must see attraction and you won't want to miss the jaw dropping scenery, delightful guides and genuine Alaskan wildlife. Watch eagles catching salmon and caring for young eagles in the numerous nests that line the riverbanks. Look for bears, moose, and a host of other wildlife that call the preserve home. Relax or take pictures as your private guide navigates the narrow channels of the Preserve's glacial fed rivers. Enjoy a hearty snack and hot drinks at the end of the tour. Local pickup and all river gear is included.

Board bus for a 30 minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel 20 miles into the wilderness. You vessel is specially designed to travel on silt-laden rivers which is the only access to a remote roadless portion of the preserve. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley, although no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose or bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you'll enjoy a riverside picnic. **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**

The Focus on Haines Private Tour is tailored to my guests' interests and will offer you the opportunity to see the best Alaska has to offer.away from the ships & shops. Whether you are a photographer or just want to get out into the quiet corners of America’s last frontier, you will find Haines to be the Alaska you came to experience. At each stop I share the stories of cultural and natural history that makes each location special. If your interest is photography, I strive to cover the basics of your camera's technical functions. I offer instruction how and when to use the camera's various modes to optimize the photograph you would like to save as a real keeper. Additionally, I offer tips to optimize your opportunities for successful wildlife photography. I can discuss the best composition considerations when framing your shots so you come home with an award-winning photograph. For people who want an extended tour, additional time can be provided for at the time of the tour.

Upon arrival in Haines, you’ll board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive from expert naturalists. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley on this excursion. At the preserve, experienced raft guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater). You’ll float silently down the river aboard 18′ inflatable rafts – the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. Your tour will float past the Native village of Klukwan where the Tlingit people have lived for centuries on the bounty of this beautiful wilderness. **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**