Chilkat State Park encompasses 4,000 hectares in southeastern Alaska, in close proximity to the Canadian border. Bordered by Chilkat Inlet, it combines coastal forests, pebble beaches, peaks and hanging glaciers. For travelers connecting Alaska to the Yukon or British Columbia via Haines, it represents a natural and uncrowded stop in the Far North.

Why Visit Chilkat State Park

The park concentrates, within a limited perimeter, most of the elements that characterize the southeastern Alaska coast: a temperate rainforest of sitka spruce and western hemlock, a shoreline conducive to marine mammal observation, two glaciers visible from the trails, and abundant birdlife. It pairs beautifully with a visit to the neighboring Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which welcomes the world's largest concentration of bald eagles each autumn.

Access is free, trails are well-marked, and facilities remain rustic, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and backcountry campers rather than mass tourism.

Park History

The park was officially recognized in 1975 under an initial designation before taking its current name the following year. Its creation responded to a desire to protect the coastal ecosystems of southeastern Alaska, particularly Chilkat Inlet and the surrounding glacial basins. Over the decades, its boundaries have been expanded through donations and acquisitions, eventually reaching the current 4,000 hectares.

Davidson Glacier, one of the park's landmarks, bears the name of geographer George Davidson. His work contributed to documenting the territory at the time of Alaska's purchase by the United States in 1867.

What to See and Do

Wildlife and Flora

The park's forests and slopes are home to black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats. The inlet regularly receives humpback whales and orcas, while seals, porpoises, and sea lions frequent the shoreline. Among birds, the bald eagle is most visible, accompanied by trumpeter swans, loons, kingfishers, and more discreetly, Tengmalm's owl.

Vegetation is dominated by sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar, with alders and willows in riparian zones. The understory blends mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, with alpine flora appearing at higher elevations.

Hiking Trails

Three main routes structure exploration of the park:

• Ayikutu Trail (Seduction Point): approximately 11 km one-way, alternating forest and beach through Moose Meadows. Long walk but without technical difficulty.
• Battery Point Trail: 3 km of woodland leading to a beach, accessible to most hikers.
• Mount Riley Trail: notable elevation gain and panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains; best reserved for more experienced hikers.

Glaciers and Viewpoints

Rainbow Glacier hangs on a mountainside and is recognized by the cascade tumbling down its face. More massive, Davidson Glacier stretches several kilometers and remains partially visible from the park; it is also the subject of guided kayak and boat excursions departing from the Haines area.

When to Visit

The most popular season runs from late May through early September: trails are clear, camping is open, and humpback whales frequent the inlet. September and October coincide with the annual gathering of bald eagles in the neighboring Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, a peak time for birdwatchers. In winter, access remains possible but conditions are severe, some facilities are closed, and roads may be snow-covered.

Practical Information

Park entry is free. Certain services are fee-based:

• Camping: approximately thirty sites, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a nightly fee.
• Glacier View Cabin: log shelter accommodating up to eight people, by advance reservation.
• Picnic area and boat launch on the cove, available for free use.

Rates and conditions change, so it's wise to verify current information with Alaska State Parks before departure. Bring water, waterproof clothing, and bear safety measures (food storage, bear spray).

How to Get There

The park is located approximately 11 km south of Haines, Alaska. From town, take Mud Bay Road then Chilkat State Park Road to the trailhead parking areas.

• By car: the simplest option, with parking at trailheads.
• By bike: feasible from Haines, with some rolling sections.
• By kayak: possible approach through the park's small bays; sailing or motorboat navigation is complicated by winds and rocky beaches.

Haines is connected to Skagway and Juneau by ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) and to Haines Junction (Yukon) via the Haines Highway, making it a logical entry point for combining Alaska and the Canadian Yukon.

Nearby Attractions

• Haines: fishing port with art galleries and museums dedicated to Tlingit culture.
• Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: autumn gathering of bald eagles along the Chilkat River.
• Davidson Glacier: accessible via combined boat and kayak excursions from the Haines area.
• Skagway and White Pass: historic route of the Klondike Gold Rush, a day's drive or ferry away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Journey

To integrate Chilkat State Park into a wider itinerary on the Canadian side, check out our Canada travel ideas as well as our guides on Banff National Park, Bic National Park, and Capilano Suspension Bridge.