Skagway, Haines & Juneau

For the adventurous, Skagway has an excellent trail system that begins just blocks from the downtown area and allows hikers to trek to alpine lakes, waterfalls, even the graves of Skagway’s most notorious residents, Soapy Smith and Frank Reid.

The historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad provides tours to the top of the mountain pass north of town. Seated in parlour cars, passengers ride up the most spectacular part of the trip viewing scenery such as Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. At the top they see the White Pass at 2,885 feet, which is also the international boundary between the United States and Canada.

In the summer take part in spectacular hikes, rafting journeys on the Chilkat River, kayaking adventures on Chilkoot Lake, exhilarating jet boat rides, guided nature walks and many more activities. Plus, don’t forget about fishing for Alaska’s Pacific salmon. Haines is home to both black and brown bears. The Chilkoot River flows from Chilkoot Lake into Lutak Inlet and is one of the most easily reached bear viewing spots in Southeast Alaska from mid-June to October. Moose are another highlight for wildlife viewing in the Haines area. Moose can be seen anywhere in the valley, sometimes even in downtown!

In November, Haines hosts the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. Starting in September through early December Haines welcomes over 3,500 Bald Eagles to the beautiful Chilkat River Valley. Spectators from around the world come to partake in this fascinating migratory event. Cross country skiing, snow machining, snow-shoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, and hunting are only some of the many things to do during the winter months. You may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights! For the true adventurer, Haines is world-renowned for its Heli-skiing. Haines is Alaska’s deep, steep, spine-covered snow heaven. The lines are among the most famous—and most desired—in the world. Steep, gnarly lines (many over 5,000 vertical feet) and scenic powder runs will keep your hearts racing and will give you the experience of a lifetime.