Mount Riley Hike

Mount Riley Hike

Ascend over 1500 feet of elevation on this adventurous Haines hike. Travel 5-8 miles through pristine forest with fantastic views from the top. A challenging and rewarding hike!

Tour Photos

  • Mt Riley sits as the high point on the Chilkat Peninsula Mt Riley sits as the high point on the Chilkat Peninsula
  • Navigating steeper section through the forest on the way to the top of Riley Navigating steeper section through the forest on the way to the top of Riley
     

Tour Notes

Port: Haines
Duration: 6 Hours
Activity Level: Strenuous
Min. Age: 8 years
Min. Weight: None Max. Weight: None
Food: Snacks & Picnic style lunch and water provided
Provided Equipment: Trekking poles
Recommended clothing: Small day pack, Sturdy hiking shoes, layers for warmth, and bring rain gear
Wheelchair access: No
Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity. Guests must disclose pertinent medical history to guides.
Liability Waiver Required

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Tour Description

Mt. Riley is the highest point on the Haines Peninsula. It is a strenuous day hike through mostly temperate rain forest. It has a gorgeous summit and several viewpoints throughout the hike.

Your adventure begins at the pier where you will meet your professional hiking guide. After a narrated drive through the historic Fort Seward, we’ll continue on for about 15 minutes along the Haines Peninsula to the trailhead for Mt. Riley. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and geography of Haines. It is a beautiful drive with many scenic photo opportunities.

Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. After about ¼ mile, we start to gain elevation as we make our way up switchbacks through the forest. Throughout the hike, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. Depending on the exact route the total hiking distance is between 5-8 miles and the elevation gain is approximately 1,500ft to the summit, which is at 1,760ft.

Throughout the hike we’ll enjoy some snacks and water on our way to the summit, which boasts a fantastic 360-degree view of the Lynn Fjord and beyond. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, after which, we may elect to hike down the opposite side of the mountain towards the east side of the peninsula and descend towards Battery Point. After a stop at the view point of the beautiful beach of Kelgaya and Battery Point, the last mile leads us to the Battery Point trailhead where we’ll get picked up and return to the pier.

Guests should bring a small pack with extra layers. Sturdy hiking shoes are appropriate. Dress for changing weather as conditions can change quickly in Alaska. Bring a rain jacket, and extra layer and don’t forget your camera!

(~ 10 minutes) – Your friendly guides will meet you near the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock in Haines. Before departing you’ll be able to ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming hike and you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms before departing.
(~20 minutes) – From our meeting point we’ll head out the scenic Haines peninsula to the Mt. Riley trailhead.
(~10 minutes) – At the trailhead your guide will give you a thorough safety briefing and orientation before we hit the trail.
(~2.5 hours) – From the trailhead we’ll hike up Mt. Riley stopping along the way for lunch. Your expert guide will share their knowledge of the native flora and fauna and the unique geological history of the area. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities throughout the hike.
(~2.5 hours) – We’ll continue from sweeping vistas on the summit of Mt. Riley down to the east side of the peninsula along the shores of the Lynn Fjord past Battery Point and back to the trailhead.
(~20 minutes) – A short drive will bring us back to our meeting point near the Port Chilkoot dock and a short walk from downtown Haines and many shops and restaurants.
Where will I meet my guide?
Our guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. You will meet your guide on the Southeast corner of the main cruise ship dock in Portage Cove. CLICK HERE to see a map pointing to this location.
Who are my guides?
You guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, on the ferry during your travel to Haines and non-flushing restrooms at the start/finish of your float.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
How long is the trail?
5-8 miles.
What is the trail like?
You’ll be hiking over uneven, natural terrain. There are exposed roots, rocks and sometimes slippery and muddy sections. There are steep sections and you’ll gain about a 1,500’ elevation during the hike.

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*Price is per adult in USD, taxes not included.

Guest Comments


We thoroughly enjoyed our time out with our guide Matt. He was knowledgeable about the local flora, set a good pace, and always safety conscious. Mt. Riley was a great hike and struck the perfect balance of exercise, serene forest setting, and dramatic vistas.
- Arnold D.

Additional Reviews