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.
