Tour Details & What’s Included
Join this spectacular hiking adventure that immerses you in the remote beauty of Southeast Alaska, where you will be surrounded with amazing mountain, glacier, and ocean views. At the start of your tour you will be greeted by your professional hiking guide for a remote coastal hike along the Chilkat Inlet. We’ll drive for about 30 minutes along the Haines Peninsula to Chilkat State Park. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and geography of small town Haines, Alaska. It is a beautiful drive with many scenic photo opportunities.
Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. Your knowledgeable, naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. The trail is slightly rolling as we make our way towards Moose Meadows, aptly named for the occasional moose seen grazing along the seaside. As we step out onto the beach, we are treated with magnificent glacier views across the fjord. The total hiking distance is about 3-5 miles depending on the group and weather conditions. The trail rises about 100 feet total in elevation.
The trail is out and back, so depending on the pace of the group, we may continue south along the coast of the peninsula. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch with a fantastic view. After lunch, we’ll return back through Moose Meadows and make our way back to the pier in Haines.
Dress for changing weather as conditions can change quickly in Alaska. Bring a rain jacket, and extra layer. Don’t forget your camera!
Please note: The exact hiking route may vary depending on the group and weather conditions. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.
Excursion Timing
(~ 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.
(~30 minutes) – From our meeting point we’ll head out the Chilkat Peninsula to the trailhead at Chilkat State Park.
(~10 minutes) – At the trailhead your guide will give you a thorough safety briefing and orientation before we hit the trail.
(~90 minutes) – The hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. Your knowledgeable, naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. The trail is slightly rolling as we make our way towards Moose Meadows, aptly named for the occasional moose seen grazing along the seaside. As we step out onto the beach, we are treated with magnificent glacier views across the fjord.
(~40 minutes) – Along the way we’ll stop for a beachside picnic lunch and a short side hike depending on what the group’s preference is.
(~90 minutes) – From Moose Meadows we’ll hike back along the trail to our starting point at the trailhead.
(~30 minutes) – Here we’ll hop back in our van and head back to our meeting point near the Port Chilkoot dock which is a short walk from downtown Haines and many shops and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 30 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Please stay at your cruise ship dock if you are a cruise ship passenger. Your guide will be holding a sign that says with the name of your tour.
FOR NON CRUISE SHIP PASSENEGERS, the meeting location is Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA) dock. 142 Beach Road Haines, Alaska 99827.
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?
3-5 miles.
What is the trail like?
You’ll be hiking over uneven, natural terrain. There are exposed roots, rocks and sometimes muddy sections. The trail has relatively little elevation change but has sections taking place on loose beach rock.
