Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing - Departs from Skagway
Offered by Rainbow Glacier Adventures In Haines, Alaska
: $
About us
We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience and superior service for each and every one of our guests. Our staff and guides are knowledgeable about the natural and human history of our area and offer great customer service. Our small groups provide experiences and visit locations that big bus tours cannot. Our largest vehicle holds 14 guests yet averages 6. Our tour minimum is just 2 guests so, if you are the only couple signed up, your tour won’t cancel!
We are Haines and Skagway specialists. We compose our team primarily of local hires. Since we live here, we strive to be good community members. Many of our tours involve partnerships with other Haines businesses. We consider the effects of our tours on the local environment that we call home.
We’ve approached tourism in a sustainable manner since the 1980s. We recycle at the office, donate to local environmental projects and make sure our money stays in the local community.
About the owner
Joe arrived in Haines in 1986 working as a naturalist aboard a small, eighty-passenger expedition ship. Haines captured Joe’s heart and imagination, and he moved here in 1987 to manage and guide for a local rafting company. Joe founded Rainbow Glacier Adventures in 1992. The first tours RGA offered featured small group visits to local artists’ homes. Since that time, the company and variety of tours has grown but the concept of local guides and high-quality, educational tours remains. While Joe spends much of his time running the organization, he particularly enjoys guiding private photography tours and special charters. Joe enjoys backcountry skiing, international travel, photography, and, above all, spending time with his wife, Edie, and daughters, Stella Angelina and Sapphire Marie.
We are Haines and Skagway specialists. We compose our team primarily of local hires. Since we live here, we strive to be good community members. Many of our tours involve partnerships with other Haines businesses. We consider the effects of our tours on the local environment that we call home.
We’ve approached tourism in a sustainable manner since the 1980s. We recycle at the office, donate to local environmental projects and make sure our money stays in the local community.
About the owner
Joe arrived in Haines in 1986 working as a naturalist aboard a small, eighty-passenger expedition ship. Haines captured Joe’s heart and imagination, and he moved here in 1987 to manage and guide for a local rafting company. Joe founded Rainbow Glacier Adventures in 1992. The first tours RGA offered featured small group visits to local artists’ homes. Since that time, the company and variety of tours has grown but the concept of local guides and high-quality, educational tours remains. While Joe spends much of his time running the organization, he particularly enjoys guiding private photography tours and special charters. Joe enjoys backcountry skiing, international travel, photography, and, above all, spending time with his wife, Edie, and daughters, Stella Angelina and Sapphire Marie.
What we'll do
Leave the crowds behind on this fun nature and wildlife viewing trip!
From Skagway, the trip begins with a 45-minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
Arrive in Haines, and meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic and wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.
As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting.
Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem.
May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. Beginning in August, pink salmon-the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties-begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bears as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river.
Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.
From Skagway, the trip begins with a 45-minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
Arrive in Haines, and meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic and wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.
As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting.
Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem.
May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. Beginning in August, pink salmon-the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties-begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bears as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river.
Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.
What to expect / what's provided
*Duration 6.5 hours.
*Bear sightings are possible not guaranteed.
*Includes roundtrip ferry ticket to/from Haines.
*Your tour includes a deli-style lunch. It consists of a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours of advance notice.
*For the tour, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing. And don't forget your cameras!
*Bear sightings are possible not guaranteed.
*Includes roundtrip ferry ticket to/from Haines.
*Your tour includes a deli-style lunch. It consists of a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours of advance notice.
*For the tour, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing. And don't forget your cameras!
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel more than seven days prior to the tour, you are entitled to a full refund. If you cancel seven days to 24 hours prior, you receive a 50% refund. With less than 24 hours notice, there will be no refund.
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