Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Chilkat State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–59 °F | 48–65 °F | 25–56 °F | 18–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Haines #2, 9 mi away, elevation 95 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Alaska’s Valley of the Eagles — Glaciers, Salmon, and One of the World’s Largest Bald Eagle Gatherings
The eagle lands on a cottonwood branch, talons gripping bark, and you count — one, two, three… twelve eagles in a single tree. Across the Chilkat River, a dozen more line the gravel bars, watching for salmon. Behind them, Rainbow Glacier cascades down a mountain wall in a frozen river of blue ice. This is Chilkat State Park, seven miles south of Haines, Alaska — down the valley from one of the world’s largest gatherings of bald eagles, and where glaciers, salmon, and Southeast Alaska’s wild magnificence are everyday scenery.
Perched on the shore of Chilkat Inlet at the northern edge of the Inside Passage, Chilkat State Park offers glacier views, world-class eagle watching, salmon fishing, coastal hiking, and a 35-site campground in one of Alaska’s most accessible yet genuinely wild locations. The nearby Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve protects 48,000 acres of the Chilkat River floodplain — the stage for what may be nature’s most spectacular raptor event.
What Makes Chilkat Extraordinary
Bald Eagle Gathering
One of the world’s largest gatherings, usually peaking in November, drawn by late salmon runs on the Chilkat River.
Glacier Views
Rainbow and Davidson Glaciers visible from the park — dramatic blue ice cascading from the Chilkat Range.
Salmon Fishing
King salmon in June, sockeye, coho, and chum through summer. The Chilkat River is SE Alaska’s most productive salmon system.
Wildest of the Wild
Bears, mountain goats, moose, harbor seals, whales, and loons. This is Alaska at its most Alaskan.
Bald Eagle Viewing
The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve protects 48,000 acres along the Chilkat River — the site of one of the world’s largest bald eagle gatherings. Some eagles live in the valley all year, and from late October large numbers gather along the river to feed on late-spawning chum salmon. The gathering usually peaks in November.
🦅 Eagle Viewing Tips
• Peak season: Usually November (late salmon runs draw peak numbers) • Best viewing: Miles 18-21 of the Haines Highway, Council Grounds pullout at Mile 19 • Amenities at Council Grounds: Pit toilets, informational displays, boardwalk, viewing scopes • Year-round residents: Some eagles live in the valley all year • Photography: Bring a long telephoto lens (400mm+). Eagles are visible but keep respectful distance
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ Seduction Point Trail | 7 mi one-way | Easy-Moderate | Coastal trail with glacier views, tidal flats, and wildlife. Best in the park |
| 🏔️ Battery Point Trail | 2 mi one-way | Moderate | Coastal walk with beach access and harbor seal viewing |
| ⛰️ Mount Riley Trail | Challenging | Strenuous | Incredible panoramic views of glaciers, inlet, and mountains. Bear aware |
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Fall | Oct–Nov | 35-50°F | 🏆 Eagle gathering builds, usually peaking in November. Salmon runs. Dramatic autumn light |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 55-70°F | 🏆 Longest days, salmon fishing, hiking, camping. Glacier views. Best weather |
| 🌸 Spring | Apr–May | 40-55°F | Early salmon, bird migration, uncrowded trails. Bears emerging |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Mar | 15-35°F | Eagle viewing continues. Aurora borealis. Snowshoeing. Very quiet |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 35 sites — 31 drive-in, 4 walk-in |
| 🚿 Amenities | Water pumps, vault toilets. No hookups. No dump station |
| 📍 Setting | Mixed forest at edge of Chilkat Inlet. Glacier views from many sites |
| 🐻 Bears | Bear-aware camping required — store food properly, carry bear spray |
| 📅 Reservations | First-come, first-served. Electronic payment at station |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Trip | Camping Weekend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | $5/vehicle | $5/vehicle | Alaska state park day-use fee |
| Camping | — | $15-20/night | 35 primitive sites. No hookups |
| Fishing License | $30-$145 | $30-$145 | Non-resident: $30/day, $145/season |
| Rafting/Jet Tour | $100-200 | $100-200 | Guided Chilkat River tours from Haines |
| Total (2 adults) | $10-$400 | $45-$500 | Alaska camping is surprisingly affordable |
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the most eagles?
Usually November — eagles start gathering in late October for late chum salmon runs. Some eagles live in the valley all year.
Are there bears?
Yes — both black and brown bears. Practice bear-aware camping: store food properly, carry bear spray, make noise on trails. Bears are particularly active near salmon streams.
How do I get to Haines?
Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau (4.5 hrs), Haines Highway from the Yukon, or small plane from Juneau. No road connection to the main Alaska highway system except via Canada.
Can I see glaciers from the park?
Yes — Rainbow and Davidson Glaciers are visible from the park’s information center and several viewpoints. No hiking required — they’re visible across the inlet.
Is salmon fishing good?
Excellent — king salmon in June, sockeye, coho, and chum through summer. The Chilkat River is Southeast Alaska’s most productive salmon system. Fishing license required.
What’s the road to the park like?
Seven miles south of Haines on Mud Bay Road. The final stretch includes a 14% grade gravel road with potential potholes — drive carefully, especially in an RV.
🦅 Where Eagles Come to Be Counted in Thousands
Four thousand bald eagles in a single river valley. Glaciers calving ice into an inlet where whales surface and seals rest on rocks. Salmon runs so heavy the river seems to boil. This is Chilkat State Park — Alaska at its most concentrated, where every direction you look holds something that would be the highlight of any other trip. Camp at the edge of the inlet with glacier views. Hike past tide pools and through forests where bears own the trail. Watch eagles stack up in cottonwood trees until the branches bend. This is not a theme park — it’s the real Alaska, and it will rearrange your definition of wild.
📍 Address: Mud Bay Road, Haines, AK 99827
📞 Phone: (907) 766-2292
Explore More Alaska State Parks
Chilkat State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Alaska. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Alaska guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: our full Alaska state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chilkat State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Chilkat State Park?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Chilkat State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
