Portage Cove State Recreation Site
Alaska’s Coastal Gem in Downtown Haines — Chilkoot Inlet Shoreline, Mountain Panorama, Day-Use Picnic Site, Gateway to the Alaska Marine Highway
Portage Cove State Recreation Site is a state recreation site on the shoreline near downtown Haines, approximately 420 Beach Road, Haines Borough, Alaska. The site features scenic overlook of Chilkoot Inlet and the surrounding Chilkat Mountains, day-use picnic area with accessible latrines and drinking water, waterfront setting just 1 mile from downtown Haines, and proximity to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal.
Portage Cove is one of Southeast Alaska’s most accessible waterfront recreation sites — perched on the shores of Chilkoot Inlet with dramatic mountain panoramas in every direction. Just 1 mile down Beach Road from downtown Haines, the site offers a picnic area where you can watch humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals in the protected waters.
Haines is one of Alaska’s most scenically situated towns — the northern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system and the starting point of the Haines Highway to the Yukon. Portage Cove provides a peaceful waterfront retreat after exploring the town’s galleries, museums, and craft breweries. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve — the world’s largest congregation of bald eagles — is just 20 miles north.
Things to Do
- Scenic overlook — Chilkoot Inlet + Chilkat Mountains
- Picnicking — waterfront tables
- Wildlife viewing — whales, sea otters, harbor seals, eagles
- Photography — mountain-backed harbor views
- Beach walking — shoreline access
- Gateway activities — Alaska Marine Highway, Haines Highway, Chilkat Eagle Preserve
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Haines | 1 mile | Galleries, museums, breweries |
| Alaska Marine Highway Terminal | ~1 mile | Ferry to Juneau + Skagway |
| Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve | 20 miles north | World’s largest eagle congregation |
| Chilkoot Lake State Rec Site | 10 miles | Bear viewing, camping, fishing |
| Battery Point Trail | Nearby | Coastal hiking |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~420 Beach Rd, Haines, AK — 1 mi from downtown |
| Type | Day-use — scenic overlook + picnic area |
| Waterfront | Chilkoot Inlet shoreline |
| Facilities | Accessible latrines, drinking water, picnic area, parking |
| Camping | Not permitted — day-use only |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DNR) |
| Coordinates | 59.2256° N, 135.4256° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Portage Cove in Haines Alaska?
Portage Cove State Recreation Site in Haines is primarily a day-use area with scenic overlook, picnic facilities, accessible latrines, and drinking water. Official Alaska State Parks policy prohibits camping at the site. For camping near Haines, try Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site (10 miles, bear viewing and fishing) or Chilkat State Park (7 miles south, waterfront camping with mountain views).
What can you see from Portage Cove in Haines?
Portage Cove State Recreation Site offers panoramic views of Chilkoot Inlet and the Chilkat Mountains from its waterfront overlook. Watch for humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles in the protected waters. The site is just 1 mile from downtown Haines — gateway to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (20 miles north), home to the world’s largest eagle congregation.
Last updated: May 2026
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