Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area
Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area
4.5
About
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Cynthia W
Freeland, MI811 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
This is a large lake with Mtn's as the back ground. There is a self serve campground that has many large pull through sites, although there is low hanging branches from the mature spruce trees. We did see many large RV's in the campground. The campground overlooks the lake. This is a primitive park. This is a good kayak /canoe lake. The Chilkoot River runs from the lake to Haines inlet. This river may be 1 mile long but it is filled with Salmon in late June and July. This brings fisherman, eagles, bears and many onlookers. The river is fast flowing and has many varieties of birds. This area is about 11 miles from Haines but the drive to the recreation area is wonderful also. You pass the Haines Ferry Terminal and have great views. Look up for eagles and down in the water for harbor seals. Bears show up when salmon run is on also. The 11 mile ride also has several pull outs that have outdoor johns for your use. Have fun, this is a beautiful area.
Written June 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovestocamp131
North Brookfield, MA13 contributions
Jul 2016
We visit Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area while staying in Haines. We heard that the drive could be difficult but did not find that to be the case and we were in a 24' pickup camper. We stopped along the river on the way in and got some great pictures of a nesting bald eagle. we also did some brief hikes around the lake and got more great pictures. Definitely worth a side trip if you are in Haines.
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
levelsix
United States367 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Very nice area in Haines(about 10 miles out of Haines). Very nice camp host. Nice, big private spots. Clean pit toilets. Along the Chilkoot river where there are sometimes bears in the river. Really a great spot to do many activities. I would definitely stay here again.
Written September 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brigid W
Bellingham, WA17 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
This is the place to go in the fall if you want to see brown bears. They are busy on the short river flowing out of the lake, eating salmon laden with eggs. You could go out in the morning and evening (dusk) and reliably see bears both times. If you are crazy, you get out of your car to take a photo--I did not. Great campground next to the lake and obviously plenty of fishing opportunities.
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelingHolts
Gainesville, FL32 contributions
Aug 2019
We drove to this area with no expectations, other than to see some of the beautiful Haines scenery. And we were enchanted at every turn, for sure. it's a postcard come to life.
But then, as we drove down the narrow road to the lake, snaking between a mountain on one side and a stream tumbling over rocks on the other, we suddenly noticed a brown bear wading through the water. In awe, we watched as he ignored us and scouted out the best place to nab a passing salmon. He'd lumber about, wait, pounce and splash, sit up on his bum with his prize and take a few bites, then repeat the process.
Bear sightings, we learned from locals gathered there with long camera lenses to capture shots of activity just like this, are common here. After this bear ambled back into the woods, we visited the lake for a bit, then returned down the road on the way out and had the privilege of watching another bear feeding. It's truly a joy to watch bears doing their thing. But here are a few tips: If you park on the side of the road, be sure you do it in a place that allows you to FULLY pull off the road. If your vehicle is in the road at all, you WILL get a ticket and a long scolding. It didn't happen to us, but we saw it happen to others. Kind of takes the shine off the joy of watching the bears. Also, if you get out to watch, be sure you stay close enough to your vehicle to get back in quickly -- at least faster than the bear could move on his way toward you. And they're faster than you think, even if they really aren't interested in confronting humans. One more thing -- watch where you put your feet. Yes, bears mostly leave their mark in the woods. But they also do so on the roadway, on walking paths and wherever they like. The piles are large and plentiful. Hit one just right, and you'll sink to the ankle.
But then, as we drove down the narrow road to the lake, snaking between a mountain on one side and a stream tumbling over rocks on the other, we suddenly noticed a brown bear wading through the water. In awe, we watched as he ignored us and scouted out the best place to nab a passing salmon. He'd lumber about, wait, pounce and splash, sit up on his bum with his prize and take a few bites, then repeat the process.
Bear sightings, we learned from locals gathered there with long camera lenses to capture shots of activity just like this, are common here. After this bear ambled back into the woods, we visited the lake for a bit, then returned down the road on the way out and had the privilege of watching another bear feeding. It's truly a joy to watch bears doing their thing. But here are a few tips: If you park on the side of the road, be sure you do it in a place that allows you to FULLY pull off the road. If your vehicle is in the road at all, you WILL get a ticket and a long scolding. It didn't happen to us, but we saw it happen to others. Kind of takes the shine off the joy of watching the bears. Also, if you get out to watch, be sure you stay close enough to your vehicle to get back in quickly -- at least faster than the bear could move on his way toward you. And they're faster than you think, even if they really aren't interested in confronting humans. One more thing -- watch where you put your feet. Yes, bears mostly leave their mark in the woods. But they also do so on the roadway, on walking paths and wherever they like. The piles are large and plentiful. Hit one just right, and you'll sink to the ankle.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katana107
Abbotsford, Canada238 contributions
Feb 2019
We were staying at the campground and saw grizzly bears on the way to and from every time. Beware when camping, the bear watching area is only a few hundred meters away and the grizzlies enjoy giving your car a good rub.
Written February 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrianMaryAdventures
Fairbanks, AK360 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
One of the best campsites we’ve ever stayed at. The salmon weren’t biting the three days we were there, but the scenery made up for it. Chilkoot river is one of the most beautiful rivers I’ve ever seen. Oh and bears! We saw four of them, and lots of scat on the road
Written July 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary G
Nampa, ID64 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We stopped by Chilkoot Lake while in Haines on a cruise stop. It as a beautiful day and the lake was mirror like. This view combined with the eagles on the river made this a fun stop.
Written May 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric G
Florissant, MO362 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
I visit in November to take photos of the bald eagles in the evergreens and the moss/snow covered rocks in the river. Earlier in the year, this is the place to (safely) view bears as well. Simply gorgeous!
Written November 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
premierman
County Tipperary, Ireland771 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Booked a bear viewing tour with Rainbow Glacier Tours to chilkoot, what a great choice, we were able to watch a pair of 3 year old brown bears catching salmon in the river and playing for nearly 3 hours. Our guide told us they were a brother and sister that had recently left their mother, they completely ignored all the tourists and fishermen as they put on a fantastic show for us. As they have grown up here close to humans they are very tolerant but it would not be a very good idea to get too close to them. We were also lucky enough to be able to watch 2 fledgling bald eagles on their nest with a parent bird keeping an eye on them. The lake area is so beautiful and seems to be a great place for bears and fishing in august.
Written September 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi - Are kayak rentals available at the Recreation Area?
Thanks!
-Catrina
Written July 11, 2022
We have this excursion booked through princess on JUly 6th because my son wants to fish. From your post it sounds like the fishing was not great. There weren't many fish?
Written June 19, 2017
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing