Chilkoot River
Chilkoot River
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
171 reviews
Excellent
138
Very good
32
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
VillagerRick
The Villages, FL1,000 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The drive along the river takes you to a large parking area next to the lake. We were there to see bears feeding, and although it wasn’t a huge number, there was a mama and two cubs getting their fill. There are a couple of modest parking ares along the river.
Written August 20, 2023
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.
Emily M
7 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska in the SouthEast area, be sure to check out Haines Alaska which is known for their Brown & Black Bear population. About 30 minutes from Haines you’ll find the best bear watching at The Chilkoot River. The Chilkoot River flows from Chilkoot Lake into Lutak Inlet and is one of the most easily reached bear viewing spots in Southeast Alaska from mid-June to October. Be sure to pack a camera as you’ll want to get some pictures of the bears if you’re lucky enough to spot them!
Enjoy, The JetSetting Fashionista (Travel Blogger)
Enjoy, The JetSetting Fashionista (Travel Blogger)
Written December 6, 2014
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.
Charles B
Argyle, TX630 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Photographed three brown bears along Chilkoot River. A Mom and two cubs allowed good photos as they were busy eating fish.
Written December 18, 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.
Sushi N Scott
South Riding, VA836 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We did a bear watching excursion on our tour and we had a great time. They took us along the Chilkoot. The guides were great and worked hard to get us as near as possible to the bears while keeping us safe.
Written September 27, 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.
Liveforetravel
West Palm Beach, FL195 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We went on a tour called Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing. I can't find it here to review but we left out of Skagway on the ferry and then were picked up. It was a small party and they knew where to take us to see bears! There was a place on the river called the Weir that was a man made structure that limits the ability of the salmon to swim upstream so the park service can count and monitor them. In bear speak that means salmon buffet! We saw 4 adults and seven cubs during the couple hours we spent there. The mother bears would grab the salmon and throw them up to the kids anxiously awaiting them. Easily one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
Written October 2, 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.
bibi569
Calgary, Canada82 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Chilkoot River (not to be mistaken for the Chilkat River) is a great place to see bears! We drove out one evening, and were not disappointed. There were 3 bears eating salmon. A little drive up takes you to Chilkoot Lake, which is also very beautiful. I would put this as a "must see" if you are in Haines!
Written August 28, 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.
mini
Fremont, CA179,527 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We were on a fishing tour in Haines. We found the views of the Chilkoot River breathtaking as we made our way to Chilkoot Lake. Our fishing guide saw some cars parked and many out taking photos, so he was nice enough to stop also.
We had a superb time watching a bear and cub doing salmon fishing for about 20 minutes or so. It was a spectacular time watching and seeing them swimming, eating salmon, fishing, and interacting with one another.
It was one of the top highlights of our trip to Alaska in 2016.
We had a superb time watching a bear and cub doing salmon fishing for about 20 minutes or so. It was a spectacular time watching and seeing them swimming, eating salmon, fishing, and interacting with one another.
It was one of the top highlights of our trip to Alaska in 2016.
Written September 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.
jonpholt
Santa Rosa, CA21 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Guided tour of the river. Great for pictures of eagles, bears, beautiful scenes of forest mountains and all sorts of birds.
Written July 6, 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.
Susan S
Yangon80 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
We rented a car and drove out to the river and then to the lake, stopping along the way. Although it was the end of September, there was still a salmon run going on. We saw eagles, seals, and lots of birds feasting on the fish. Then we also saw a bear fishing in the river. The funny thing about that, though, was all the people taking photos of the bear fishing... We were there at the end of the season so I can't imagine it when the tour boats are in. It's nice to have a car to stop when you want and just take in nature. At the lake we watched people catching salmon and high on the hillside we saw a group of mountain goats. A fun excursion for us. No need to boat, we think.
Written October 2, 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.
stevenmO3205EP
Lewiston, California, United States56 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Just a few miles out of town past the ferry terminal lies a local scenic gem: the Chilkoot River. Draining expansive Chilkoot Lake, the short (less than 3 miles long) river, flanked by a decent gravel road, offers views of spruce and hemlock forest, sparkling water, and LOTS of eagles. Don't be surprised to see a bear, either. Where the river leaves the lake, you'll find ample day-use parking, a boat ramp, a picnic area, and a campground, so feel free to make a day of it. The river is very inviting for fly fishing, too.
Written July 23, 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.
Harvey & Shawn
Kansas106 contributions
When would be the best time to see bears, morning or afternoon? Our ship excursions offer 8:45 AM and 12:45 PM departures. Does it make much difference? We would prefer afternoon and will be there the last week of July.
4pcolatraveler6
Pensacola, FL1 contribution
The time offered for the Eagle Float excursion are 12:30 and 4:30 is one better than the other? Will be there June 15th.
mary W
Payson, Utah11 contributions
We are coming on a cruise line to Haines. We were interested in seeing the sites along the river. Are there companies that do these tours or would we need to rent a car and drive it ourselves? We would rather not do the shore excursions offered by the cruise line.
Eric G
Florissant, MO368 contributions
Yes, there are locals that offer guided tours. I've never taken one so I will refrain from suggesting one over another: haines.ak.us/sightseeing
The travel is very simple in Haines: one road leads up the Chilkoot, and the other road leads up the Chilkat. Impossible to get lost. Lynn Canal Lodge rents SUVs and will pick you up at the landing.
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Claim your listingChilkoot River - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chilkoot River
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chilkoot River:
- Private Photography Tour to Haines - Skagway Departure (From $338.00)
- Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing - Skagway Departure (From $240.00)
- Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing (2.5 hrs in Haines) (From $107.00)
- Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Haines (From $135.63)
- Private Photography Tour Haines Departure (From $248.00)
Chilkoot River Information
Excellent Reviews | 138 |
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Very Good Reviews | 32 |
Chilkoot River Photos | 115 |