Naturalist’s Paradise (from Haines)

Immerse Yourself in the Wonders of Chilkoot Lake State Park

This tour is sold out for 2024

Meet your private naturalist guide and set out on a seaside drive into Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: Tlingit Indian cultural sites, a salmon-filled river with excellent bear viewing, and a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fascinating ecosystems. You’ll end your adventure with a delicious meal at the infamous Pilot Light Restaurant featured n “Cupcake Wars”.

Your cruise excursion adventure begins here...

Day 1

In May, June, and July, the wildflowers in Chilkoot Lake State Park are at their peak, and bald eagles are busy caring for their young in the nest. Then, beginning in late July, the Chilkoot River fills with migrating salmon and brown bears come down to the river’s edge to feed. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases, with a good probability of seeing bears from mid-August through late September.

As you drive through the park, your private naturalist guide knows all the best places to stop for scenery and wildlife sightings. They will be equipped with a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, and your guide will share their knowledge of wildlife behavior and the Chilkoot’s complex ecosystems.

After departing Chilkoot Lake, you’ll stop at the Pilot Light Restaurant where owner Cambria Goodwin, featured on “Cupcake Wars”, will serve you a tasty meal featuring her signature salmon bisque soup, Caesar salad, home-baked bread and, of course, dessert!

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

  • Meet and greet at the cruise terminal
  • Private roundtrip transportation in Haines
  • Services of a professional wilderness guide
  • Privately guided tour of Chilkoot State Park and gourmet lunch

Customize your adventure

Add a flight to Glacier Bay National Park

Combine your Haines experience with a 50-minute flight over Glacier Bay National Park and for a bird’s eye view of the glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.

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Contact our Travel Design team to request your custom Alaska itinerary

907 375 6582

You did an amazing job arranging this trip for a bunch of spoiled, whining Californians. Each of our guides, activities and accommodations gets 5-star ratings. Tutka was especially appreciated; our only regret being we couldn’t stay longer. Everyone wants to go back. Steve our driver was a very cool dude. And everyone from... Read more  

David Cutler