Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting Small Groups Wildlife

Float the Chilkat River where bald eagles hunt, bears fish, and mountains frame the valley

A 5-hour guided rafting trip on the Chilkat River in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where you float through glacially braided channels in a small group with a live English-speaking guide. The preserve holds the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, especially during salmon runs, and you may also see brown and black bears, moose, river otters, and Trumpeter Swans. Door-to-door shuttle service, waterproof boots, rain gear, lifejackets, and a riverside snack are included. The trip suits ages 4 and up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting and wildlife viewing in Alaska

• Receive door-to-door shuttle
• Put on waterproof boots and rain gear
• Board inflatable raft for guided tour
• Float through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
• Observe bald eagles and other wildlife
• Listen to guide's cultural and natural stories
• Enjoy riverside picnic snack
• Return via shuttle service

The experience

The Chilkat River is not whitewater: you're on large inflatable rafts that drift and glide through a mix of swift currents and calm stretches, which means you can actually watch for wildlife instead of bracing for rapids. The guide knows where the eagles perch, where bears wade for salmon, and which bends of the river hold moose. The preserve's scale matters. It hosts the world's largest gathering of bald eagles, so the odds of seeing them are not a hope but an expectation, especially if you're traveling during the salmon runs when the birds concentrate along the banks.

You leave from your hotel or lodging in Haines and return the same way, so there's no figuring out how to get to the river or waiting for a shuttle that doesn't fit your schedule. Waterproof boots, rain gear, and lifejackets are waiting for you. You don't pack them or wonder if they'll fit. After the float, you pull ashore for a hearty snack by the river, and the guide shares stories about the Chilkat Indian heritage and the natural history of the area while you eat.

The trip is built for families and friends traveling together, not a crowd of strangers. Small groups mean the guide can slow down when an eagle lands, move on when the light changes, and answer questions without shouting over a full boat. The scenery (towering mountains, hanging glaciers, lush forests, and the river valley itself) is the backdrop, but the animals are the point.

What’s included

• 5-hour guided float on the Chilkat River.
• door-to-door shuttle service from your Haines lodging.
• waterproof boots, rain gear, and lifejackets.
• riverside snack.
• live English-speaking guide who shares cultural and natural history of the preserve.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Haines Rafting Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Haines without a car. The included shuttle picks you up from your hotel and delivers you straight to the river, so you can spend your time on the water instead of arranging rides.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What wildlife will I actually see on the Chilkat River?

Bald eagles are the main draw. The preserve holds the world's largest concentration, especially during salmon runs. You may also encounter brown and black bears fishing in the shallows, moose along the banks, river otters, Trumpeter Swans, foxes, and numerous other bird species. The guide knows the best spots and timing for each.

Is this rafting trip whitewater or a calm float?

The Chilkat River has a mix of swift currents and tranquil floats, but no whitewater. You're on large inflatable rafts designed for wildlife viewing, so you can watch and photograph without fighting the water.

How does the shuttle work, and where does it pick me up?

Door-to-door shuttle service is included. The operator picks you up from your hotel or lodging in Haines and returns you there after the trip, so you don't need a car or arrange separate transportation.

What gear do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Waterproof boots, rain gear, and lifejackets are all included. You wear layers you can shed if you warm up, and the operator provides everything else needed to stay dry and safe on the water.

Is this trip suitable for young children or families?

Yes, the trip is designed for ages 4 and up and is ideal for families and friends. The calm float and small-group format make it accessible for children and less experienced rafters.