Overview
Chilkat State Park is a 9,900-acre park located near the city of Haines, Alaska. The park is situated at the confluence of the Chilkat and Chilkoot rivers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. What makes Chilkat State Park special is its unique combination of rugged wilderness, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The park was established in 1978 to protect its natural and cultural resources, and it has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The park’s designation history dates back to the 1970s, when the Alaska State Legislature recognized the area’s importance as a habitat for wildlife and a destination for recreation. Today, Chilkat State Park is managed by the Alaska State Parks department, which works to balance the needs of visitors with the need to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Getting There
To get to Chilkat State Park, visitors can fly into the Haines Airport (HNS), which is located about 7 miles from the park. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to the park. The park’s GPS coordinates are 59.2333° N, 135.4333° W. Visitors can also access the park via the Haines Highway, which connects Haines to the rest of Alaska.
Driving directions to the park are as follows: from Haines, take the Haines Highway (AK-7) south for about 7 miles. Turn left onto Chilkat Lake Road, and follow the road for about 2 miles. The park’s entrance will be on the right. The nearest town is Haines, which offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lodging.
- GPS coordinates: 59.2333° N, 135.4333° W
- Nearest airport: Haines Airport (HNS)
- Nearest town: Haines
- Access roads: Haines Highway (AK-7), Chilkat Lake Road
Top Trails & Hikes
Chilkat State Park offers a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Some of the top trails and hikes in the park include:
- Chilkat Lake Trail: a 2-mile trail that takes visitors to the shores of Chilkat Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Chilkoot River Trail: a 1.5-mile trail that follows the Chilkoot River and offers opportunities to see salmon, bears, and other wildlife.
- Mount Riley Trail: a 4-mile trail that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Riley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The difficulty level of the trails in Chilkat State Park varies, but most trails are considered easy to moderate. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and potential encounters with wildlife.
Trail Difficulty Levels
The trail difficulty levels in Chilkat State Park are as follows:
- Easy: trails that are relatively flat and well-maintained, such as the Chilkat Lake Trail.
- Moderate: trails that have some elevation gain and may be more rugged, such as the Chilkoot River Trail.
- Difficult: trails that have significant elevation gain and may be more challenging, such as the Mount Riley Trail.
Camping Options
Chilkat State Park offers a range of camping options for visitors, including:
- Developed campgrounds: the park has two developed campgrounds, one near the park entrance and one near Chilkat Lake. The campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
- Backcountry camping: visitors can also camp in the park’s backcountry, but must obtain a permit from the park ranger station first.
- Cabin rentals: the park offers several cabins for rent, which can be reserved through the Alaska State Parks website.
Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and potential encounters with wildlife when camping in Chilkat State Park.
Wildlife
Chilkat State Park is known for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including:
- Bears: the park is home to a large population of grizzly bears, as well as black bears.
- Moose: moose are common in the park, particularly in the wetlands and along the rivers.
- Caribou: caribou can be seen in the park, particularly during the summer months.
- Eagles: bald eagles and golden eagles are common in the park, and can be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees.
Some of the best viewing spots for wildlife in the park include the Chilkat Lake Trail, the Chilkoot River Trail, and the Mount Riley Trail.
Fishing & Water Activities
Chilkat State Park offers a range of fishing and water activities, including:
- Salmon fishing: the park’s rivers and streams are home to a variety of salmon species, including king salmon, sockeye salmon, and coho salmon.
- Trout fishing: the park’s lakes and streams are home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Boating: visitors can launch their own boats or rent one from a local outfitter to explore the park’s lakes and rivers.
- Kayaking: kayaking is a popular activity in the park, and visitors can rent kayaks or take a guided tour.
Visitors should obtain any necessary permits and follow all regulations before engaging in fishing or water activities in the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chilkat State Park depends on the visitor’s interests and preferences. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and dry.
During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as take part in guided tours and outdoor programs. The park’s wildflowers are also in bloom during the summer, adding to the park’s natural beauty.
In the spring (April to May), visitors can see the park’s wildlife, including bears and moose, as they emerge from hibernation. The fall (September to October) is also a good time to visit, as the park’s foliage is changing colors and the wildlife is preparing for winter.
In the winter (December to March), visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, as well as take part in guided snowmobile tours.
Permits & Fees
Visitors to Chilkat State Park must pay an entrance fee, which is $10 per vehicle. Camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night, depending on the campground and amenities.
Backcountry camping permits are required and can be obtained from the park ranger station. Fishing licenses are also required and can be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
- Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle
- Camping fees: $10 to $20 per night
- Backcountry camping permits: required, available from park ranger station
- Fishing licenses: required, available from Alaska Department of Fish and Game
History & Culture
Chilkat State Park has a rich cultural and natural history. The park is located on the traditional lands of the Tlingit Native American tribe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
The park’s name “Chilkat” comes from the Tlingit word for “bears”, which refers to the park’s abundant bear population. The park’s indigenous history dates back to the time of the Tlingit, who used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
In the late 19th century, the park was explored by European-Americans, who were attracted to the area’s natural resources, including gold, timber, and fish. The park was established in 1978 to protect its natural and cultural resources, and it has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Planning Your Trip
Visitors to Chilkat State Park should plan to spend at least 2-3 days in the park to take advantage of all the activities and amenities it has to offer.
Some things to bring on a trip to Chilkat State Park include:
- Hiking boots and clothing
- Camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment
- Fishing gear, including a rod, reel, and tackle
- Binoculars and a camera to capture the park’s wildlife and scenery
- Map and compass or GPS device to navigate the park’s trails
- First aid kit and emergency supplies, including a flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle
Guided tours are available in the park, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing tours. Visitors can also rent equipment, including kayaks and bikes, from local outfitters.
Overall, Chilkat State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history, the park has something to offer for everyone.