Chilkat River

The Chilkat River flows through British Columbia and into southeast Alaska, ending ultimately at the Lynn Canal. At around 50 miles long, the river cuts through some of Alaska’s most pristine wilderness from the Coast Range to the Chilkat Inlet—including through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

Visiting Chilkat River

Habitat destruction from mining, settlement, logging, and tourism have all put the Chilkat River at risk. Today, locals have banded together to protect this vital habitat. Whether you come for the fishing, the rafting tours, or the bald eagles, visitors to the Chilkat River experience firsthand how essential the region is to Alaska’s wildlife.

About Chilkat River

With its source at the Chilkat Glacier in Alaska, the Chilkat River winds through British Columbia for 17 miles before continuing through Alaska for the remaining 37 miles. Prized for its stunning scenery, pristine waters, and abundant bald eagle population along its length, the Chilkat River is a popular destination for those who want to get a true look at Alaska’s wilderness.

History & Geography

The Russians first named the Chilkat River after the Chilkat Tlingit who lived in the area. With its name meaning “salmon storehouse”, the Chilkat River is a vital habitat for Alaska’s salmon—drawing thousands of bald eagles and avid birdwatchers to the area every year.

After flowing through the Chilkat Inlet, the Chilkat River enters the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve. With hundreds of eagles in view and the snow-covered Takshanuk Mountains framing the area, exploring the Chilkat River is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Interesting Facts

Every year, thousands of visitors travel to nearby Haines and the Chilkat River region to see the world’s most impressive population of bald eagles—and some of the best views in the state. With plenty to see and do in the area, along with endless photo opportunities, the Chilkat River should be on any travelers’ to-do list.

• The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is best known for having the world’s largest population of bald eagles, with thousands gathering every year for the salmon runs between October and February.
• The Bald Eagle Festival held in Haines every year brings visitors, photographers, and researchers from around the world.
• The Native Chilkat Tlingits that first settled the area remain living along the river’s shores, including in the mostly-Tlingit village of Klukwan, just 25 miles outside of Haines.
• Several varieties of salmon, including king, sockeye, Coho, and pink salmon, flood into the waters of the Chilkat River yearly, providing one of the bald eagles’ most-vital food sources.
• As a designated state critical habitat area, the Chilkat River has seen detrimental impact from humans and industry, causing it to be listed as one of “America’s Most Endangered Rivers” in 2019.

Points of Interest

If you enjoy wildlife, you won’t find a better chance to see Alaska’s raptors, moose, bear, and salmon than at the Chilkat River. A popular destination for narrated jet boat tours, rafting, fishing, and photography, there is something for everyone to enjoy along the Chilkat’s beautiful shores.