Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Haines, Alaska

Description: The preserve, which boasts the world's largest feeding concentration of bald eagles, is one of the best wildlife viewing sites in Alaska. As many as 4,000 bald eagles gather here from late October through February, attracted by rich salmon runs at the silty confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat Rivers. Biologists estimate that as many as 400 of the magnificent birds make their year-round home in the Chilkat Valley. This area straddles the coastal and interior ecosystems and shares the wildlife of both. Besides eagles, visitors may spot brown and black bears, moose, mountain goats, salmon, river otters, wolves, wolverines, coyotes, and various species of birds, including trumpeter swans and loons. Birders driving into Canada should watch for the shift from chestnut-backed to black-capped chickadees, from Steller's jays to gray jays, and from blue grouse to ruffed and spruce grouse.

The peak of the annual gathering of eagles occurs in mid-to late November. During this time, as many as 20 of these magnificent birds can be spotted in a single tree.

Viewing Information: The preserve is accessible by car, with viewing points along the Haines Highway. Rental cars and commercially guided tours are available year-round. SPECTATORS MUST USE DESIGNATED HIGHWAY PULLOUTS AND SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS OF TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS ALONG THE HIGHWAY. Visitors should also respect the privacy of Klukwan village. For a different perspective, take a guided river trip in the summer. Although there are no visitor facilities in the preserve itself, Haines, less than 20 miles away, offers complete amenities.

Directions: The main viewing stretch parallels the Chilkat River between mile 18 and mile 24 of the Haines Highway. Haines is accessible by road from Anchorage and other parts of Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. and can be reached by plane, boat, or Alaska Marine Highway System ferry from Juneau.

Contact: Alaska State Parks (907) 465-4563

Size: 48,000 acres

Closest Town: Haines