Chilkat

Chilkat State Park encompasses 9,837 acres on the Chilkat Peninsula near Haines in Southeast Alaska, offering spectacular views of the Chilkat Range and Davidson and Rainbow glaciers. The park combines accessible front country camping with wilderness backcountry, providing one of the region's best opportunities to experience Southeast Alaska's coastal mountains without remote air travel. The park includes over 10 miles of shoreline along the Chilkat and Lutak inlets, with old-growth forest, salmon streams, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Located just 7 miles from downtown Haines, Chilkat State Park is one of Southeast Alaska's most accessible wilderness experiences.

The park supports populations of brown and black bears attracted by salmon runs in nearby streams. Moose browse in meadows and along forest edges throughout the park. Harbor seals and sea lions are frequently observed in the inlets, while humpback whales occasionally feed in adjacent waters. The famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve lies just north of the park, though eagles are common within park boundaries as well. Mountain goats can be observed on the steep terrain of the Chilkat Range across the inlet.

Temperate rainforest dominates the park, with Sitka spruce and western hemlock forming a dense canopy over lush understory vegetation. Devil's club, blueberry, and ferns thrive in the wet maritime climate. Coastal meadows support diverse wildflower communities during summer. The transition from tidal zone through forest to alpine meadows creates diverse plant communities. Old-growth trees reach impressive sizes in the productive coastal environment.

The park lies at the foot of the Chilkat Range, where glacially carved mountains rise directly from sea level. The peninsula itself was shaped by glacial deposits and outwash from the retreating ice sheets. Davidson and Rainbow glaciers visible across the inlet continue to slowly retreat from their Little Ice Age maximums. The underlying bedrock consists of metamorphic and igneous rocks typical of the Coast Mountains. Tidal action and river processes continue shaping the coastline.

Chilkat State Park experiences the maritime climate typical of Southeast Alaska, with mild temperatures and abundant precipitation. Summer temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional warmer days. Winter brings temperatures in the 20s and 30s with frequent snow at lower elevations. Annual precipitation exceeds 50 inches, supporting the lush rainforest. The location near the head of Lynn Canal can bring strong outflow winds during winter.

The Tlingit people have inhabited the Chilkat River region for thousands of years, developing one of the most sophisticated cultures of the Northwest Coast. The area was a major trading center, with the Chilkat Tlingit controlling access to interior trade routes over the Chilkat Pass. Traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering provided sustenance, while the Chilkat blanket became a prized trade item. European contact beginning in the 1880s brought missionaries, prospectors, and the establishment of Haines as a port and military installation.

Chilkat State Park was established in 1970 as one of Alaska's first state parks, created to protect scenic and recreational values of the Chilkat Peninsula. The park's development reflected growing awareness of the need to preserve public access to Alaska's spectacular coastal landscapes. Campgrounds and trails were developed to provide visitor access while protecting natural resources. The park has remained relatively unchanged, maintaining its balance of accessibility and wilderness character. It serves as a gateway to larger wilderness areas throughout the region.

The Seduction Point Trail follows the shoreline for 6.5 miles, offering wildlife viewing and glacier vistas. Battery Point Trail provides easier access to the coastline and tidal areas. The campground offers vehicle-accessible camping with views of glaciers and mountains. Sea kayaking from the park provides access to remote coastline and wildlife viewing. Fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden trout attracts anglers during summer runs.

The park is accessible by road from Haines, approximately 7 miles south of downtown. A developed campground offers 32 campsites with water and pit toilets. Day-use areas provide beach access and picnic facilities. No visitor center exists within the park; the Haines Visitor Center provides regional information. The Alaska Marine Highway and air service connect Haines to other Southeast communities. The park is open year-round, though services are reduced in winter.

The park protects important coastal habitat that complements the adjacent Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Old-growth forest protection ensures habitat continuity for bears, eagles, and other wildlife. The park works with local communities on sustainable recreation and wildlife management. Climate change may affect salmon runs and glacial features that draw visitors. Balancing accessibility with wilderness values remains an ongoing management focus.