Chilkoot Lake

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site protects a spectacularly scenic glacially-carved lake near Haines, Alaska, in the northern reaches of the Inside Passage. The 80-acre site provides access to one of Southeast Alaska's most productive sockeye salmon systems, drawing thousands of salmon, brown and black bears, and bald eagles each summer. The site offers visitors an accessible opportunity to witness one of Alaska's great wildlife spectacles.

Chilkoot Lake is renowned for its brown bear viewing during the summer sockeye salmon runs when dozens of bears may be fishing the river simultaneously. The lake system supports massive sockeye runs along with smaller numbers of other salmon species. Bald eagles congregate by the hundreds during peak salmon runs. Harbor seals occasionally enter the lake from the nearby saltwater, while moose browse the shoreline vegetation.

Temperate rainforest dominates the area, with Sitka spruce and western hemlock forming the canopy. The understory features devil's club, salmonberry, and ferns typical of Southeast Alaska's lush coastal forests. Alder thickets line stream corridors while aquatic vegetation provides habitat structure in shallow lake margins.

Chilkoot Lake occupies a classic glacially-carved valley, elongated and deep with steep walls rising to surrounding peaks. The lake was formed when glaciers excavated the bedrock and left behind moraine deposits that dam the outlet. The surrounding mountains consist of metamorphic and granitic rocks uplifted during the continuing collision between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.

The maritime climate brings mild temperatures and abundant precipitation, with summer highs in the 55-65°F range and winter lows rarely below 10°F. Annual precipitation exceeds 50 inches, supporting the lush temperate rainforest. Snow accumulates heavily at higher elevations while lower areas often receive rain during winter months. Cloudy and rainy conditions are common throughout the year.

The Chilkoot Valley has been home to Tlingit peoples for thousands of years, with salmon providing a foundation for their culture and subsistence economy. The area was central to trade routes between coastal and interior peoples. The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 brought the famous Chilkoot Trail through nearby passes, though this lake was not on the main route.

Alaska State Parks developed Chilkoot Lake as a recreation site to provide managed public access to this important salmon stream and outstanding wildlife viewing location. The site has become one of Southeast Alaska's premier destinations for bear viewing, combining the spectacle of feeding bears with campground facilities. Management balances recreation access with wildlife protection.

Bear viewing is the premier attraction, with brown and black bears visible from the campground and day-use areas during salmon runs from June through September. The Chilkoot River below the lake outlet provides prime viewing with bears fishing within view of the road and facilities. Fishing for sockeye, pink, and chum salmon draws anglers to the lake and river. Scenic beauty and wildlife make this a must-visit destination near Haines.

The recreation site offers 32 campsites, picnic areas, vault toilets, and boat launch facilities. Located 10 miles from Haines, the site is accessible by paved road. Haines is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and has small aircraft service. Campground reservations are recommended during peak bear viewing season from July through September. Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory.

Bear safety is paramount, with mandatory food storage requirements and education programs to prevent human-bear conflicts. The site demonstrates successful coexistence between people and large predators through proper management and visitor behavior. Fishing regulations ensure sustainable salmon harvest while maintaining runs that feed the bear population. The site serves as a model for wildlife viewing management in Alaska.