A great place to explore

Adventures for all. Paddle, boat, fish, camp, hike, explore!

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Chilkat State Park

Chilkat State Park borders on the waters of the Chilkat Inlet, where the Chilkat River meets the Lynn Canal.  Our backdrop of the Chilkat Inlet is the Chilkat Range, separating us from the Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve, and shows off the Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers at lower elevations for great viewing. 

To access the park, head on down Cemetery Hill (Mud Bay Road) about a mile out you will have a beautiful view of the Chilkat River.  There are pull-offs along the way so you can enjoy beach combing and birding.  When the tide is at an extreme low you will be able to hike across, using an indirect route due to deep channels of water, over to Pyramid Island and explore. 

 As you continue driving out another 4 miles you will meet up with more pull-offs for beach and boat access, the Letnikof Cove Harbor and launch ramps. These beaches and docks are a great place to cast a line for dinner.  Across the cove you will spot Haines Packing, one of the oldest canneries still in production, and watch the fisherman pitch off their catch.  Haines Packing has a store front in town right off of Main Street where their selection will make anyone happy.

Another 5 miles out is the road access to the Chilkat State Park and hiking trails, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.  Traveling into Chilkat State Park will be through a dirt road and beware that about a mile out is a 14% grade hill that requires careful driving.  Before reaching the campground, on the left is the hiking trail parking area, Moose Meadows continues on to Ayiklutu Trail, both great for beach combing, bird watching, fishing, sea life and glacier viewing (Davidson and Rainbow). 

Passed the trail parking lot on the right is the 30+ campsites in a mixed setting of evergreens and deciduous forest.  As you continue passed the campsites on the left is a visitor cabin with a viewing platform and spotting scope for overlooking the Chilkat Inlet, an excellent perch from which to scan for wildlife and sea life.  If you continue down to the waterfront there are latrines, water pump, a picnic shelter and a boat launch which are available for use.  This is a great place to do some kayaking along the shorelines.  At the end of the road is the Lehunua Island, an accessible hike that takes you around the island where you will find some secret fishing spots.

When you follow the Chilkat Inlet north you will be able to drive the Haines Highway into Canada, following the Chilkat River, and through the Chilkat Eagle Preserve.