Haines Alaska
A seaside gem whose Alaska Native origins are reflected in its Tlingit language name “Deishu," meaning the trail’s end.
Haines Alaska
A seaside gem whose Alaska Native origins are reflected in its Tlingit language name “Deishu," meaning the trail’s end.
Haines Alaska
A seaside gem whose Alaska Native origins are reflected in its Tlingit language name “Deishu," meaning the trail’s end.
Haines
Set on a half-moon bay about 70 miles north of Juneau, the community of Haines feels quite unique from its southeastern Alaska neighbors. It avoided the boom-and-bust cycle of nearby Skagway through which thousands of prospectors stampeded to rumored golden riches in the Yukon.
In 1901, on the heels of the Klondike Gold Rush, the U.S. military chose Haines for a new operational base in Alaska. Land was cleared, barracks and offices built, and a new post established. Fort Wm H. Seward operated for just over 40 years before being decommissioned. Five military families pooled their resources to buy the old army base, converting barracks and buildings into hotels, homes, and offices.
Today Haines is a vibrant little town rich in culture and adventurous outdoor pursuits. Each year the town hosts events like the Southeast Alaska State Fair, the Coho Salmon Derby, and the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. The area is also the seasonal home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles. These iconic birds of prey flock to what is now designated as the Alaskan Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in the fall to feed on abundant salmon spawning in the Chilkat River.
There's much to see and do around Haines. The Haines Sheldon Museum provides a glimpse into local history. Just seven miles outside of town, the Chilkat State Park offers camping, trails, and boat access to the Chilkat Inlet. For hikers, a trek to the top of 3,510-foot Mount Ripinsky makes for an exhilarating challenge. There are plenty of guided tours as well, ranging from scenic float trips down the Chilkat River to flightseeing tours of nearby Glacier Bay National Park.
Although most visitors come to Haines for a day trip, the town offers several unique accommodations for overnight guests. A favorite is the Hotel Halsingland, a historic property that was officer quarters originally at Fort Seward.
As a port of call, the most common mode of transportation to Haines is the Alaska State Ferry or a major cruise line. Two local airlines serve this location with connecting flights from Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Hoonah, and several other southeast Alaskan enclaves. Haines is also one of just three communities in the Inside Passage accessible by road. The Haines Highway connects with the Alaska Highway at Haines Junction in Canada about 155 miles north. It's another 600 miles from there to Anchorage.
