Kayak into Tongass National Forest

Chilkat Islands Paddle

Dates (5 days)

2024 Dates: June 17-21, July 15-19, Aug 12-16 Custom dates available. Contact us for details.

Location

Haines, Alaska

Cost (min of 4 persons)

$1595 per person Prices for 1 to 3 people available

Chilkat Islands Sea Kayak

A work week at sea that will have you experiencing the true spirit of SE Alaska. Departing from Haines – a sleepy little fishing town where the Lynn Fjord (Lynn Canal), the deepest in North America, meets the mighty Chilkat River. We will spend this week exploring the area where the river meets the sea and the unique ecosystem that is created by the convergence of these two very different water bodies.

Itinerary

We will begin our adventure just south of Haines, Alaska, first traveling by van with all the equipment we will need for the next week. This short but scenic journey overland will take us along the base of towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, past historic canneries, and along black gravel beaches, giving us a view of the seascape that will be our home for the next 5 days.

Starting in a little cove on the western shore of the Chilkat Peninsula, we can get our sea legs, practicing paddling techniques and getting comfortable in the kayaks that will make our journey possible. Once we are feeling confident, we can head north toward the mighty Chilkat River or south along the shores of Chilkat State Park. Whichever direction we decide to travel, we will use the wind and tide to help us on our trip.

Wildlife is abundant in this part of the fjord and we are always looking for marine life. In these waters porpoise and Stellar sea lions are very common along with Harbor Seals but if we have just a little luck we will see the spout of a humpback whale or the 6-foot tall dorsel fin of an Orca, both of which spend their summers in these waters. As we cruise close to the shore we’ll keep our eyes peeled for all manner of wildlife cruising the beaches for a snack – maybe a brown bear grazing on beach grasses or shell fish? Bears are just one of many species that frequent the shorelines in the area around Haines.

Under blue skies, our eyes may spy the brilliant blue of the Rainbow Glacier hanging high above the fjord with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water pouring from waterfalls to the sea below. The Davidson Glacier is just to our south now and, if we choose, may be a great terrestrial adventure if the winds kick up and we decide to stay ashore.

Each day will see us traveling along rocky shores, sandy beaches or towering cliffs, never staying the same with new surprises around each point. SEAK expedition guides work and live in this fjord and whether we are on the sea or on its shores, they are with you to make your adventure a safe and enjoyable one. We will tread lightly and use Leave No Trace camping practices not only to maintain the wildness of this place but to keep us safe from harm.

We will use expedition style kayaks ranging from 17 to 21 feet in length, designed to travel great distances. This sea kayak adventure will have us traveling along the shores of the Lynn Fjord, but we will have time to stretch our legs and explore the coastline on hikes in the evenings or on a rest day. Physical fitness will be a factor more than time spent sea kayaking. Extensive paddling experience is not required.

Sea kayaks have a long history in the waters of Alaska and are a great way to enjoy the fjord around Haines. Traveling by sea kayak lets us move almost as one with the environment around us, allowing us to experience this seascape in a truly unique fashion.

Day 0

Meet your guide in Haines for a pre-trip meeting.

Day 1

We will pack our things early and meet with our driver for a 15 minute drive to Chilkat State Park. Once at the launch, we will get our kayaks squared away and go over some kayak paddling techniques, as well as some safety items. Then we’ll push off into the waters off the Chilkat Peninsula. We will spend our first day on the water exploring the coves along the peninsula and refining our paddling techniques. Once everyone is feeling comfortable, we will head north to our first campsite and a well-deserved hearty dinner.

Day 2

Waking up looking across the fjord at the Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers and the Chilkat mountains, we will have a hearty breakfast, pack our gear, take a look at the wind and the tides and decide our plan for the day. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback or killer whales who frequent these waters, feeding on schools of salmon, herring and euchalon or hooligan – a large smelt-like fish prized for its oil. Making our way along the shores of the Chilkat Peninsula, whether traveling north or south, our destination for the day is up to us. But be assured, a true Alaskan experience is in store.

Day 3

Rest Day? Maybe for the upper body muscles? If we choose, we can spend the day hiking through temperate rainforest to the toe of the Davidson Glacier.  ven on your rest days, we will have stunning scenery and maybe, just maybe, set foot on ice thousands of years old.

Day 4

Back on the water we set our sites on the Chilkat Islands just off of Ayiklut Point.  Circumnavigating the chain of 4 small islands with stunning shorelines will be our goal for the day. We can take our pick of which one to break for lunch on and, if we are lucky and the weather cooperates, we will catch a glimpse of Eldred Rock and its lighthouse. In the afternoon, we will head back toward the mainland and our campsite for the evening.

Day 5

After one last camp breakfast we have Haines back in our sights. We may paddle into Letnikof Harbor to meet our ride into town or we may catch a ride in a water taxi or bush plane if our pace or weather has us a little behind schedule. No matter how we get there we will finish our final day in Haines, Alaska with a warm, well-deserved shower.

Included

All group camping equipment

Food while in the field

Tents, sleeping bags, dry bags etc.

Expedition kayak, paddle, PFD and safety equipment

Professional guide service

Not Included

Lodging while not in the field

Food while not in the field 

Personal gear

Gratuity for guides

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