Haines, Alaska is a town that feels uniquely Alaskan. It’s where quirky small town vibes meet incredible nature. Where you can spend your days hiking to mountain peaks and admiring wildlife, and your evenings partaking in fine dining and well-crafted cocktails. It’s a place that has the epic coastal views that cities like Juneau offer, but with fewer cruise ships. Plus, it’s one of the only towns in Southeast Alaska that is connected to the rest of North America by road.
After a lot of travel around Alaska, Haines quickly became one of my favorite places. The town feels welcoming, is home to one of my favorite new hikes, and has no shortage of jaw-dropping views. Haines also tends to have better weather than other other parts of Southeast Alaska. They receive a lot less rain than Juneau.
Haines was originally settled by the Tlingit people. The original Native name for Haines is Deishu, which means “end of the trail.” Today, the Tlingit people remain as a strong presence in the community.
In 1943, the Haines Highway was completed, which connected Haines to the rest of North America. To get between Haines and the majority of Alaska, you’ll need to drive through Canada.
Today, the Haines Borough is home to about 2,000 people. It’s one of the best places to see bald eagles, and has earned the nickname of “the adventure capital of the US.” While it takes a bit of effort to reach, it’s an amazing destination that I think should be on your Alaska bucket list. This guide is based on my experience visiting Haines in summer 2026.
Full disclaimer: This was a hosted trip by Visit Haines. As always, my opinions are unbiased and my own. I want to thank the Haines tourism board for their generosity!
6+ of the Best Things To Do in Haines, Alaska
Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the world. The preserve was established in 1982 to protect the habitat of this bird. They also sustain and protect the natural salmon runs, and allow for traditional uses of the land.
There are a few designated parking areas where you can take in the views and look for eagles. There is also a 2-mile Riverside trail at Mile 19.
While you’ll probably see eagles from the road and trail, a float trip is an amazing way to really immerse yourself into the landscape.
I went on a float trip with Alaska Mountain Guides and had a wonderful time. We floated on both the Klehini River and the Chilkat River, and saw about a dozen eagles along the way. We even saw some juvenile eagles!
It was a peaceful journey. Rafting in Alaska is much different than other white water rafting that I’ve done in the lower 48. In this case, the passengers do not row at all, so you get to sit back and enjoy the views.
Our tour included bus transportation, lunch, and lots of interesting history about both Haines and the Bald Eagle Preserve. It was the perfect adventure to get a taste of the beauty that Haines has to offer.
Go Hiking in Haines
If you like hiking, Haines is an incredible place to be. You can hike to both ocean views and mountain peaks within minutes of the city center.
Haines is home to brown bears, so you’ll want to carry bear spray while hiking. If you flew in, check to see if you can borrow some from your hotel. They also sell bear spray at the outdoor store downtown, but you’ll need to find someone to give it to, or a way to safely dispose of it, when you leave.
I did two hikes on my 3-day trip to Haines: Battery Point and Mt Ripinski. Battery Point is rated easy, while Mt Ripinski is rated hard.
Battery Point
The Battery Point Trail is a wonderful trail that offers amazing coastal views. You’ll walk through a mossy forest full of ferns, moss, and streams. About halfway through the journey, you can access a rocky beach with epic views. When I visited, there were beautiful wildflowers along this section too.
The second half of the hike winds through the forest until you reach a rocky outcropping. From the rocks, you’ll have amazing views looking directly out at the Lynn Canal, which is the deepest fjord in North America.
Overall, the trail is 3.7 miles and rated easy. However, it has lots of small ups and downs, and some uneven terrain. It’s the perfect hike to squeeze in on a day full of adventure in Haines.
Mt Ripinski
Mt Ripinski is a strenuous hike that leads to a mountain peak overlooking the town and the surrounding area. This is one of my new favorite all-time hikes. The views truly took my breath away.
If you’d like to attempt this hike, make sure you’re prepared. This is a long and difficult trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water, food, layers, bear spray, sun protection, and a first aid kit. I also think that hiking poles are a huge help on this trail, because it’s quite steep in some areas.
Pro Tip: It’s always smart to hike with the ‘10 essentials.’ Learn more about what to bring on hikes in my day hike packing list.
I also recommend only doing this hike on a day with clear weather. You want to make sure you can see the views that you’ve worked so hard for!
There are a couple different routes to reach the summit of Mt Ripinski. I opted for the longer route on the Skyline Trail, because it’s slightly less steep. Overall, the route I did was 7.6 miles with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
The first half of the trail is in a mossy, green forest. There are a lot of sections where you’ll be navigating around large tree roots as you ascend higher and higher. About halfway through the hike, you’ll start to emerge out of the trees and get some great views. At this point, the trail gets rockier.
There are a few sections that are scree-like, and steep. As you continue upwards, be prepared for false peaks. And depending on the time of year, there might be patches of snow to traverse.
The views at the top are incredibly rewarding. You’ll have 360-views of Haines, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the two inlets of water that surround the Chilkat Peninsula. I’ve done some amazing hikes around the US and the world, but this offered some of my favorite views of all-time.
If you have the time and ability, I think that Mt Ripinski is a bucket list worthy hike that deserves a spot on your Haines itinerary.
Visit Chilkoot Lake
I’ve mentioned some stunning hikes in Haines, but you also don’t need to hike to see some of the most beautiful landscapes around. A visit to Chilkoot Lake is a must for photographers or anyone who loves a scenic spot.
Chilkoot Lake is about 3.6 miles long, 1 mile wide and gets to be about 300 feet deep. It’s beautifully framed by mountains, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a still reflection. It’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
The Chilkoot River flows out of the lake and into the Lutak Inlet, and it’s a huge spot for salmon. The salmon spawn here every year, making this also a popular spot for bear viewing and fishing.
Make sure to stop by the Chilkoot River Fish Weir on your way to the lake. They count the salmon that pass through the weir, and use the numbers for research purposes. This is also one of the best places to see bears in Haines, and they’re most commonly seen here between mid-July and late August.
To get out onto the lake, book a kayaking or motorized boat excursion. This is a magical way to take in the beautiful surroundings from another perspective.
Visit Chilkat State Park
Another beautiful spot for views, picnics, camping, and wildlife spotting is Chilkat State Park. I visited the day use area, which has a boat ramp, rocky beaches and a beautiful peninsula that you can walk around.
I saw bald eagles all over Haines, but this was one of my favorite sightings, as I got to see a pair of eagles up close.
This park has a campground with 35 campsites, and they are first come first serve. There are also some beautiful hiking trails, including Battery Point which I mentioned earlier. Next time, I would also love to hike to Mount Riley.
Tip: The road to reach the Chilkat State Park day use area is unpaved and has some large potholes.
Explore Downtown Haines
Downtown Haines is walkable, and full of wonderful shops and restaurants. There are museums, beautiful views of the water, and lots of locally owned businesses.
If you like things that are a little quirky, don’t miss the Hammer Museum. This was the first museum in the world to be dedicated to preserving the history of the hammer. The small museum is home to over 2,500 hammers!
You’ll find decorative hammers, hammers signed by celebrities, and hammers used for all kinds of different tasks. You can’t miss the building, as there is also a giant hammer out front. There is a small fee to enter, and the staff will happily answer any question that you might have.
As for shopping, I especially loved The Bookstore, Ampersand AK, and The Magpie. The Haines Bookstore has an amazing book selection, along with gift items like local artwork and stickers.
The Magpie is a bright little gallery with gorgeous local art. You’ll find mugs, stickers, prints, and other items that are hand crafted. It’s a beautiful place to shop for souvenirs.
Ampersand AK is another gallery and gift shop that has beautiful art and gifts. You’ll find statement earrings, bags, candles, and lots of unique artwork.
Another place downtown that I didn’t make it to was the American Bald Eagle Foundation, which has a museum and live raptors. They rehabilitate injured eagles, hawks, and owls, and teach about the importance of these amazing birds.
Enjoy Amazing Food and Drink in Haines
I was really impressed by the food scene in Haines! From a rich vegetable curry, to pastries, to incredible cocktails, there are some amazing places to eat and drink in Haines. Below are the places that I visited and loved. Mountain Market and Haines Brewing Company are on my list for next time.
Foundroot Coffee and Farm Shop
Foundroot is a coffee shop tucked away on the grounds of the Southeast Alaska State Fair. They serve delicious coffee and baked goods (I loved the chocolate tahini scone), along with selling a whole array of useful items.
You can purchase cooking supplies, gardening shears, spices, and more. You can also purchase awesome gifts, like a sticker or a tote bag. I was really impressed with this unique business, and definitely recommend stopping by during your trip to Haines.
Deer Heart
Deer Heart is the perfect place to go for an upscale meal made from local ingredients. They aim to support local farmers, foragers, and fisherfolk, and create unique and delicious dishes.
Deer Heart offers a paired down menu that changes seasonally. I enjoyed their sourdough bread with brown sugar butter, a rich vegetable curry, and a refreshing Lillet & tonic cocktail. You’ll always find a creative and fresh dish at this airy and elegant restaurant.
Port Chilkoot Distillery
If you enjoy cocktails, a visit to Port Chilkoot Distillery is an absolute must. Port Chilkoot is an award-winning distillery where you can really taste and feel the passion that goes into their spirits. They are committed to harvesting sustainably and creating high quality spirits. You can enjoy a flight and taste the spirits directly, or enjoy one of their many hand crafted cocktails.
I really enjoyed a cocktail with their gin, while my husband loved their rye. They even have some delicious canned cocktails (I loved the moscow mule), and have some uniquely Alaskan bitters that you can bring home.
Their tasting room overlooks the water and is a great place to spend your evening. They also offer tours. I highly recommend stopping by this beautiful space after a day of exploring Haines.
Chilkat Restaurant & Bakery
This spot serves as a bakery by day, and a Thai restaurant by night. They are known for their donuts and cinnamon rolls, which are gigantic. It’s a friendly place to grab a delicious baked good, and enjoy a filling dinner.
Where to Stay in Haines
I had a lovely stay at the Captain's Choice Motel, which is a locally owned hotel in the center of downtown. Many of their rooms offer water views, and some include kitchenettes. They also offer car rentals, which I utilized as well. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and it was the perfect base for a few days in Haines.
How to Get to Haines
There are a few different ways to reach Haines. It’s one of the only towns in Southeast Alaska that is connected to North America by road, so you can drive there. However, you’ll need to drive through a rugged part of Canada.
You can also take a ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The route between Juneau and Haines takes about 3 hours. There is also a Fast Ferry between Haines and Skagway, which only takes about 45 minutes.
Finally, you can fly to Haines. However, it might not be in the way you’re thinking. Full size commercial planes cannot fly here due to the runway size. Alaskan Airlines does not fly here, but Alaskan Seaplanes makes the journey. I took a small plane between Juneau and Haines on Alaskan Seaplanes, and loved it. The journey offered incredible views, and it felt like going on a flightseeing tour without the hefty markup. If you’re planning your own Southeast Alaskan trip (like I did), Alaskan Seaplanes is a great way to get around.
Cruise ships also go to Haines, but they can only fit one large ship at a time, and do not receive a cruise ship every day. As a result, Haines did not feel nearly as crowded as some of the other popular cruise destinations that I visited in Southeast Alaska (like Sitka and Juneau).
The Best Time to Visit Haines
Haines is beautiful year round, but if you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking or a float trip, you’ll probably want to visit during the summer. I recommend visiting in the second half of the summer for your best chance of bear viewing. Bears are often spotted along the Chilkoot during the Salmon spawn, which usually occurs in late July and August.
The weekend of the Southeast Alaska State Fair would also be an epic time to visit. In 2026, it occurred at the end of July.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Haines, Alaska. While it’s not the most straightforward place to visit, I promise it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re a foodie who loves a quirky town, a hiker who is always looking for your next epic view, or a wildlife photographer who wants to escape the crowds, I think you’ll be impressed by this underrated Alaska destination. If you’re considering an Alaska adventure, make sure to add Haines to your itinerary.
For more Alaska travel guides, check out my other blog posts:
- The Best Things To Do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- How to Take a Day Trip to Katmai National Park
- An Epic 7 Day Alaska Road Trip
- The Best Things To Do in Seward, Alaska
- A Guide to Visiting Matanuska Glacier
- A Guide to Visiting Denali National Park
- A Guide to the Denali Transit Bus
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