We spent today in and around the charming town of Haines, Alaska. National Geographic Sea Bird anchored in the harbor and expedition landing crafts shuttled guests to shore all day. There were many options for activities, making this a sort of “choose your own adventure” experience. We could float down the Chilkat River in rafts, hike Mount Riley, take a bicycle tour to Chilkoot Lake, go fly-fishing, go on a flightseeing tour, or walk around town. Each guest ended up doing at least two of these fun activities.
The hike up Mount Riley lasted all morning. It was almost a six-mile round-trip jaunt, through a beautiful temperate rain forest. Hikers saw interesting mushrooms and plants along the trail and were rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view from the top.
For those who chose to float down the Chilkat River, there was a scenic bus ride from the dock to the native heritage site of Klukwan. Tlingit people have lived along the banks of the Chilkat for thousands of years. Tlingit dancers and storytellers gave us some insight into their rich culture before we boarded rafts and had a peaceful float down the wide but shallow glacial river.
The bike tour was a pleasant ride along the road to Chilkoot Lake. The weather was sunny and mild—perfect for getting some exercise while enjoying the scenery. The weather was also excellent for flightseeing. Those who chose the latter were amazed by the views of Glacier Bay. For some, this was not only a highlight of the trip but also one of the most amazing things they’d ever done.
Haines itself was a great place to walk around. Many of us stopped by the surprisingly interesting and charming Hammer Museum. Some finished their day with a cold drink at the Chilkoot Distillery.
