Adventures In and Around Haines Alaska

Haines, AK (60 degrees, cloudy)

We have had a great time in Haines, a small fishing town enjoying the  beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. It's such a tranquil place and there are some beautiful and challenging hikes here. Our first day we hiked part of the Seduction Point Trail (Chilkat State Park) thru a pristine dark forest with wild mushrooms, ferns and eventually a beautiful meadow filled with wild flowers. 

Bob and Patsy

We planned way in advance a boat trip with Alaska Fjord Lines down the Lynn Canal to Juneau. It was an all day trip and although the weather did not always cooperate, it was very enjoyable. We saw lots of glaciers, Stellar and Harbor Seals, and a few humpback whales. The town of Juneau was busy with several cruise ships at the dock.

Our high speed ferry to Juneau

While in Juneau we took a cab out to the Mendenhall Glacier. It's spectacular!  Unfortunately, it's retreating at the rate of 200 feet a year. I saw it in the 80's with my parents and the glacier went past the waterfall you see in the picture to the right. 

Mendenhall Glacier

This blue area was caused by a recent calving of the glacier this week

Humpback Whale

Whale Tail

Stellar Sea Lions 

Look at the power of this glacier

Eldred Lighthouse 

Wildlife viewing is a big attraction here. In the evening Kodiak Brown Bears are known to come out along the river and roads. One evening we went out and had an amazing wildlife encounter. This huge bear was very interested in a bundling which we later found out has a smoker for salmon. His sharp nose must have sniffed something he could not resist. We watched him for some time trying to gain access and despite the high windows and his rather large posterior was able to access.  It was so much fun to watch him (inside our jeep from a good distance).

Note his two humps

He had a beautiful coat

What is in there?

Is my butt too big?

There is some yummy stuff in here

We have really enjoyed our stay here in Haines. It's a special place and one we will always remember.