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Overview of Haines Area State Parks- Facts, Trivia,and Historical Information : Besides the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the Haines area has two state marine parks, one state park, and three state recreation sites.The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created by the State of Alaska in June of 1982. The preserve was established to protect and perpetuate the worlds largest concentration of Bald Eagles and their critical habitat. It also sustains and protects the natural salmon runs and allows for traditional uses; provided such uses do not adversely affect preserve resources. The Preserve consists of 48,000 acres of river bottom land of the Chilkat, Kleheni, and Tsirku Rivers. The boundaries were designated to include only areas important to eagle habitation. Virtually every portion of the preserve is used by eagles at some time during the year.The river "flats" of the Chilkat River along the Haines Highway between miles 18 and 24 are the main viewing area for eagle watchers and considered critical habitat in the preserve. Bald eagles are attracted to the area by the availability of spawned-out salmon and open waters in late fall and winter.The natural phenomena responsible for five miles of open water on the Chilkat River during freezing months is called an "alluvial fan reservoir". The Tsirku fan, which is a fan-shaped accumulation of gravel, rock, sand, and glacial debris, at the confluence of the Tsirku, Kleheni, and Chilkat Rivers acts as a large water reservoir.During the warmer spring, summer and early fall seasons, water from snow and melted glacial ice flows into the alluvial fan. The fan receives water faster than it can flow out, creating a huge reservoir of water. When winter arrives, cold weather sets in and surrounding waters freeze. However, water in this large reservoir remains from 10 to 20 degrees (F) above surrounding water temperatures. This warmer water "percolates" into the Chilkat River and keeps it from freezing.Five species of salmon spawn in these and other nearby streams and tributaries. The salmon runs begin in the summer and continue on through late fall or early winter. The salmon die shortly after spawning and it is their carcasses which provide large quantities of food for the eagles. This combination of open water and large amounts of food bring large concentrations of eagles into the Chilkat Valley beginning by early October and lasting through February.The Bald Eagle is found only on the North American continent. Adult eagles generally weigh between nine and twelve pounds and have a wing span of seven feet. Females are slightly larger than males. Immature eagles are mottled brown and white. The distinct white head and tail of the mature bird is developed between four and six years of age.Eagles feed mainly on fish, but water fowl, small mammals and carrion supplement their diet, especially when fish are in short supply. Eagles can fly up to 30 mph and can dive at speeds up to 100 mph. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot fish at distances of up to one mile.Bald eagles mate for life. Courting behavior begins in early April and often involves spectacular aerial displays of eagles diving and locking talons. Eagles lay from one to three eggs, commonly two. The eggs usually hatch between late May and early June after a 34-35 day incubation period. The young usually leave the nest by early September.The Chilkat Valley is year-round home for between 200 and 400 eagles. Over 80 eagle nests have been observed in the Eagle Preserve. By the time of the Fall Congregations, the resident eagles are through raising their young, although immature eagles may stay near their parents for a year or more. Over 3,000 bald eagles have been counted within the preserve during the Fall Congregation (October through February). 1)Chilkat Islands State Marine Park - This undeveloped, 6,560-acre park is a group of islands just south of Chilkat State Park. It is 13 air miles south of Haines. Access is problematic due to high and unpredictable winds, making a regular anchorage difficult. Kayaks have the best bet since they can be brought on shore and have a shallow draft. A bay on the middle island of Shikosi is best. Beaches are rocky. Be sure to bring your boat above high tide mark when pulling it on shore. 2)Chilkat State Park is seven miles south of Haines on Mud Bay Road. This park offers a log cabin visitor center, 15-site campground, picnic area, boat launch and trails. The campground sits in a mixed forest of evergreens and deciduous trees at the edge of Chilkat Inlet. The boat launch provides access to the inlet and the run of king salmon in early June. The visitor centers offers incredible views of Chilkat Inlet, Rainbow, and Davidson glaciers. The center also has wildlife spotting scopes so you can spot the inlet wildlife, such as seals, porpoises, and whales. Visitors have even been able to spy on bears and mountain goats on the other side of the inlet.There are three trails in the park. Seduction Pint Trail is an easy hike that follows the coast, winding back and forth between the woods and the beach. This trail is six miles long one way, and offers great scenery sights and wildlife viewing opportunities. Battery Point Trail is another easy trail along the beach. For those ready for a challenge, there is the Mount Riley Trail. This trail has quite a bit of vertical rise to it, but the reward is a sensational view of the entire area. 3)Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site is ten miles northeast of Haines, taking Lutak and Chilkoot River roads, or five miles past the ferry terminal. The park is at the south end of Chilkoot Lake, near the outlet of the lake to the Chilkoot River. Park Facilities include an 80-site campground, picnic shelter, and boat launch. The campground sits amid a beautiful stand of Sitka spruce.The park and surrounding area offers some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, with four salmon runs, starting in mid-June and ending in mid-October. Because of the salmon spawning in the river and at this end of the lake, this area is also a bear highway. Bears come down from the tundra to feast on the salmon. Please learn proper bear/human etiquette - this protects both you and the bears. See our "Bears and You" web page for more information on bear safety. 3)Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site is 27 miles northwest of Haines off the Haines Highway. This quiet campground of 5 sites is nestled next to Mosquito Lake, in a Sitka spruce and Western hemlock forest. There is a dock and boat launch to access the lake, and a picnic shelter. This park is appropriately named, so be sure to have plenty of insect repellent! 4)Portage Cove State Recreation Site sits on the water's edge near downtown Haines and offers a wonderful view of the Inlet and surrounding mountains. There are a handful of campsites, but only for bicycle or walk-in camping. 5)Sullivan Island State Marine Park is south of Chilkat Island SMP and 20 air miles south of Haines. This 2,720-acre park sits at the south end of Sullivan Island. Two bays on east side provide access, but no anchorages. In Lynn Canal, weather and winds are unpredictable, making anchoring very difficult. Kayaks have the best bet since they can be brought on shore and have a shallow draft. Be sure to bring your boat above high tide mark when pulling it on shore. Beaches are rocky. Be careful of : Fire - Campers are asked to use camp stoves and build fires in the fire pits or grills provided.Water - Boaters remember that seas, inlets and lakes can be extremely hazardous due to tides and weather. Plan ahead and be prepared for an emergency or sudden change in weather conditions.Hikers - Travel with at least one companion. Leave word with someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Wind, wetness, and exhaustion add up to hypothermia. Be prepared to combat exposure by carrying rain gear, extra food and clothes, even when you don't expect to need them.Bears - Bear frequent park areas and are attracted by food odors. Clean fish in the river and keep food in your vehicle - never in the tent. A clean campsite is a good precaution. When hiking make noise to alert bears of your presence.Fishing - With the onset of fishing season, fishermen should inform themselves of Alaska State fishing regulations. Sport Fishing is not allowed within 300 feet of a fish weir. Snagging - hooking a fish other than in the mouth, is not allowed in fresh water. See the Dept. of Fish and Game web site for more information on fishing regulations.
Services, Activities, Amenities, Attractions in (Haines Area State Parks): Park Facilities include an 80-site campground, picnic shelter, and boat launch. The campground sits amid a beautiful stand of Sitka spruce.The visitor centers offers incredible views of Chilkat Inlet, Rainbow, and Davidson glaciers. The center also has wildlife spotting scopes so you can spot the inlet wildlife, such as seals, porpoises, and whales. Visitors have even been able to spy on bears and mountain goats on the other side of the inlet.There are three trails in the park. Seduction Pint Trail is an easy hike that follows the coast, winding back and forth between the woods and the beach. This trail is six miles long one way, and offers great scenery sights and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Contact Information:
Address:Haines Ranger Station PO Box 430 Haines, AK 99827
Phone No:(907) 766-2292
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