Haines

Located at the northern end of America's longest fjord, Haines is 85 air miles north of the capital city of Juneau and approximately 600 air miles southeast of Anchorage and Fairbanks. You can also reach Haines by road, from the interior of Alaska, or the lower 48, via the Alcan Hwy. shares a border with 20 million acres of protected wilderness. The heart of Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park is less than 25 miles by air from downtown Haines . A 25 mile plane trip will put you in Glacier Bay National Park. At the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890's, Haines grew as a mining supply center, and nowadays, it's residents make their living in commercial fishing, timber, government, construction and tourism. Haines' climate is relatively mild, with average summer temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees, and average winter temperatures between 10 and 35 degrees. Haines experiences an average annual precipitation of 52" and average annual snowfall of 133".

NOVEMBER 12-16, 2003, be sure to attend the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, when as many as 3,000 eagles gather along a four mile stretch of the Chilkat River north of Haines. This is the largest gathering of eagles in the world and is a definitely an experience you won't soon forget!.

Lodging

Bald Eagle Festival

If you are planning a trip to Haines, you might want to plan to be there during the Bald Eagle Festival. Scheduled in November, this festival pays tribute to the magnificent symbol of the United States. As many as 3,000 eagles visit a four mile stretch of the Chilkat River starting in October each year. This is unquestionably the largest gathering of eagles in the world, and is a sight not to be missed. If you'll be visiting to catch a glimpse at these awe-inspiring birds, remember that winter has already set in in Haines. It is recommended that guests come prepared to dress in layers, with a weatherproof outer layer. wool as an middle layer, and thermal underwear. Don't forget a hat, ear protection, gloves and warm boots. You'll also want to remember to bring a camera and plenty of film.