Valley of the Eagles

Haines Ferry Terminal to U.S.–Canada Border

Southeast Alaska · Alaska · United States

Key measurements

Distance

43.7 miles

Elevation gain

2,676 ft

Elevation loss

1,830 ft

High point

853 ft

Low point

0 ft

Net change

851 ft (0 ft to 851 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This 43.7-mile route traces a classical Southeast Alaska progression, departing the saltwater ferry dock on Lutak Inlet and traveling into the glacier-carved hinterland of the Chilkat River valley. Starting at sea level, the ride follows the narrow coastal shelf around Tanani Point to the edge of Haines before joining the Haines Highway (Alaska Route 7). From there, the road heads northwest, following the broad, braided floodplain of the Chilkat River through northern rainforest and cottonwood bottomlands framed by the jagged Takshanuk Mountains and the Chilkat Range. The route continues with a climb up onto the forested river benches and interior lake basin surrounding Mosquito Lake, and concludes at the U.S. - Canadian border, reaching a high point of 853 feet.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Lutak Inlet Shoreline — Miles 0.0–4.3

Departing the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal at the head of Lutak Inlet, the route heads south along Lutak Road. This opening stretch stays pinned to sea level on a narrow shelf between steep, timbered mountain slopes and the saltwater of Chilkoot and Lutak inlets. Wrapping around Tanani Bay and Tanani Point, the road affords expansive views across the fjord water before swinging southwest toward Portage Cove on the fringe of Haines.

Chilkat River Valley & Eagle Preserve — Miles 4.3–27.2

Tying into the Haines Highway, the route turns northwest along the floor of the Chilkat River valley. The landscape opens dramatically into broad gravel bars, glacier-fed river channels, and dense stands of black cottonwood. For much of this stretch, the road runs alongside the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and passes near the historic Tlingit village of Klukwan. Mountain walls rise sharply on both sides of the corridor, channeling valley winds along the river corridor.

Upper Chilkat Bench to Canadian Border — Miles 27.2–43.7

Leaving the flat river floor behind, the final leg gains elevation along upper valley benches where spruce and hemlock forest tightens against the road. The route branches away from the main highway traffic, ascending gently into the quieter, inland basin around Mosquito Lake. Elevation increases steadily through this section, topping out at 853 feet near the Canadian border.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

This corridor transitions from maritime fjord weather at the ferry terminal to a drier, slightly more continental microclimate as you push up the Chilkat Valley. Rain, low ceiling fog, and quick-shifting coastal squalls are common during summer and early autumn. Temperatures cool significantly in early fall, coinciding with the world's largest gathering of bald eagles along the Chilkat River, drawn by the late salmon run. Spring opens the corridor with road snowmelt runoff and lingering frost damage, while winter brings heavy snowfall, ice, and river-valley winds.

Logistics & Services

Haines serves as the primary supply hub for this route, offering fuel, food, and marine transit connections. Once you turn northwest onto the Haines Highway, commercial services drop off quickly; there is no reliable fuel or secondary infrastructure past the immediate Haines area until far up the highway near the Canadian border. Cell service is generally strong around Haines and the lower inlet, but drops out into intermittent patches in mountain shadows along the Chilkat River and near Mosquito Lake.

Important Considerations

Wildlife encounters are a primary factor throughout the Chilkat Valley. Brown bears and black bears frequent the riverbanks and roadside vegetation during salmon runs from mid-summer through autumn, and moose are common in the willow brush of the upper valley floor and lake basins. Road conditions along the highway segment can feature frost heaves, loose gravel patches along shoulder margins, and seasonal roadwork equipment. High winds frequently funnel down the river valley from the interior passes, creating sudden crosswinds along exposed river bluffs.