Built
on the hill overlooking Portage Cove, Ft. Seward is an impressive sight
to behold with the magnificent Chilkat Mountains in the background.
Constructed in 1904, Ft. William Seward was Alaska’s first permanent
U.S. Army post. Built around a 6-acre parade ground the buildings still
stand, having been purchased as "army surplus" in 1947 after WWII. The
buildings are listed on the National Historical Register and now house various
shops, hotels, and restaurants. You'll relive a time of yesteryear as we
drive through this historic area.
Moving through the town of Haines (no stop lights) and
following the coast line we'll look
for marine animals and point out the "tank farm", Alaska
Marine Highway Ferry terminal and other points of historic and ecological
interest. At the end of Lutak Inlet
is the Chilkoot River (about a mile long) which flows from the glacier fed
Chilkoot Lake. With four species of salmon spawning here, it is prime bear
territory.
Along
the banks of the river, the brown bears feed on the spawning
salmon - and although not always predictable, we often see them, particularly
later in the summer (August & September) as the salmon runs heighten and the fall approaches. Because
of the large abundance of salmon, there are eagles
and other shore birds in this area. We'll
return along the shore and bring you back to the cruise ship in plenty of time
for your departure or return you to your lodging. (Please note,
depending upon the time of day or other considerations, we may reverse the order
of this tour.)
We
will meet you at the cruise ship dock, your
hotel or B&B, time for this tour is approximately 2 hours.
If time allows and we are viewing bears along the Chilkoot River we can stay
longer.
Bring your sense of adventure, cameras and
binoculars for this magnificent excursion.
Chilkoot River
Bear Viewing (August to September)
