Alaska · Haines Borough

Chilkat River

Haines Borough · 52 mi · Class I–II
Optimal: 500–4000 CFS · USGS #15056500
—CFS
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⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
Avg flow: 1,400 cfsHist. median: 1,260 cfsUSGS #15056500
Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve · Tongass National Forest · ADF&G Salmon Fishery

Home of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve — the largest concentration of bald eagles on earth. The Chilkat drains the Chilkat Range northwest of Haines and flows to Chilkat Inlet, supporting strong runs of king, sockeye, silver, and chum salmon. A unique geothermal upwelling keeps a section of the lower river ice-free in winter, drawing 3,000-plus bald eagles each November for the late chum salmon run. The river is road-accessible along the Haines Highway and offers bank and boat fishing for salmon through the summer plus Dolly Varden year-round.

Outfitters
Chilkat River Adventures
Float trips through the Bald Eagle Preserve out of Haines
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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