Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

In 1982 the state reserved 48,000 acres along the Chilkat, Klehini and Tsirku Rivers to protect the largest known gathering of bald eagles in the world. Each year from October to February, more than 4000 eagles congregate here to feed on spawning salmon. They come because an upwelling of warm water prevents the river from freezing, thus encouraging the late salmon run. It's a remarkable sight - hundreds of birds sitting in the bare trees lining the river, often six or more birds to a branch.

The eagles can be seen from the Haines Hwy, where turnouts allow motorists to park and view the birds. The best view is between Mile 18 and Mile 22, where you'll find telescopes, interpretive displays and paved walkways along the river. You really have to be here after November to enjoy the birds in their greatest numbers, but many of the 200 to 400 eagles that live here year-round can be spotted throughout summer.

The state park office in Haines can provide a list of state-authorized guides who conduct preserve tours. Among them is Alaska Nature Tours (766-2876), which conducts three-hour tours daily in summer. The tours cover much of the scenery around the Haines area but often concentrate on the river flats and river mouths, where you usually see up to 40 eagles, many of them nesting.

You can camp in the area at Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site, a primitive five-site campground with drinking water, toilets and a boat launch.