Full-Day Mount Riley Hike from Haines

Hike your way to the highest point on the Haines Peninsula atop Mt. Riley!  This 6-hour, 5-8 mile adventure will take you up about 1,500 ft to a 360-degree view of the Lynn Canal. Throughout the hike we’ll enjoy some snacks and water on our way to the summit, then enjoy a picnic style lunch before descending back to the trailhead.

Itinerary

1. This half-day excursion begins with a short tour of the historic Fort Seward before embarking on a scenic drive to the Mt. Riley trailhead. Fort Seward was the first Army base in Alaska and still holds a commanding presence along the beachway.
2. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way into the temperate rainforest. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.
3. We will hike within Chilkat State Park, a haven of woods, beaches, flora, and fauna.Your guide will regale you with local and natural history, point out the amazing growth along the trail, and keep an eye out for creatures like humpack whales breaching in the water, bald eagles flying overhead, and more!
4. Mt. Riley is the highest point on the Haines Peninsula. It is a strenuous day hike through mostly temperate rain forest. It has a gorgeous summit and several viewpoints throughout the hike. Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. After about ¼ mile, we start to gain elevation as we make our way up switchbacks through the forest. Throughout the hike, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. Depending on the exact route the total hiking distance is between 5-8 miles and the elevation gain is approximately 1,500ft to the summit, which is at 1,760ft. (6h 0min)

Meeting & end point