Do

Get hiking at stunning Kalgaya PointHaines, Alaska

The stunning landscape of southeast Alaska, also known as the Alaska Panhandle, is where you’ll find Kalgaya Point, a lookout taking in the small township of Haines and the northern part of the famous Inside Passage.

Despite the rugged landscape, the trail from Haines to Kalgaya Point is well-maintained and moderately trafficked so you won’t be jostling other travellers out of the way for a decent view. The potential for wildlife sightings is huge and you might see eagles, waterfowls, porcupines, whales, seals, winter wrens and moose.

Take a guided hike and learn more about the area and the Indigenous people’s uses for the various plants encountered along the trail. As the trail slowly rises, the sensational panorama of snow-capped mountains and coastal Haines comes into view. From this vantage point you can see Chilkat Inlet to the south and Chilkoot Inlet to the north. Soak it up – you’re far enough from civilisation that the only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional bird call or squirrel chirp.

The rocky forest trail, broken with dense tree roots, leads down to a pebbled beach. Stand on the beach and watch for seals, sea lions and the tell-tale blows or flukes of humpback whales, before heading back along the same trail to your Hurtigruten ship.


get there

Hurtigruten’s Alaska expeditions sail from April to September, with selected itineraries including a stop at Haines, where guests can join the optional Kalgaya Point hike excursion.

The optional Kalgaya Point hike excursion starts at US$75.

Some of the climb is quite steep.

Hurtigruten
hurtigruten.com.au

We like to get to the point, and since we loved this highlight supplied by Hurtigruten so much, we thought you might, too.

Ready to go?

Tags: alaska, Alaska Panhandle, hiking, united states of america, usa, wildlife

Get Inspired In Print

While you're here

UTAH, USA

There are plenty of things in life that take your breath away: seeing your...

There are plenty of things in life that take your breath away: seeing your bank account...

NEW YORK CITY, USA

Hold onto your hats, New Yorkers— you’ve watched it on TV and now...

Hold onto your hats, New Yorkers— you’ve watched it on TV and now Netflix’s smash...

LAS VEGAS, USA

Buckle up, little Earthlings, because Las Vegas just bought its one-way...

Buckle up, little Earthlings, because Las Vegas just bought its one-way ticket out of this...

SEA OF CORTEZ, CALIFORNIA

Ready to add some *wow* to your whale watching? We recently covered Majestic...

Ready to add some *wow* to your whale watching? We recently covered Majestic Whale...