p.1 #1 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
Hi all, we are 2 person planning to go Haines for the bald eagles photo trip and also hoping to see some bears fishing the salmon, aurora borealis and flying across the delta/glacier. I know there are few bald eagle tours around but I was wondering since majority of them carry out the tour in the same Chilkat Reserve, I wonder if it would be worth while to save some Dollars to do it yourself. I saw few images that the eagles seem to be tame well when I mean tame, is you can get pretty close to them allowing wide angle photography Ok I read about that you require permit for certain activities and I suggest that the viewing area for the public is miles away... so there might be merit to join a photography tour?
Question is how hard was it to get into the bald eagle gatherings, do we need any precautions on other wild animals such as when encounter with the bears? Does it require a long distance walking/hiking? Accessible with car?
Can any experienced forumers who has been, are kindly enough to share your thoughts/informations/suggestions in Haines? Please also suggest if any other stuffs that is a MUST do in Haines.
Looking forward to hear from all... cheers
Robin
Ops forgot to add that the planning trip is in November 2014
p.1 #2 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
I've been to Haines in both June and July, saw zero eagles. Was told they are there later in the year. Are you going at the right time? In Homer, there were tons of eagles in June, also in Ketchican (access by boat or plane only). My point is, going on your own is risky. In Hyder (very remote) salmon run late July, good viewing for bears and eagles.
p.1 #3 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
I was in Haines in late May and late June this year. I didn't see many eagles at that time. But, I did drive along the Haines Highway where there were many nice pull outs for eagle viewing. If I were going, I would go during the festival season (starts in November, I think), and just rent a car in Haines. Here is more information that should tell you more about when and where to go:
I have heard the eagle festival is pretty nice there. They get a lot of rain and snow there, so prepare for the elements. If you go, we would love to see some of your images over on the wildlife forum! Best of luck.
p.1 #4 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
I have been to Haines many times, mostly in the summer months, but the eagle festival is when it is really happening for the eagles gathering. I've been told that everywhere you look there are eagles, so I don't think you necessarily need to go as part of a tour (I never have and even in the summer months there are still quite a number, just not quite as easy to get the close-ups).
As far as bears are concerned, yes, they are out there fighting for the salmon as well, but that applies for most of the summer months as well.
If you want further info let me know and I can ask around in my local photography club for more info.
p.1 #5 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
Haines eagle viewing is best in November, so you have your date right. Basically there are pullouts along the highway between mile markers 18-24 where you will find all the photographers. A lot of people will fly into Juneau and rent a car, take the car onto the ferry and arrive in Haines so you have a car and can drive yourself out to the viewing areas each morning.
Last year I spent 2 weekends there (one for 4 days and one for just 2 during the festival). I can drive there in 4hrs from where I live. Have a look at some of the links above shared by Keith for some good info on the area and festival.
In November there isn't much to do in Haines, a lot of stuff is closed. There are still bears around but I didn't see any in November. Every year is different in terms of weather. Last year there wasn't much snow around until late November where as in other years there can be a lot of snow by the end of October. Come prepared for the cold as the weather could be very nice but can also get fairly cold and windy some days. Disposable hand warmers were my best friend last year (these can be bought in Haines).
p.1 #6 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
I was in Haines in November and there were hundreds of Bald Eagles at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Many of them, however, were across the river, too far away to photograph even with a 500mm or 600mm. With that said, we had numerous photo ops from the bank of the river. I went with a small guided group, because I wanted to find the best locations for future reference. When I go back, I will not go on a guided tour. As Arbitrage noted, there are pullouts off the highway. There is a large pullout at mile marker 19, if I recall correctly, which is where we went for the three days that I was there.
I would recommend that you take the ferry or fly from Juneau to Haines and rent a car there (4wd). I found that most of the restaurants and retail shops were still open in early November. We stayed at The Guardhouse on the grounds of the old Fort Seward about a mile outside of "downtown." It was very nice compared to the two main motels in town. Then you can get up and go out to the Bald Eagle Preserve on your own schedule.
By the way, we spent two days in Juneau before going to Haines and there were a good number of Bald Eagles at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor's center, just 10 or 15 minutes from town. There is an open-air covered structure that you can shoot from if the weather is bad (it was raining when we were there).
p.1 #7 · Bald Eagle in Haines (Chilkat Reserve) Alaska.
Geoff: those are super shots.
rcm123: can you clarify about renting a car? Do you mean renting a car in Haines or renting a car in Juneau and taking the car ferry? I know one can also fly from Juneau to Haines, and that would be preferable and probably cheaper than taking the car ferry. But main question is can one rent a car in Haines?
Ok I read about that you require permit for certain activities and I suggest that the viewing area for the public is miles away... so there might be merit to join a photography tour?
