Haines Wildlife Viewing
Battery Point

photo of Battery Point area wildlife Battery Point overlooks the narrowest and shallowest part of Chilkoot Inlet. Stand on the beach and look for the telltale blows or flukes of humpback whales. Scan the waters for the reflection off the head of a harbor seal or Steller sea lion. Closer to shore, look for loons, surf scoters, pelagic cormorants and marbled murrelets as they dive in search of a meal. Battery Point is at the end of a flat, primitive trail that leads through the rain forest for a little over a mile before reaching the water. It is possible, though not common, to encounter bears and moose on the trail, so stay alert while hiking.

Habitat

Fish pool in the relatively still waters off of Battery Point, attracting a variety of marine mammals.

Species

  • Harbor Seal
  • Humpback Whale
  • Loons
  • Marbled Murrelet
  • Pelagic Cormorant
  • Steller's Sea Lion
  • Surf Scoter

Hints

Walk along the beach for different views of the water to maximize your wildlife viewing chances.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Within Walking Distance

Notes

While the Battery Point trail is an easy one-mile hike, be advised that a combined walk from town and trail hike is an over five-mile round trip.

Plan to spend at least: 1 - 2 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

The Battery Point trailhead is located about a mile and a half south of town at the end of Beach Road.

Contact

Haines Convention and Visitor's Bureau - (907) 766-2234 or http://www.haines.ak.us

Additional Information

Living with Bears