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Additional Information pages for Prince of Wales Island

135° 26' W Longitude - 59° 14' N Latitude
Haines is located on a narrow peninsula extending into Lynn Canal, between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Inlets, 80 air miles northwest of Juneau. It is just south of the Canadian border at British Columbia, 775 road miles from Anchorage.

Climate:
Haines has a maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 46 to 66 degrees Far. and from 17 to 36 degrees Far. in winter. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -16 to 90 degrees Far. Total precipitation averages 60 inches a year, with 133 inches of snow.

History:
The Haines area was called "Dtehshuh" by the Chilkat Indians, meaning "end of the trail." It was a trading post for both the Chilkat and Interior Indians. The first non-Native to settle here was George Dickinson, an agent for the North West Trading Co., in 1880. In 1881, S. Young Hall, a Presbyterian minister, received permission from the Chilkat Indians to build the Willard mission and school. The mission was renamed Haines in 1884 in honor of Mrs. F.E. Haines, who chaired the National Committee that had raised funds for the mission's construction. Four canneries had been constructed in the area by the turn of the century. During the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s, it grew as a mining supply center, since the Dalton Trail from Chilkat Inlet to Whitehorse offered an easier route to the Yukon for prospectors. Gold was also discovered 36 miles from Haines in 1899 at the Porcupine District. The first permanent U.S. military installation was constructed south of Haines in 1904, Fort William H. Seward. In 1922, the fort was renamed Chilkoot Barracks. Until World War II, it was the only U.S. Army post in Alaska. It was deactivated in 1946 and sold as surplus property to a group of veterans who established it as Port Chilkoot. In 1970, Port Chilkoot merged with Haines into one municipality. In 1972, the post was designated a national historic site and the name, Fort William Steward, was restored. Haines is also known for its famous strawberries; the Alaskan hybrid "Burbank," developed by Charles Anway, was a prize winner in Seattle in 1909.  The annual strawberry festival developed into the Southeast Alaska State Fair, which draws thousands of visitors each year. The last of the early canneries closed in 1972 due to declining fish stocks. Expansion of the timber industry in the early 1970s fueled growth. The sawmills closed in 1976.
Today, Haines is predominantly a non-Native community with two Chilkat Indian Villages in the area, the Chilkoot, in Haines, and the Chilkat, in Klukwan.  Forestry, commercial fishing, tourism, and transportation are the primary employers. Tourism businesses, crafts, and the traffic Haines draws as a result of its road connection to the State Ferry have become increasingly important.

Point of Interest:
Visit the small harbor:
Located at the foot of Main Street.  Good views from Lookout Park and also from the shoreline between Haines and Portage Cove Campground.  Land otters are occasionally seen on the northeast corner of the harbor where commercial fishing nets are set out to dry.

Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center:
Located on the old Haines Mission property at the end of Main Street by the harbor.  History of the Tlingit Native people and their culture, presentation of the pioneer history of the Chilkat Valley. Exhibit of Chilkat blankets, Russian trunks, blue dishes, mounted eagles, Jack Dalton's sawed-off shotgun, photo and video of eagles.

Chilkat Center:
Located at the auditorium. The Chilkat dancers interpret ancient Tlingit Indian legends and dances. Check with the visitor bureau for schedule of events.

The Welcome Totems:
Located at the Y on the Haines Highway. The "Raven" symbolic of raven, as founder of the world and all its great power. The "Whale" pole represents Alaska and its great size. The "Bear" represents the strength.  The "Eagle" and the "Salmon Chief " represent and tell the feeding grounds.

The 4th of july celebration:
Several events are taking place in the community. Canoe and kayak races on Chilkoot Lake, logging events, bicycle and foot races, pie eating contest, a parade, some performances at the Chilkat Center, and other events.

Bald Eagle Festival:
The festival takes place in November and coincide with the gathering of eagles that congregate to feed on the late salmon run in fall (see detail below).  Live bird presentations, art exhibits, naturalist guided tours to bald eagle preserve and release of wild rehabilitated eagles.

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve:
The world's largest concentrationof American bald eagles takes place from October through January on CHilkat River flats below Klukwan.  The preserve was established in 1982 and includes 48,000 acres.  There are over 3,000 bald eagles that gather to feed on the late run of chum and coho salmon in the Chilkat River.

Glacier Bay National Park: 
Located west the community, contains some of the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world.  Some of the main glaciers are: Alsek, Johns Hopkins, Margerie, Rendu, Carroll, McBride, Muir, Casement, Reid, Lamplugh, and more...Glacier Bay Park is 3.3 million acres, and offers 16 tidewater glaciers. The park is restricted to salt water landing aircraft only, and Adams Inlet is closed to aircraft landing.

Local Facilities:
Few State campgrounds are available in the area; those include Portage Cove, Chikat State Park, Chilkoot Lake and Mosquito Lake.

- Portage Cove State Recreation Site:
There are 9 tent sites offered with water and toilets. Good view of Lynn Canal, the Coast Range, whales, purpoises, eagles and cruise ship. This site is for walk-in and bicyclist camping only. Located half mile past Fort Seward.
- Chilkat State Park:
There are 32 RV sites and 3 tent sites with picnic tables, toilets and boat launch. Located 8 miles from Haines on Mud Bay Road. fees.
- Chilkoot Lake Campground:
There are 32 camping sites. Located 10 miles from Haines on Lutak Road. fees.
- Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site:
There are 6 campsites in a wooded setting around the lake. Toilets, drinking water, a picnic shelter and boat launch.  Located 3 miles north of milepost 27 of Haines highway.

All distances in miles from Haines to: