This seven-mile coastal trail can be a rugged scramble over beach rocks at times, but it rewards hikers with a sun-bathed orientation and opportunities to see moose, bears and sometimes whales, sometimes at close range.
Ayiklutu Trail starts seven miles south of Haines in Chilkat State Park. Because it’s more remote than Battery Point, it gets much less traffic. Winding in and out of coastal forest and rocky beaches, you’ll see Rainbow and Davidson glaciers across Chilkat Inlet, as well as eagles and seals and perhaps porpoises, whales and bears. Bring binoculars and a windbreaker, as the inlet gets gusty when winds are from the south. The full trail runs to a dead-end at Ayiklutu, featuring a few, rugged tent sites. Locals sometimes bring a tent and camp for a night here Otherwise, camp where you can and avoid a cabin inholding about 5.5 miles in. About a one-hour hike from the trailhead to the first beach called Moose Meadows is perfect for a day hike and picnic. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots.
