Hyder

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Hyder is a great spot for rarities in Alaska, as it is the furthest east community in Alaska and also the furthest south community that is accessible from the road system. If you’re working on an Alaska-specific list don’t miss the opportunity to add some new species to your Alaska list with a visit to Hyder. Unique species include Black Swift, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Magnolia Warbler, Veery, Ruffed Grouse, American Crow, Warbling Vireo, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Tanager, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, American Redstart, among others. This small community of fewer than 100 people is adjacent to Stewart, British Columbia, and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest.

A 41-mile detour off the Cassiar Highway at Meziadin Lake Junction (on Highway 37A) brings you to the neighboring towns of Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder, Alaska at the head of the Portland Canal. You can also access Hyder by wheeled plane into the Sewart BC airport or floatplane into Hyder. Hyder depends on Sewart for most of its services and even has a 205 area code, consistent with their Canadian neighbors. Be sure to bring your passport. While there is no US checkpoint entering Hyder, there is a Canadian checkpoint for those leaving. Lodging is very limited and seasonal so plan ahead. Additional resources are available in neighboring Sewart BC. Traveling to Hyder in June before the bulk of visitors arrive seeking bear viewing opportunities later in the summer is a good strategy with more lodging options.

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