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Located in the Chilkat River valley near the junction of the Chilkat, Tsirku, and Klehini rivers is the Tlingit Village of Klukwan, a federally recognized tribe known as the Chilkat Indian Village. During your visit to Klukwan, you can learn about the culture of this tribe and the bald eagle preserve at the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage and Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center.
The Chilkat River is a scenic river that runs for over 50 miles from high in the British Columbian mountains of Canada to Chilkat Inlet near Haines. This river has the largest concentration of American Bald Eagles in the United States with several thousand eagles congregating in October and November for a late-season chum salmon run. The area is known as the “Valley of Eagles” and the State of Alaska established a 48,000-acre Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the river adjacent to Klukwan to protect this important congregation area and valuable habitat. Klukwan celebrates the fall congregations of eagles with an annual Bald Eagle Festival held in November each year.
Klukwan is located 22 miles north of Haines, Alaska, and on the Haines Highway, and 18 miles south of the US-Canadian border. You can reach Klukwan by driving the Alcan Highway south from Haines Junction YT or by driving north from Haines after arriving by ferry. Remember to bring your passport if you are planning on crossing between Canada and the U.S.
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General Area Overview and Information Sources:
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
Birding Trail Map for Klukwan (click on site names for details).
Sites in Klukwan
Bear Flats
This is a great place to view waterfowl, swans and shorebirds.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The largest concentration of American Bald Eagles in the United States.
Chilkat River Valley
The Chilkat River Valley is also known as the "Valley of the Eagles".
Haines Highway North
Barrow’s Goldeneye and Trumpeter Swan nest in the river valley along the road.
Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center and Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center
Learn about the cultural history of the Chilkat Indian Tribe and the Bald Eagle Preserve.
Little Salmon River Marsh
Watch for deciduous-loving species such as Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Hammond’s Flycatcher and Warbling Vireo.
Mosquito Lake
On your way to Mosquito Lake, stop by the Kroschel Wildlife Center.

Birding Photo: Ben Sullender
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