Posted in Alaska February 25, 2017 by

There’s A Tiny Town In Alaska Completely Surrounded By Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Known as the adventure capital of Alaska, the tiny town of Haines is a sweet little hidden gem that packs an awfully fascinating amount of punch. With its location on the northern part of the Alaska Panhandle, the raw and rugged natural beauty in the area is absolutely renowned. Massive mountain peaks that give way to larger-than-life glacial landmasses are just the tip of the adventuresome iceberg. The town is also a winter wonderland paradise that attracts adrenaline junkies from all around the world. Soon enough you’ll see what all the fuss is about, and why countless visitors flock to this special spot all year long.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Flickr - Andrei Taranchenko
The beautiful community of Haines is located on the northern section of Alaska's Panhandle in Southeast Alaska.
Wikipedia
Completely surrounded by lush natural beauty, the small community of Haines is home to only 2,500 year-round residents but its renowned sights attract visitors from all around the world.
Wikipedia
When we say 'surrounded' - we mean totally and completely surrounded.
Flickr - Tom Brady
Mind blowing, huh? Only in Alaska will you find sights this magical.
Popular activities in the area include hiking, road trips, wildlife viewing, natural photography, heli-skiing and much more.
Wikipedia
Many access Haines by pulling into Fort William H. Seward from the Chilkoot Inlet.
Wikipedia - Colin Lea
Also known as the Chilkoot Barracks, what is unique about this spot is that is was Alaska's only military facility between 1925 and 1940.
Flickr - Andrei Taranchenko
In fact, it was actually the last of a series of 11 military posts established in Alaska during the notorious gold rush era.
Flickr - jerseygal2009
Today Haines is a very popular stop for cruise ship passengers as well as those traveling on the Alaska Marine Highway.
Flickr - Antinephalist
To make your reservation today, click HERE.
Unlike many other towns in Southeast Alaska, you can actually drive to Haines via the Haines Highway.
Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This highway passes through British Columbia on its way to the junction at the Alaska Highway and Haines Junction in the Yukon. While you can drive, wildly harsh winter weather conditions often times make this trek nearly impossible for half of the year.
If you do decide to make the drive, be sure to always keep your eyes peeled for wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Flickr - Tom Fries
It's their land first, we just get afforded the opportunity to play here.
As you drive through town you'll notice very eclectic signage.
Flickr - Jeremy Keith
Like this one of a ferocious bear at Bear Den Gifts. But do you see that view in the background? So stunning!
But this quintessential Alaskan town truly does have a lot to offer.
Wikipedia
Not only are you completely surrounded by natural beauty at every twist and turn, but the local cultural heritage is abundantly charming.
Flickr - Diana Norgaard
The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center is a great place to see 19th Century artifacts, books, photographs, slides and so much more.
Flickr - oklanica
Or for a slightly more odd and interesting experience, consider visiting the local Hammer Museum.
Flickr - Sean Hoyer
Known as the world’s first museum dedicated to preserving the history of the world’s first tool, the hammer.
If hanging out in the town isn't really your thing, you'll be stoked to find out that there is so much you can do in the great outdoors.
Flickr - Murray Foubister
Wildlife viewing animals like grizzly bears, moose and bald eagles is very popular in Haines.
Flickr - Aaron Bradley
But remember to be cautious and stay vigilant. Animals are often times roaming with their young nearby, which can cause them to get very protective.
Flickr - Aaron Bradley
Always try to keep a safe distance and don't do anything outlandish to try and get the attention of a wild animal.
Rafting in the Chilkat River and kayaking in the inlet is a great way to see brilliant natural wonders off the beaten path.
Flickr - Sarah Richter
Hiking places like the Seduction Point Trail in Haines will lead you to breathtaking glaciers and endless views surrounding the Davidson Glacier.
Flickr - Sean Hoyer
Hiking in the Takshanuk Mountains, Mount Ripinski specifically, is also very popular in Haines.
Flight-seeing tours in Haines are a great way to see the vast array of beauty that the surrounding areas have to offer.
Flickr - Antinephalist
Of if you're more of a daring adventure seeker, try paragliding to soak in all those gorgeous surrounding sights in Haines.
Flickr - Andrei Taranchenko
But Haines is so much more than just a seasonal destination. It gets a LOT of snow and it totally transforms into a winter wonderland during the off-season.
Flickr - Diana Norgaard
Perhaps the most popular winter attraction in Haines is Heli-Skiing with Total Heliski.
Flickr - Total Heliski
These life-changing adventures for the adrenaline junkie crowd offer supreme power and panoramic views that will literally blow your mind into another solar system.
Flickr - Total Heliski
Before we sign off, let us remind you that every day spent in Haines is worthy of getting up early to soak in the sunrise and staying up late enough to reward yourself with an epic sunset view.
Flickr - Rob Schillinger

If the beauty of Haines blew you away as much as it did to us, be sure to also check out these 15 mountain towns in Alaska that are straight out of a storybook. Also, consider taking this road trip through Alaska’s most picturesque small towns for an utterly charming experience.