Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
Getting to Haines, Alaska
The easiest way to reach Haines is from Juneau, Alaska, the state capital. Alaska Airlines offers daily scheduled flights from Seattle to Juneau (flight time approximately 1.5 hours). From Juneau, we recommend taking the ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway System to Haines. This scenic four-hour trip is available daily during the summer months and offers a memorable introduction to Southeast Alaska.
Because flight and ferry schedules don’t always line up the same day, most groups stay overnight in Juneau before catching an early morning ferry.
Ferry Service
Phone: (800) 526-6731
Haines Terminal: (907) 766-2111
Air Service
Phone: (800) 252-7522
Lodging in Juneau
Many hotels offer free shuttle service between the airport and ferry terminal. Two options frequently used by troops are:
Arrival & Pick-Up
We ask that you arrive the day before your program begins for gear checks and orientation. If this is not possible, contact us to arrange an alternative plan.
Our staff will meet you upon arrival in Haines and provide transportation to base. On the way, we’ll give a brief tour of town and key highlights.
Food an Dietary Restrictions
Food: Fresh, hearty meals like breakfast burritos, spaghetti, pesto pasta, bagel sandwiches, and oatmeal.
Dietary Restrictions: We can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive, and other dietary needs.
Passport & Border Information
Most itineraries require passports, as Haines is near the Canadian border. Nearly all groups will pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at some point.
While some forms of alternative I.D. may be accepted, passports ensure the smoothest process. For minors under 16, please review U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines or contact us with questions.
About Haines
Population: ~2,500 residents
Map: hainesak.com/maps
Itinerary Customization
Our team can customize programs to match your troop’s interests and activity level. Just contact our office to plan a unique adventure.
Group Size
Minimum group size: 6
Maximum group size: 40 (larger groups may be split into smaller teams to maximize time in the field).
Water & Supplies
All drinking water comes from streams or glacial melt.
All water is treated with aquatablet sterilizing tablets, filtered, or boiled.
- Water at BaseCamp is brought in from municipal water
Extra clothing and gear can be stored securely at Base while your group is in the field.
BaseCamp
Capacity: 40+ scouts
2 shower houses (boys and girls), separate leader facilities
Dining cabin with kitchen and food storage
Covered fire pavilion
Large tent camping area
Location: 3 miles south of town, along the Haines Peninsula in a forested, secluded area.
Wildlife
Depending on your activities and trip length, you may see:
Dall porpoises, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, bald eagles
Grizzly bears, orcas, and moose (less common)
Other FAQs
Mosquitos: Generally light in our area. Conditions vary with weather but are typically less severe than in Interior Alaska.
Temperatures: June–August ranges from 45°F to 80°F, typically in the 50s–60s.
Gear: Outdoor shops are available in Haines for last-minute needs.
Identification: Passports required for whitewater programs (Canada travel). Recommended for all participants.
CONTACT US
If there are any other questions that you have, or feel aren’t adequately addressed, please contact us by phone or email, and we’ll get back to you right away.
Learn more about the Chilkoot High Adventure Base at www.alaskascoutingadventures.org
Email: Climb@alaskamountainguides.com
Phone: 1800-766-3396