Excursion Takshanuk trail by 4x4 tour at Haines

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty of the Tongass National Forest in a unique and exciting new way during this exclusive, half-day, off-road excursion with lunch.

Haines, Takshanuk Trailhead, Guided Ride, 4WD Vehicle

Depart the pier with your guide for the short drive to the Takshanuk (Land of Falling Waters) trailhead. Upon arrival, receive your safety and riding instructions on how to operate a Kawasaki ‘Mule’, an automatic-transmission, 4WD vehicle. Equipped with seat belts and designed to be easily accessible, they offer guests of all ages and abilities a wonderful opportunity to experience the thrill of the wilderness. Your journey begins with a short, guided ride to the private and exclusive Takshanuk Lodge.

Tongass National Forest, Takshanuk Lodge, Lynn Canal, Mountain Ranges, Alpine Lake, Waterfalls

Nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the lodge offers stunning views of the Lynn Canal and surrounding mountain ranges, including Santa Claus Mountain. Upon arrival at the lodge, you are served warm, fresh-baked cookies with coffee, hot chocolate, or lemonade. Afterward, hop back on your 4WD vehicle and join your guide for a panoramic ride past cascading, tiered waterfalls and across clear mountain streams. A photo stop is made at an exquisite alpine lake for exquisite views and an opportunity to scan the mountainside for wildlife. This alpine lake is fed by waterfalls cascading down the backside of Mt. Ripinsky, and the area abounds with seasonal, wild-growing Alaskan blueberries and salmon berries.

Breath-Taking Views, Chilkoot Lake, Lutak Inlet, Alpine Meadow, Wildflowers, Lunch, Fort Seward

Upon arrival at the end of the approximately 1,500-foot-high (about 457-metre-high) trail, enjoy breath-taking panoramic vistas of Chilkoot Lake and the Lutak inlet. A gorgeous alpine meadow awaits those who wish to take a short, optional hike up the hillside to enjoy the wildflowers that soak up the sunshine at this higher elevation. Afterward, ride back to the Takshanuk Lodge for a delicious, home-made buffet lunch. After lunch, you can relax and browse the gift shoppe for a souvenir of your visit, then take a final, guided ride back down the mountain to the Takshanuk trailhead. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the short transfer back to the pier, with a sightseeing drive through Haines and past Fort Seward en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Haines, Takshanuk Trailhead & Lodge, Tongass National Forest, Mountain Ranges, Alpine Lakes & Meadows, Waterfalls, Breath-Taking Views, Lunch, Fort Seward

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a minimal amount of walking for approximately 33 yards (about 30 metres), at times over uneven, gravel, muddy, snowy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus and 4WD vehicle.  The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, sturdy, closed-toe, and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, warm hat and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases; open-toed shoes and high-heels are not recommended on this tour. The price of this tour is per person, based on two people sharing one vehicle however the machines can accommodate parties of four guests. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 21 years old, and present a valid driver's license to drive a 4WD vehicle on this tour. Guests may not drive the 4WD vehicle if they have consumed alcohol. The combined weight of both 4WD passengers cannot exceed approximately 1300 pounds (about 590 kilograms). Guests weighing more than 400 pounds (about 180 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.