Do Not Visit Haines Alaska Until You Read This

Small towns tend to dominate when you visit Alaska, but this one is really worth your time. Haines Alaska has everything from epic hikes to killer local brews. These are our top picks for an inspiring visit in the Adventure Capital of Alaska.

Though Haines only has 2,000 residents that call it home, this fishing-port town has a big heart, and the friendly locals truly make the experience. Prepare to swap stories with flannel-clad loggers, grab a beer with a totem pole artist, and high-five the mayor while you’re there.

You’ll also want to explore the exceptional local trails, find out why the Discovery Channel is filming nearby, and talk to some local heli-skiers about Haines’ candyland of epic peaks and internationally acclaimed powder.

Oh, and you’ll definitely want to be around in September to see over 4,000 eagles arrive for the remarkable annual eagle congregation.

Fun facts about Haines, Alaska

• average age is 49
• has the highest per capita number of artists of any town in America
• approximately 1/3 of the population leaves for the winter
• is home to Klukwan, the lowest inhabited village in America
• world-renowned for heli-skiing