The Haines State Forest contains 286,000 acres managed by the Division of Forestry that include the watersheds of the Chilkoot, Chilkat, and Ferebee rivers within its boundary. Located in a transition zone between the wet coastal climate and the dry, cold Interior, the Forest provides suitable conditions for a diversity of plants and wildlife. The rugged topography ranges from sea level to over 7,000 feet.
The Forest is composed mostly of two forest types; western hemlock/Sitka spruce, and black cottonwood/willow. Lodgepole pine and paper birch occur as minor species throughout the forest. Approximately 42,000 acres of the managed State Forest lands are dedicated to timber harvest with an allowable harvest of 5.88 million board feet per year. Although natural regeneration occurs readily, all large commercial sales have been replanted since the 1970s.
Prospecting and mining have occurred in this mineral-rich area since the turn of the century and continue today. Backcountry logging roads, rivers, and hiking trails provide access to remote areas and abundant recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, berry-picking, camping, hiking, snow machining, and skiing are popular activities. Several commercial operators provide tours in the Forest year-round.
Photographers and hunters pursue the Forest’s wildlife such as moose, black and brown bears, and mountain goats. Wolves, marten, lynx, wolverines, porcupines, beavers, river otters, and many small mammals live in the region. Trumpeter swans, geese, ducks, and a variety of songbirds are also present.
