The 6 Best Places and Times to See Bald Eagles in Alaska

If you’re curious about where you can find the most significant number of bald eagles in the United States, visit Alaska! Bald eagles only live in North America, with more in the Alaskan boundary than anywhere else. With an estimated 30,000 in the state, you are bound to see one if you visit any body of water. These eagles inhabit Alaska’s coastline, islands, inland lakes, and rivers. Southeast and south-central Alaska have some of the largest populations.

Check out the six best places and times to see bald eagles in Alaska, including tips on where to look!

When is the Best Time To See Bald Eagles in Alaska

While you can find bald eagles in Alaska at any time of the year, fall and winter are the best times to look for them. These majestic birds spend their winters in the state’s southern regions and nest on southeast Alaskan islands. 

To witness 3,000 bald eagles feeding on spawned-out salmon, visit the Chilkat Valley in late fall and early winter. The summer months can also bring outstanding eagle viewings along the state’s coastline.

The Best Places To See Bald Eagles in Alaska

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

As America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is in south-central Alaska, with vast landscapes and immense wildlife. With over 20,000 square miles of shorelines, meadows, forests, and ice fields, the park is an excellent home for birds of all kinds, including bald eagles. Park officials monitor these raptors in Wrangell-St. Elias due to their strict dependency on the Copper River, which is where you will likely find them. Look for bald eagles perched on the treetops, waiting for prey below.

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

Do you want a definitive way to see bald eagles in Alaska? Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines. This state park and wildlife refuge covers 48,000 acres along the Chilkat River and protects one of the world’s largest concentrations of bald eagles. The annual salmon run during the fall attracts thousands of these eagles. Visitors can view the show from designated parking spots near the river or via the riverside trail. It’s one of the best places in the country to get a close-up view of bald eagles diving for prey, roosting, and feeding.

Clam Gulch State Recreation Area

Sitting along the Cook Inlet, the Clam Gulch State Recreation Area is famous for harvesting razor clams. Its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife can’t be beaten. Along with panoramic views of massive peaks, you can spot moose, gulls, and bald eagles. They often fly along the shore, scavenging the beach and shallow water for food. Or look for them perched on tall trees adjacent to the coast. Along with viewing wildlife, there are many opportunities for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Homer Spit

The Homer Spit is a 4.5-mile piece of land that juts out from the Kenai Peninsula into Kachemak Bay. Summertime is an excellent time of year to visit the Spit. Bald Eagles find their way to the area for its food potential from fishermen and beaches. If you want a better chance at spotting one (or several), head to the tide flats and post up at one of the viewing stations along the trail. You can also try the harbor and shoreline near the big beach and campground.

Kenai River

The crystal-clear waters of the Kenai River provide abundant recreational opportunities in south-central Alaska. Summer and early fall are the best times to visit the river to watch bald eagles feed on salmon. These raptors find their way to fishing areas and exploit the surplus food. You can also watch for them gliding across the blue sky. Stop at any park, boat launch, or overlook along Sterling Highway, and you can’t miss them!

Lowell Point State Recreation Site

Lowell Point is a state park along Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska. It covers 19 acres and contains a 4.5-mile coastal trail that ends at North Beach. Along with breathtaking scenery and outdoor recreation, visitors can glimpse the bald eagles that stay in the area. You can often find them perched in the trees or diving into the water for prey, especially during the salmon run in August. Not only does summertime bring eagles in droves, but it’s also an excellent time for hiking, fishing, and camping.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © KenCanning from Getty Images Signature/ via Canva.com