Nice stroll for visitors with a rental car

Question

Finally warmed up here so I took a stroll down River Road.....it dawned on me that visitors would enjoy this walk, too.....

The road begins at the bottom of the hill on Mud Bay Rd......there is a parking area there.....the road is not paved, less than 1/2 mile long and a dead end, so very little (if any) traffic.....It follows the Chilkat River which is over 2 miles wide at that point with glacier covered mountains on the other side......

Today the road was bordered by wild roses, cow parsnip, lupines, beach peas, thimble berries and wild strawberries, all in bloom.......

For those who want to escape the crowds, this is a great off the beaten path type stroll......

Answer

River Road in Haines sounds like a perfect spot for a gentle, scenic stroll, especially for visitors who have a rental car and want to experience some quiet natural beauty without venturing far from town. The road begins at the bottom of the hill on Mud Bay Road, where there is a convenient parking area, making it very accessible.

The road itself is unpaved, less than half a mile long, and ends in a dead end, which means you’ll encounter very little traffic—perfect for a relaxed walk. As you stroll along the road, you follow the Chilkat River, which is impressively wide (over 2 miles at that point), and on the far side, you’ll see glacier-covered mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for photos or just quiet contemplation.

Depending on the season, the roadside can be vibrant with wildflowers and native plants. In summer, you can expect to see wild roses, cow parsnip, lupines, beach peas, thimble berries, and wild strawberries all in bloom, creating a colorful and fragrant environment.

This walk is ideal for visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, away from crowds, and it can easily be paired with a drive through Haines or a visit to other nearby natural sites. Since it is short and mostly flat, it is suitable for almost all ages and fitness levels.

Park at the designated parking area on Mud Bay Road.
Enjoy a slow walk along the half-mile unpaved path, taking in the river and mountain views.
Bring a camera to capture the river, mountains, and seasonal wildflowers.
Allow time to pause and enjoy wild strawberries or just the peaceful surroundings.

For visitors who want a slightly longer experience, you could walk back and forth along the road, which would give you about a mile of easy walking. Alternatively, combine this stroll with a short drive along other scenic roads near Haines to enjoy more of the local flora and panoramic views of the Chilkat River and surrounding mountains.

Nice stroll for visitors with a rental car

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