Our first full day in Alaska presented us with the bounty of spring! Guests hiked along the Lake Eva Trail, which follows a salmon stream through hemlock and spruce forests on Baranoff Island. Along the trail, new vegetation, flowers, and berries were thriving in the temperate rainforest environment. Guests spotted fresh signs of active bears, bald eagles, banana slugs, waterfowl, salmon fry, and even a swan and beaver swimming in Lake Eva!
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Haines, Alaska
The fastidious crew of National Geographic Sea Lion tied off their dock lines in beautiful Haines, Alaska, at 0700. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Haines offered a postcard-perfect welcome. Guests had their pick of daily adventures, from scenic bike tours to immersive hikes into the surrounding wilderness. Eager to make the most of the day, we fueled up with breakfast and set off for Mount Riley by 0800. The 5.6-mile out-and-back trail challenged us with a 1,500-foot elevation gain, but each step brought greater reward. Along the way, we spotted Devil’s Matchstick lichen—an iconic burst of black atop slender stalks, resembling burnt match sticks. As we climbed higher, breathtaking views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal revealed themselves. At the summit, we paused to take in the sweeping vistas, humbled by the scale and silence of Alaska’s wild spaces. It was a moment of shared awe and camaraderie, the kind that forges lasting connections. Afterward, returning to the charming town of Haines felt like re-entering a quiet storybook. This blend of rugged adventure and small-town warmth made the day truly extraordinary.
