About Our Area
Hyder is a small town with around 60 residents, but it's surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife in North America. Here are some things you can see or do while with us.
Bears- If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of some incredible bears, this is just the place! Your best place for bear sightings is at Fish Creek. At this popular spot, both tourists and professional photographers flock every year to capture stunning photos and videos of grizzly bears and sometimes wolves fishing for salmon. The Fish Creek Bear Viewing Platform is conveniently located just about 4 miles from the campground.
Wildlife- We have an impressive variety of animals, including bears, bobcats, wolverines, wolves, martens, otters, minks, beavers, ermines, foxes, porcupines, and swans, to name a few. Additionally, Hyder is situated near a bird flyway, so you can expect to see abundant waterfowl and land birds flying over the canal and Salmon River, especially during salmon season. We also have a viable eagle presence for great photo opportunities. On a more rare occasion you may see a fox, deer, or moose.
Boat Access to Inside Passage- If you are looking for an awesome place to access an exceptional waterway to the Inside Passage, just a short distance from the campground, Hyder has its own boat dock and ramp offering easy access to the Portland Canal. This deep water canal provides amazing opportunities for sightseeing and fishing, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, seals, and a variety of seabirds. You might even catch a glimpse of killer whales or humpback whales! The beauty of our canal is truly unparalleled and a sight to behold.
Tongass National Rainforest- Our campground is located right next to the expansive Tongass National Forest, which happens to be the largest forest in the United States. Close by, you will find towering first growth hemlocks and spruce trees, some of which are over 800 years old. Additionally, you will encounter a variety of beautiful foliage, along with delicious berries that serve as a source of nutrition for the black and brown bears, as well as for people who want some for themselves.
Float Plane Dock- We have a float plane dock where our mail planes arrive twice a week, weather permitting. If you're interested in catching the float plane, this is the spot to do it. The scheduled mail run takes place on Mondays and Thursdays. Both Taquan Air and Misty Fiords from Ketchikan offer incredible tours where you can fly through the canal or across the mountains to Ketchikan. Watching the planes land and take off from the canal is an experience you won't want to miss.
Salmon Glacier Access- We are just 25 miles away from Salmon Glacier. If you're looking to witness the worlds largest accessible glacier that you can look down on from a mountain, Salmon Glacier is the place to visit. It's just up from the campground. You can opt for a guided tour (see our brochure) or drive there on your own. The glacier is an absolute must-see. During a guided tour, you can learn about the area's gold mines, the ecology of the region, and the habitat of mountain goats, bears, eagles, salmon, ptarmigan, and marmots, among other forest and mountain creatures. Near the glacier, you'll find stunning views. You will also find stunted hemlock and spruce trees, a result of the heavy snowfall covering them year after year. There was once recorded 100 ft. of snow in a single year.
History- The area has a fascinating history. Hyder served as a refuge for early Native Americans seeking a respite from rivaling tribes, allowing them to live a subsistence life in safety. Later on, Hyder became home to a sizable gold mining community, with most of the houses situated on the tidal flats at the nearby Portland Canal. If you take a drive out to the tidal flats, you'll find a kiosk where you can learn more about the history of early Hyder, and see the pilings where a swallow estuary has been created. The swallows attract peregrine falcons that also frequent the area.
Hiking Trails- We have various interesting hiking trails with easy access such as the Cemetery Hill Trail, the Dike beside Salmon River, and Titan Trail, as well as more remote and challenging routes.
Services- Eagle Shadow Campground is open from June to October. Our campground has 30 amp hookups and pull-through sites for campers up to 50 ft. We offer over 50 sites in total, as well as laundry and showers, clean restrooms, a gift shop, and welcoming hosts. We also offer fantastic, clean, cold water from Salmon Glacier melt. We provide water for RVs not staying with us for a small fee. Check out our reviews and experience it for yourself. Eagle Shadow Campground is here to meet all your camping needs. For safety reasons, we do not allow tent camping on the ground, but we do allow vehicle and rooftop tents. Contact us to learn about our alternative camping options, including staying in one of our three unique RV choices.
All of this is in your reach when you stay at Eagle Shadow Campground. Feel free to call or write us and we will try to answer any questions you may have and help you book your stay with us.
Thank you for choosing Eagle Shadow Campground. We look forward to hosting you!
The Staff of Eagle Shadow Campground