Voices in the Forest – The Kushtaka

Voices in the Forest – The Kushtaka

In Haines, Alaska, the wilderness doesn’t just surround you… it watches. In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we explore the story of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting presence said to mimic human voices and lure people into the forest. When a routine walk along the Chilkat River takes an unexpected turn, the line between explanation and something more begins to blur. Because in Southeast Alaska… not every voice is meant to be followed.

If you’ve ever cruised into Haines, Alaska, you already know… this place feels different. It’s quieter. Wilder. A little less polished than other ports, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. But what if that same untouched beauty holds something more? In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we explore one of Southeast Alaska’s most intriguing stories — the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting presence said to mimic human voices and draw people into the forest. And trust me… this one might make you think twice before wandering too far off the path.

So what exactly is the Kushtaka? Often called the “land otter man,” this figure comes from Tlingit tradition and has been passed down through generations across Southeast Alaska, including areas like Haines and the Chilkat Valley. The stories vary, which makes them even more fascinating. In some versions, the Kushtaka is a trickster, luring people away from safety using familiar voices. In others, it’s something more complex… even protective. But one detail shows up again and again: it doesn’t chase you. It calls you. And that’s where things get interesting.

What makes this legend especially compelling is how well it fits the environment. Haines isn’t just scenic, it’s immersive. Dense forests, fast-moving rivers, shifting shorelines… it’s the kind of place where sound travels in unexpected ways and distances can be hard to judge. That’s part of what makes the Kushtaka story feel so believable. Is it simply a warning about real dangers in the wilderness? Or is there something else layered into these stories that has allowed them to persist for generations?

In this episode, we follow a modern-day experience along the Chilkat River that brings those questions into focus. What begins as a routine walk turns into something harder to explain, when a familiar voice is heard in a place where no one else should be. It’s subtle. It’s grounded. And that’s what makes it so effective. Because sometimes the most unsettling stories aren’t the ones filled with dramatic moments… they’re the ones that feel just possible enough to be real.

So the next time you find yourself in Haines, maybe on a quiet walk near the river or exploring beyond the main port area, take a moment to listen. Not just to the water or the wind… but to what might be just beyond where you can see. And if you hear your name? You might want to pause before you answer.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now, and let us know what you think — do you see the Kushtaka as a warning, a mystery, or something else entirely?

In this episode, we explore how those stories connect to a modern-day experience in Haines, where the environment, the legend, and one unsettling moment begin to overlap. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska’s history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources.

Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Listen to more CruiseTipsTV Unplugged here.

Stay In Touch

Thanks so much for listening! We hope you’ve enjoyed this podcast and we’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to direct message us on Instagram or Facebook with your thoughts, or just check in to see what we are up to on those platforms. We have lots of fun on Instagram, and we have a wonderful welcoming cruising community on Facebook. Be sure to check those out.

Need a travel agent?

Looking for a good travel agent? Contact our travel agency partner, Montebello Dream Vacations & let them know you were referred by CruiseTipsTV when you call. Wendy will match you with the best agent for your needs. Phone number is on the website. 

Join the Academy!

Download our shore day bag checklist, and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy. We have a special discount code for our podcast listeners. To redeem the $5.00 discount on our Master Class, enter code UNPLUGGED at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Here’s what people are saying about the CruiseTipsTV Unplugged Podcast