From alpine tundra to temperate rainforest a variety of fauna and flora reside in the Taiya River and its valley.

The river's terminus, the Taiya Inlet, was also home to the Klondike boom town of Dyea which was the start of the Chilkoot Trail.

During the winter the river would freeze over allowing significantly easier transportation (especially with sledges and pack animals) than the overland trail.

Today the Taiya River is a centerpiece of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the Chilkoot Trail it protects.

It's also the recipient of rafting tours based out of Skagway and has an anadromous fish population that is popular with fishermen.