Bear Viewing in Juneau
2 Activities
Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing
Join us for an unforgettable brown bear viewing adventure at the renowned “Fortress of the Bears” within the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, the premier coastal brown bear viewing area on Admiralty Island. Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation led by your experienced wilderness guide, followed with a breathtaking 25-minute floatplane flight to Pack Creek. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly greeted by the dedicated rangers of Pack Creek. Your guide will then lead you on a journey along the very paths the bears tread, guiding you through shoreline and forest trails to prime brown bear viewing locations. Known as the “Fortress of the Bears,” Admiralty Island holds the Tlingit name Kootznoowoo, and it lives up to its title with an impressive brown bear population of approximately 1,800 brown bears. This island boasts one of the highest bear densities in the world, with roughly one brown bear per square mile. It’s home to about 10% of Alaska’s entire brown bear population, making it one of the most densely populated brown bear areas on the planet. From the banks of Pack Creek, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat, whether they’re clamming or foraging on beach greens, salmon fishing in the creek, or enjoying a nap in the tall grass. While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Pack Creek vicinity seldom disappoints. Brown bears are most active during mating season (late May – June) and annual salmon runs (late July – August). We are grateful to the Tlingit village of Angoon for allowing us to share this part of their homeland with our guests. Pack Creek is an ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, providing abundant nourishment for the thriving brown bear population on Admiralty Island. Eagles soar over Admiralty’s lakes, their calls echoing in harmony with the diverse bird population. This experience is a true gem of Southeast Alaska, offering visitors the chance to closely observe and photograph wildlife in their natural environment. Highlights: * Experience the thrill of viewing brown bears in their natural habitat * Enjoy a scenic float plane flight to Admiralty Island * Learn about the brown bears of Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary and their unique ecosystem * Capture stunning photos of these amazing creatures
Waterfall Creek Peak Season Brown Bear Viewing
Begin your wilderness adventure with a scenic 30-minute floatplane flight. Be sure to have your camera ready as you glide over amazing landscapes and look out for marine wildlife below before touching down at Waterfall Creek. This is a relatively unknown, remote wilderness location that provides unmatched brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, late July-August. After landing, disembark from the floatplane and wave goodbye to the Alaskan bush pilot. The primary viewing spot is a short walk down the rocky shoreline. Follow the sounds of the waterfall and splashing salmon, as the guide hikes the group to the viewing location. Brown bears may be seen at any time while ashore. The guide will direct to the best spots for viewing and photography. Groups will spend most time seated, quiet, and still to enhance the opportunities of seeing bears. While we do occasionally have close encounters, our goal is for the bears to ignore us and engage in their natural behaviors. After enjoying four hours of brown bear viewing, hike back to where your floatplane is waiting to whisk you back to Juneau. This is truly an Alaskan wilderness adventure! From the banks of Waterfall Creek, we’ll have the opportunity to watch bears fishing for salmon. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the abundant bear population of the Waterfall Creek area rarely disappoints. Brown Bears are most active during the annual salmon runs (late July and August). Highlights: • Scenic 30-minute floatplane flight to Chichagof Island • Experience the thrill of viewing brown bears in their natural habitat • Opportunity to see bears fishing for salmon • Capture stunning photos of these amazing creatures
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