Pack Creek Bear Viewing

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The moose may be Alaska's official state mammal but it's the bear that most people associate with America's largest state. And one of the best places to view these magnificent creatures is on Admiralty Island. Just 30 miles southwest of Juneau at the center of Tongass National Forest, the one million-acre island is home to 1,500 bears. Enter their world for a chance to watch them walk, eat and tend to their young during a five-hour excursion that not only showcases bears in their natural setting but also the area's incredible beauty.

There will be lots of walking once you arrive on the island so it's important to dress warmly (rubber boots and raingear will be provided once you arrive at the island's wilderness area). Be sure to bring a camera-this exciting outing will provide camera buffs with one jaw-dropping photo opportunity after another. The viewing area is approximately 60 yards from the bears so telephoto lenses are recommended to capture that perfect shot.

Your adventure begins as you board your shuttle that will take you to the Juneau Airport. After a safety briefing you'll step inside the floatplane. Then, you'll soar into the wild blue yonder with a bird's-eye view of Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and the Gastineau Channel. From this unique vantage point you may spot a whale or two cruising the icy waters below you.
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Soon, you'll descend on the northeast corner of Admiralty Island, home to tundra-covered mountains that rise 4,650 feet, lakes, rivers, a coastal rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Known to the native Tlingit people as "Kootznoowoo," meaning "Fortress of the Bear," the island boasts the highest brown bear and nesting bald eagle population in the world.

A U.S. Forest Service Ranger will greet you after your plane lands in shallow water on the beach and provide an orientation including rules and important information about bear safety while visiting Pack Creek. Then, your experienced guide will lead the way through a mile of unspoiled scenic wilderness to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. Along the way, he'll share his in-depth knowledge of the area's fascinating natural history, wildlife, and of course, the life and habits of brown bears.

Once you arrive at the viewing area be prepared to watch brown bears grazing in the estuary or playing on the shore. Don't be surprised if you see a white or black bear. Despite their name, brown bears are not always brown. In fact, their fur can be whitish, blond, red, or black, in addition to the typical dark brown.

After you've taken your memorable photos, you'll return along the same scenic trail and rejoin the floatplane for the return trip to your ship. As you fly towards Juneau, you can scratch this remarkable experience off your "bucket list."

Be sure to book early as space within the sanctuary is extremely limited.

Special Notes:

Minimum age is 8 years. Permit fees are included in the price of the tour. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This flight has no weight surcharge. Aircraft fly no higher than 3,000 feet. Oxygen for personal use is allowed but must be in the form of an FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator that can be secured to the user's body. Guests must be able to fit in waders (size 4 to 15) and able to negotiate uneven terrain. Tour operates the early season (May and some early June dates.)

Flightseeing excursions are not refundable unless cancelled by 12:00pm on the day after embarkation.

Provided: Boots, raingear, binoculars, spotting scopes, walking stick

Snack: Granola bars, nuts and bottled water will be provided at the point of entry/exit of the sanctuary. Bottled water will be available for the duration of the tour. Food is prohibited in all viewing areas for the safety of guests and bears.

Liability waiver is required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate without a parent or guardian.