Pack Creek Bear Viewing Tours

The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, located within the Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, is renowned for its high density of brown bears. This pristine environment offers visitors the opportunity to observe brown bears in their natural habitat, engaging in activities such as fishing for salmon, foraging, and interacting with one another. A limited number of visitors are permitted to enter Pack Creek each season, making it one of the most exclusive bear-viewing areas in Alaska.

Waterfall Creek is a unique bear-viewing destination known for its scenic beauty. This remote area offers a close-up, intimate bear-watching experience where guests can observe bears fishing in the stream and roaming the forested landscape. This viewing area gets more visitors compared to Pack Creek.

Pack Creek is on Admiralty Island, approximately 30 miles south of Juneau, Alaska. Waterfall Creek is located within Chichagof Island. Both locations are accessible only by floatplane or boat, ensuring an authentic wilderness experience.

Both tours provide opportunities to observe coastal brown bears, a subspecies of the grizzly bear. Admiralty Island, where Pack Creek is located, has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world.

The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Tour is a full-day adventure lasting approximately 8 hours, including transportation, orientation, and several hours observing bears in their natural habitat.
The Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing Tour is also a full-day experience, with an emphasis on the remote and peaceful nature of the site.

Above & Beyond Alaska prioritizes safety during bear viewing tours. Experienced guides accompany visitors to ensure safe viewing practices and compliance with all wildlife guidelines.

Bears are generally more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Specific tour times may align with these active periods to maximize sightings.

Pack Creek is renowned for its high density of brown bears, making sightings highly likely. However, time of year must be considered. Mid-June through mid-July is slower for sightings and therefore guests do run the risk of not seeing bears. Since Waterfall Creek bear viewing occurs during peak season, we almost always see bears, as the tours coincide with the salmon run.

Bears are generally more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Specific tour times may align with these active periods to maximize sightings.

Reservations can be made directly through Above & Beyond Alaska’s website or by contacting them via phone or email. Given the limited availability of permits for Pack Creek and the exclusivity of Waterfall Creek, it’s recommended to book well in advance.

For both tours, the price includes:

• Round-trip van and floatplane transportation
• Professional guides
• Permits (U.S. Forest Service for Pack Creek; special permits for Waterfall Creek)
• Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants)
• Picnic lunch (only included in Pack Creek) and hearty snacks
• Souvenir water bottle

A non-refundable $100 National Forest Service permit fee is required for the Pack Creek tour and is included in the reservation. Waterfall Creek does not require this fee but may have other permit costs included in the tour price.

Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to a scheduled tour will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 72 hours in advanced are non-refundable. The $100 administrative fee is non-refundable. Above & Beyond Alaska may cancel a trip due to low enrollment, unsafe weather, or other safety issues, in which case a full refund will be issued.

The Pack Creek tour requires a minimum of 4 guests and can accommodate up to 5 guests per group. The Waterfall Creek tour can accommodate up to 10 people for a larger group experience.

Dress in layers with non-cotton materials such as polyester, wool, or fleece. Above & Beyond Alaska provides rain gear, including a hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants, to ensure comfort in varying weather conditions.

All necessary gear is provided for both tours, including rain gear, picnic lunch (just for Pack Creek tours), hearty snacks, and a souvenir water bottle.

No, a picnic lunch (Pack Creek only), hearty snacks, and a souvenir water bottle are provided for both tours. Bringing an additional reusable water bottle is encouraged to minimize waste.

For Pack Creek, participants should be able to confidently hike 1-2 miles in wilderness conditions.
The Waterfall Creek tour involves walking over uneven terrain and may require light hiking.

Safety is a top priority for both tours. Guides are trained in wilderness navigation and bear safety protocols. Participants must follow all guide and ranger directions, store food in designated bear-proof lockers, and keep personal belongings with them at all times.

Both tours maintain safe and respectful distances from the bears, allowing for exceptional viewing opportunities without disturbing the wildlife.

While sightings are highly likely at both locations due to the abundance of brown bears, bear activity can vary. Guides will ensure guests have a memorable wilderness experience regardless of the number of bears observed.

Pack Creek and Waterfall Creek are renowned for their bear populations. Sightings are very likely, especially during peak viewing seasons.