Fortress of the Bears Pack Creek

Venture to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary

Duration
Day Trip
About 8 Hours

Activity
Hiking, Kayak, Wildlife Viewing

Highlight
Brown bear viewing, float plane flight

Price From $989 per person

Difficulty Easy to Moderate

Transportation Meet at "C" Sign by the Mount Roberts Tramway

Experience The Trip

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 lead 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). 

***Kayaking can be included June 20th – July 20th due to limited bear activity. Enjoy the scenic, wilderness paddle along the coastline as you approach Pack Creek. 

pack creek bears

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.

See What It’s Like!

The Trip Itinerary

About 8 hours

1 Hours

Pick up from Downtown Meeting Location

Van transport to ABAK base for outfitting and transport to floatplane base

30 Minutes

Scenic Floatplane Flight

Enjoy the views of mountains and oceans as you leave the city behind

5 Hours

Brown Bear Viewing at Pack Creek

Cache your food in the bear-proof lockers!

**June 20th – July 20th kayaking will be included. Kayak portion 2 hours total and bear viewing 3 hours total.

30 Minutes

Return Scenic Floatplane Flight to Juneau

Your van transport will be waiting to return you to the main office

1 Hour

Return to ABAK Base

De-gear at ABAK base and return transport to meeting location – Thanks for joining us!


Practical Info

Client Pickup Information

Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.

Clients arriving at AJ Dock:

Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.

Clients Staying Locally:

Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.

Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.

ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location information at 907-364-2333 or info@beyondak.com.

downtown juneau dock c
This is the "C" sign. Right by the tram.

Price

  • From $989 per person **Guests travelling June 20th – July 20th have the option to land at Windfall Island and kayak into Pack Creek.
(non-refundable $60 National Forest Service permit fee is included in all reservations)

Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 5 –  Contact for availability.

Minimum Age Public Tour: 12 years old

Minimum Age Private Tour: 8 years old – Requires a minimum of 5 guests to book to make Private.

Book early! Pack Creek Permit space is extremely limited!

Included In The Price

  • Professional guides
  • Roundtrip van & float plane transportation
  • US Forest Service permits
  • Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
  • Picnic lunch and Hearty Snacks
  • Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)

Not Included In Price

  • Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay with us.
  • Professional Photography
  • Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.

Important Notes

  • Bear Sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!
  • Due to aircraft restrictions, there is a 250 lbs per person weight limit on this tour. All passenger weights need to be provided at time of booking. Passengers may be weighed by float plane operator – those over 250 lbs may be subject to an additional fee.
  • Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600 lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2” find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8” have been able to paddle our kayaks.
  • The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a wilderness area with no facilities, restrooms, or shelter on site. All garbage and waste must be packed out.
  • All participants must agree to follow all guide and ranger direction, always stay with the group, store all food items in designated bear proof lockers, and keep all personal belongings on their person.
  • Participants must be able to confidently hike 1-2 miles in the wilderness. Kayaking is offered June 19th-July20th and must be able to paddle up to 2 miles roundtrip.
  • This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
  • Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
  • Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
  • Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if you clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
  • Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.

Departure Times: Daily, dependent on permits.
*Please contact us for departure times and availability.

Dates of Operation: 

May 15 – June 19th and July 21st – September 10: Guests will fly directly to Pack Creek.

June 20th – July 20th: Guests will fly to Windfall Island and Kayak to Pack Creek

Group Size:***Pack Creek Permits from July 5 – August 25 are extremely limited
Minimum of 4, Maximum of 5

Minimum Age: 
12 years old – public tour

8 years old – private tour – must book out the full plane of 5 seats to make private

Activity Level:
Easy to Moderate

Documentation Needed:

  • Name of client(s)
  • Cell phone contact number of client
  • Desired trip date and departure time
  • Name of cruise ship or hotel
  • Participants’ ages, especially anyone under the age of 18
  • Rain gear & shoe sizes (please specify male or female)
  • Any pertinent medical issues, allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Primary language spoken, if other than English
Brown Bear with fish AlaskaKayaking with Whales Alaska