Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing

Pack Creek offers a unique opportunity to witness brown bears in their natural environment. Our 8-hour tour, including a scenic floatplane flight, takes you to this special place. Observe these incredible creatures as they fish for salmon, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Duration

8 Hours

Activity

Wildlife Viewing, Floatplane Flight

Fitness Level

Easy to Moderate

Price

From $989 per person plus tax

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).

What's Included

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.
Itinerary

Van transport to ABAK office for outfitting

Van transport to Juneau’s floatplane base for check-in and outfitting.

Gear outfitting & orientation, transport to the float pond

Get the rundown, the safety check, and acquainted with your guide.

Floatplane flight to Chichagof Island, part of the Channel Island State Park

A view of Juneau and surrounding majestic wilderness like no other. Buckle up and enjoy your flight.

Brown Bear Viewing at Waterfall Creek

Cache your food in the designated area!

Scenic Floatplane flight back to Juneau

Your Floatplane Pilot will meet you at the beach.

Return van transport to downtown, major hotels

Your van transport will be waiting to return you to the main office – 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 907-290-2318 or info@beyondak.com.

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.
  • 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.

From $989 per person plus tax

Videos from our visitors to the Bear Sanctuary

We’ve got bears, what do you want to know?!

What is the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area?

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.

What is the Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing Area?

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.

Where are Pack Creek and Waterfall Creek located?

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.

What species of bears can be observed during these tours?

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.

What is the duration of the bear viewing tours?

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.

Are bear tours safe?

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

What time of day are bears out most?

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.

How likely are we to see a bear?

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.

What time of day are bears out most?

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.

Bear Viewing Reservation Questions

How can I book a bear viewing tour with Above & Beyond Alaska?

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.

What is included in the tour price?

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
Are there any additional fees or permits required?

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.

What is the cancellation policy for bear viewing tours?

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.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size for the tours?

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.

Bear Viewing Preparation and What to Bring

What should I wear for the bear viewing tours?

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.

What equipment is provided by Above & Beyond Alaska?

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.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

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.

Are there any physical fitness requirements for participants?

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.

During The Tour

What safety measures are in place during the bear viewing tours?

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.

How close will we get to the bears?

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

What happens if we don’t see any bears?

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.

How likely are we to see a bear?

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

From $989 per person plus tax

Kayaking with Whales AlaskaMendenhall Glacier Canoe Trip Juneau