Bear Viewing at Waterfall Creek

If you’re looking to see Alaska’s legendary bears in their natural habitat, this tour at Waterfall Creek promises a memorable experience. It’s a carefully crafted outing that combines scenic floatplane flights with close-up bear viewing, led by knowledgeable guides who truly know their stuff. While it isn’t a cheap outing at $1,299 per person, the value comes from the combination of unique opportunities—like seeing wild grizzlies fishing for salmon—and the comfort of private transportation and expert guidance.

We love how this tour offers an intimate glimpse into Southeast Alaska’s wilderness—with small groups and personal service—making it ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The highlight, of course, is watching wild bears in action, but the scenic floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest adds a spectacular dimension to the day.

One thing travelers might consider is the tour’s weather dependency—poor weather could mean rescheduling or cancellation. But if clear skies prevail, you’re in for a rewarding adventure. This experience suits those who want an authentic, educational, and family-friendly wildlife outing that goes beyond just spotting animals.

Key Points

• Unique access to Waterfall Creek, one of Southeast Alaska’s top bear-viewing spots.
• Expert guides provide engaging, informative commentary about local wildlife and ecology.
• Scenic floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest enhances the overall experience.
• Small group size (max six travelers) ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Perfect for families with kids as young as 6, offering a safe way to see bears in the wild.
• Weather-dependent activity—good weather is crucial for optimal viewing and flight.

Introduction: An Authentic Alaska Wilderness Experience

This Waterfall Creek bear viewing tour is a well-designed way to see Alaska’s iconic grizzlies in a setting that combines adventure, comfort, and education. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the descriptions suggest it’s ideal for nature lovers who want to witness wildlife behavior up close, especially during peak salmon-fishing season.

Two things that really stand out are the scenic floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest—a visual treat—and the close proximity to active bears, often within just 20 yards of the creek. The guides, described as certified and knowledgeable, seem to add a lot of value through their storytelling and wildlife spotting skills.

A potential drawback is the reliance on weather conditions. Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, and poor weather might lead to rescheduling or cancellations. But if the skies are clear, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a true wilderness experience that few get to see firsthand.

This tour is best suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers who want an authentic, guided look at Southeast Alaska’s famed bears without the hassle of planning their own logistics. It’s an experience that offers both education and adventure in a compact, well-organized package.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Waterfall Creek has been a pioneer in bear viewing for over two decades, and that experience shows in the quality of the guides and the scenery. The tour’s main attraction is watching wild grizzlies fishing for salmon, a behavior that’s both fascinating and photogenic. The location—about 5 yards from the creek—is close enough to witness the bears’ fishing skills without feeling unsafe, thanks to the guides’ expertise and safety measures.

The scenic floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest isn’t just a transportation method; it’s part of the adventure. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of lush forests and waterways that make the journey itself memorable. The flight takes just 25 minutes, but it’s enough to make you appreciate the vastness and beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

The small group size (up to 6 travelers) enhances interaction with guides, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience. This is particularly valuable in wildlife viewing, where patience and local knowledge can lead to better sightings.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Chichagof Island and Waterfall Creek

Your adventure begins with a 25-minute scenic floatplane flight from Juneau, offering spectacular aerial views of the Tongass National Forest. We loved the way the flight frames the experience—flying over dense, green forests, sparkling waterways, and the rugged coastline sets the tone for what’s to come.

Once on the ground, you’ll head to Waterfall Creek, where bears are often fishing for salmon during mid-July to September. The primary viewing area is about 5 yards from the creek, close enough to see bears catching fish in their natural environment. The waterfall upstream slows the fish, creating a perfect fishing spot for the bears. Guides will share insights about bear behavior, salmon life cycles, and the local ecosystem—making this a very educational experience.

Wildlife Viewing: The Heart of the Experience

Depending on the time of year and luck, you might witness bears catching and eating fish right in front of you. The guide’s expertise is crucial here—spots can be at 20 yards or slightly further, but groups often get close enough to see the action clearly. Many reviews note that guides are excellent at spotting bears and explaining their behaviors, which greatly enhances the experience.

Support and Comfort

Participants are provided with binoculars, a wildlife spotting scope, rain gear, and a drybag, ensuring you’re prepared regardless of weather. Bottled water and snacks are included, making the outing both comfortable and convenient.

Return Flight and End of Tour

After about 4 hours of wildlife viewing and exploration, your floatplane returns you to Juneau, offering more chances for panoramic photos of the Alaskan landscape.

The Value of the Experience

While $1,299 per person might seem steep, consider what’s included: all fees and taxes, private transportation, expert guides, scenic floatplane flight, wildlife viewing gear, snacks, and an authentic bear encounter. The exclusivity of a small group, combined with the skill of guides and the chance to see bears actively fishing, makes it a worthwhile investment for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.

It’s also a time-efficient way to combine different modes of transportation—by land, air, and water—giving you a well-rounded Alaskan experience. The inclusion of a floatplane flight, not often part of basic bear tours, adds a memorable visual element that many travelers cherish.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience combined with scenic travel. Families with children as young as 6 will appreciate the safety and small group setting. Nature lovers and amateur wildlife photographers will benefit from the guides’ expertise and the close-up viewing opportunities.

However, those with mobility issues should note that the tour involves some walking and outdoor conditions. The activity depends heavily on weather, so flexible travelers should be prepared for potential rescheduling.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Waterfall Creek bear viewing tour offers a compelling blend of wilderness, wildlife, and scenery, making it a standout choice for anyone wanting an authentic Alaskan adventure. The experienced guides, small group size, and close encounters with wild bears create a memorable, educational outing that’s both fun and respectful of nature.

It’s especially well suited for families wanting a safe, engaging wildlife experience, as well as solo travelers eager to witness Alaska’s iconic bears in action. While the price is on the higher side, the comprehensive inclusion of transportation, gear, and expert guidance justifies it for those seeking a premium experience.

If you’re looking for a mix of scenic flight, wildlife, and genuine wilderness, this tour hits all the right notes. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, and be ready for an adventure you’ll remember for years.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a scenic floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest, private transportation, certified guide, wildlife spotting gear (binoculars, scope, rain gear, drybag), all fees and taxes, bottled water, snacks, and admission to Waterfall Creek.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, with about 4 hours spent on wildlife viewing and the flight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for kids as young as 6, making it a family-friendly option. Guides and safety measures are designed to make the experience enjoyable and safe for young travelers.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather—layered clothing, rain gear, and waterproof footwear are recommended. The guides provide rain gear if needed, so just come prepared for outdoor conditions.

What kind of wildlife will I see?
Primarily, you’ll see wild grizzly bears fishing for salmon. The guides are skilled at spotting bears and explaining their behaviors, so you can expect an educational experience as well.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If poor weather prevents the activity, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Good weather is key for optimal viewing.

Can I see bears at any time of the year?
The main viewing season is from mid-July to the end of September when bears focus on fishing. Outside this period, bear activity may be less predictable.

Is it a small-group tour?
Yes, with a maximum of six travelers, it offers a more personal experience with fewer crowds—ideal for those who prefer a more intimate connection with guides and wildlife.

Do I need to tip the guides?
Tipping is customary if the guides have earned it, usually between 5-10%, but it’s not included in the price.

This Waterfall Creek bear viewing tour is a well-rounded, immersive way to experience Alaska’s wilderness. Its combination of scenic travel, expert guidance, and active wildlife encounters makes it a standout choice for those eager to connect with nature in a meaningful way.