Pack Creek Bear Viewing: A Review

Pack Creek Bear Viewing offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Alaska’s majestic bears in their natural habitat. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the tour provides a personal and immersive experience, transporting guests to a pristine viewing location via scenic boat ride. With all necessary gear included, visitors can focus on capturing breathtaking moments and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking an adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s iconic bears.

Good To Know

• Pack Creek Bear Viewing offers an intimate and immersive wildlife experience with guided treks and frequent bear sightings in a remote Alaskan wilderness setting.
• The tour provider, Wild Coast Excursions, ensures a comfortable and safe experience by supplying specialized gear and transportation logistics.
• With a maximum of 9 travelers per group, the tour provides a personalized and educational outing led by knowledgeable naturalist guides.
• The booking process is straightforward, with online reservations and pickup options for cruise ship arrivals, though the tour is non-refundable.
• The Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness Alaskan bears in their natural habitat.

Overview of Pack Creek Bear Viewing

What’s Pack Creek Bear Viewing? It’s a tour that takes visitors to observe brown bears in their natural habitat near Juneau, Alaska.

Offered by Wild Coast Excursions, the tour has a maximum of 9 travelers per group and includes rain gear, rubber boots, binoculars, and a shared spotting scope. Lunch and facility fees are also included.

The meeting point is at Ward Air Inc, with an option for pickup from the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza if arriving by cruise.

While a moderate fitness level is required, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Booking and Reservation Process

Booking the Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour is straightforward. Visitors can book directly on the website or through the provider, Wild Coast Excursions.

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers per group, ensuring an intimate experience. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, or immediately if booked within 7 days of travel.

Guests must provide their arrival information, as pickup from the designated meeting point or cruise terminal is available. Late arrivals or those staying outside downtown Juneau should contact the provider in advance.

The tour is non-refundable, with no cancellation policy.

Meeting and Transportation Logistics

The meeting point for the Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour is Ward Air Inc, located at 8991 Yandukin Dr #100 in Juneau, Alaska. Alternatively, guests can request pickup, which is especially convenient for those arriving by cruise ship. In that case, they should head to the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, the official loading zone.

If Arriving By	Meeting Location
Cruise Ship	Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza
Other Means	Ward Air Inc

Late arrivals or those staying at hotels outside downtown Juneau should contact the tour operator for assistance. Confirmation is provided at booking or within 48 hours if booked within 7 days of travel.

Gear and Equipment Provided

The tour provides visitors with a variety of specialized gear and equipment to secure a comfortable and safe experience at Pack Creek.

Participants are outfitted with:

1. Rain gear and rubber boots to protect against the elements.
2. Waterproof backpacks to keep belongings dry.
3. Binoculars and a shared spotting scope to enhance wildlife viewing.

These essential items guarantee guests can focus on the incredible bear sightings without worrying about the weather or accessibility.

The tour company’s attention to detail assures a seamless and enjoyable outing for all.

The Bear Viewing Experience

Though arriving at the meeting point, guests are quickly whisked away on a scenic boat ride to the remote Pack Creek bear viewing location. Upon arrival, travelers are taken on naturalist-led treks through the lush wilderness, spotting various species of wildlife along the way. The main attraction, of course, is the opportunity to observe brown bears in their natural habitat.

Bear Viewing	Highlights
Sightings	Frequent
Photo Ops	Abundant
Guides	Knowledgeable
Trails	Well-maintained
Experience	Immersive

The experience culminates with breathtaking close-up encounters with these majestic creatures, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the Alaskan wilderness.

Lunch and Refreshments

After the immersive bear viewing experience, guests are provided a well-deserved lunch to refuel.

The lunch includes:

1. A hearty sandwich with locally-sourced meats and fresh vegetables.
2. A side salad featuring crisp greens and a signature dressing.
3. A revitalizing beverage, such as bottled water or a sports drink, to aid in rehydration.

The meal is enjoyed in a scenic setting, allowing guests to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and recharge before the return journey.

The lunch is both nourishing and satisfying, perfectly complementing the thrilling bear viewing activity.

Safety and Medical Considerations

Given the close proximity to wild bears, safety and medical considerations are of paramount importance for the Pack Creek Bear Viewing experience. Participants must maintain a safe distance from the bears at all times. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery. Those with heart problems or serious medical conditions are advised not to participate. The tour operator provides essential safety gear, including rain gear and rubber boots, to protect against the elements. A table of key medical and safety information is provided below:

Requirement	Details
Physical Fitness	Moderate level required
Medical Conditions	No heart problems or serious conditions
Safety Gear Provided	Rain gear, rubber boots, waterproof backpacks
Wildlife Guidelines	Maintain safe distance from bears at all times
Transportation	Not wheelchair accessible, near public transit

Pros and Cons of the Tour

The Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to observe wild bears in their natural habitat.

The tour’s pros include:

1. Knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary and guarantee a safe experience.
2. Well-equipped with rain gear, boots, and optics, assuring visitors stay comfortable and can observe the bears up close.
3. Small group size, allowing for personalized attention and an intimate wildlife encounter.

However, the tour’s cons include the high price tag and the non-refundable cancellation policy, which may deter some travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own camera gear. The tour provides binoculars and a shared spotting scope, but you’re welcome to bring your personal photography equipment to capture the bears during the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour. The tour is open to guests of all ages, though they’ll need to be able to handle the moderate physical fitness level required.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Wear?

The tour provider recommends guests wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy shoes or boots. They’ll provide rain gear, rubber boots, and waterproof backpacks to guarantee participants are prepared for the outdoors and bear viewing experience.

How Close Can We Get to the Bears?

The tour allows visitors to observe bears from a safe distance, typically within 50 yards. Park regulations prohibit getting closer to guarantee the bears’ safety and a superior viewing experience. Guests are advised to follow all guide instructions while on the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Juneau Before/After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Juneau before or after the Pack Creek Bear Viewing tour, though additional costs and arrangements would be the responsibility of the traveler. The tour company does not provide any additional lodging or transportation outside of the specified tour.

The Sum Up

Pack Creek Bear Viewing offers an exceptional wildlife experience for visitors to Alaska. The tour provides expert guidance, quality gear, and ample opportunities to view and photograph bears in their natural habitat. While the experience may be pricey, the personal and immersive nature of the tour makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an unforgettable encounter with the region’s iconic wildlife.