Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau

Nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, Pack Creek on Admiralty Island offers a unique opportunity to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. Travelers can embark on a full-day adventure, soaring over the lush landscape in a floatplane before kayaking through Windfall Harbor. With a small group size and certified guides, visitors can witness these majestic creatures fishing and foraging, an unforgettable wildlife experience. But what makes this tour truly special is the chance to take in the untamed beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Unique brown bear viewing opportunity in the natural habitat of Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, accessible via scenic floatplane flight from Juneau.
• Small group tours (maximum 10 participants) provide personalized attention and increased chances of observing bears fishing, foraging, and socializing.
• Tour includes a kayaking adventure through Windfall Harbor, allowing for close-up encounters with the bears in their natural environment.
• Advance booking is required due to limited permits, ensuring exclusive access to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area.
• Comprehensive package includes transportation, equipment, meals, and National Park fees, catering to a seamless and immersive bear viewing experience.

Overview and Experience

Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing offers a unique opportunity to observe the highest concentration of brown bears in the world in their natural habitat.

This full-day adventure from Juneau includes a floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest and kayaking through Windfall Harbor. The tour is limited to small groups of 10, ensuring personalized attention from guides.

Visitors can expect to see bears in their natural environment, engaging in behaviors like fishing, foraging, and socializing. While bear sightings aren’t guaranteed, the high density of bears in the area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Tour Details

This full-day adventure takes visitors to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island, located within the Tongass National Forest.

The tour includes a scenic floatplane flight over the lush landscape, followed by kayaking through Windfall Harbor. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the highest concentration of brown bears in the world in their natural habitat.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people, ensuring personalized attention from the certified guides.

Advance booking is essential due to the limited number of permits issued exclusively to tour operators.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing tour includes a certified guide, all necessary equipment such as kayaks and safety gear, and round-trip transportation via van and floatplane.

The tour also provides:

• Rain gear, jackets, and rubber boots (with size information required)
• Lunch, hearty snacks, and water
• National Park fees and gratuities included

The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention from the guides.

Advance booking is essential due to the limited permits and high demand for this unique bear viewing experience.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Participants must meet certain health and safety guidelines to join the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing tour.

The minimum age is 12 years, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required to hike 1-2 miles.

There’s a 250-lb weight limit per person, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

All participants must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form.

These guidelines ensure the tour operates safely in the wild bear habitat.

Proper preparation and precautions are essential for everyone’s enjoyment and protection on this unique Alaskan adventure.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour begins and ends at the "C" sign near the cruise ship docks in Juneau.

Pickup is available from major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley, and the group is transported back to the original meeting point at the end of the day.

Advanced booking is essential due to the limited permits and high demand for this tour.

• Centralized meeting point: "C" sign near cruise ship docks, Juneau
• Pickup available from major hotels in Mendenhall Valley
• Tour ends back at the original meeting point
• Advance booking is essential due to limited permits
• High demand for this tour

Exploring Tongass National Forest

After a scenic floatplane flight over the majestic Tongass National Forest, participants embark on a serene kayaking journey through Windfall Harbor.

Paddling through the calm waters, they’ll witness the stunning natural beauty of the lush temperate rainforest. Towering evergreens line the shoreline, and the chance of spotting wildlife, such as bald eagles, seals, or otters, adds to the excitement.

The kayaking portion provides a tranquil transition before arriving at the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, where the main highlight of the tour awaits – the opportunity to observe the highest concentration of brown bears in the world.

Kayaking Through Windfall Harbor

Kayaking through the serene waters of Windfall Harbor offers a peaceful interlude before arriving at the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area.

The sheltered cove provides an opportunity to glide quietly and observe the surrounding wildlife and scenery.

Key highlights of the kayaking experience include:

• Spotting bald eagles, sea otters, and other marine life
• Admiring the rugged coastline and lush temperate rainforest
• Experiencing the tranquility of the natural setting
• Navigating alongside your small group and certified guide
• Preparing for the anticipated bear viewing at Pack Creek

Observing Brown Bears in Their Natural Habitat

Once visitors arrive at the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, they are immediately immersed in the domain of these magnificent creatures. Guides lead small groups through the lush Tongass National Forest, scanning the landscape for sightings of the coastal brown bears. The bears may be observed fishing in the nearby streams, foraging for berries, or simply resting in the meadows. A detailed table highlights the key behavioral traits and characteristics visitors can expect to witness during their bear viewing experience.

Behavior	Description
Fishing	Bears use their sharp claws to catch salmon swimming upstream
Foraging	Bears search for edible plants, roots, and berries to supplement their diet
Lounging	Bears rest and conserve energy, often in grassy areas or near the water’s edge
Mating	During late spring, bears may be observed courting and mating
Protecting	Mother bears fiercely guard their cubs, chasing away any perceived threats

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Pack Creek?

The best time to visit Pack Creek is typically July through September when the bears are actively fishing for spawning salmon. This is when visitors have the highest chance of seeing multiple bears in their natural habitat.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The guides will provide guidance on photographing the bears safely and respectfully within the designated viewing areas.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?

There’s a minimum age of 12 years for this tour. Children under 12 aren’t allowed to participate due to the moderate physical activity and safety considerations in the wild bear habitat.

Do I Need to Have Prior Kayaking Experience to Join the Tour?

No, prior kayaking experience is not required. The tour provides all necessary equipment and training, and the guides ensure a safe and comfortable experience for participants of all skill levels.

What Steps Are Taken to Ensure the Safety of the Bears During the Tour?

The tour has measures to protect the bears, like limiting group size and requiring guides. Participants must follow strict rules, such as maintaining a safe distance from the bears and not disturbing their natural behaviors.

Sum Up

The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing in Juneau offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Visitors can observe brown bears in their natural habitat on Admiralty Island, with a scenic floatplane flight, kayaking, and personalized attention from certified guides. It’s a chance to see these majestic creatures fishing and foraging in the wild, surrounded by the breathtaking Tongass National Forest.