Bear Viewing at Waterfall Creek

Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing: An Authentic Alaska Wildlife Experience

If you’re looking for a chance to see majestic grizzly bears in their natural habitat, the Waterfall Creek tour in Juneau is a top pick. For around $1,299 per person, this 5.5-hour adventure combines a scenic floatplane flight, expert-guided wildlife viewing, and the chance to observe bears fishing for salmon just yards away. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a blend of excitement and educational insight—perfect for nature lovers and families alike.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the close-up bear sightings (you might be just 20 yards from these incredible animals) and the scenic floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest, which adds a spectacular visual dimension. A potential consideration is the cost, which is on the higher side, but the intimate nature of the tour and the quality of the experience often justify the price.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who want a personalized, small-group adventure with the flexibility to bring kids as young as 6. If you’re eager to learn from certified guides with a passion for Alaska’s wilderness, and you don’t mind a bit of expense for a premium experience, this trip will likely be a highlight of your Juneau visit.

Key Points

• Close encounters with bears: You often see bears fishing just yards away, providing excellent photo opportunities.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, certified guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Scenic floatplane flight: The 25-minute flight over the Tongass National Forest is a breathtaking highlight.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children from age 6, making it a great family outing.
• All-inclusive: Includes rain gear, binoculars, a wildlife spotting scope, snacks, bottled water, and all fees.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 6 travelers, the experience remains intimate and personalized.

An In-Depth Look at the Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing Tour

The Journey Begins: From Juneau to the Wilderness

Your adventure kicks off at Ward Air in Juneau, where you’ll be greeted and quickly transported into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned van, making the transition from town to nature smooth and comfortable. The real magic starts with the scenic floatplane flight—a 25-minute journey that offers sweeping views of the Tongass National Forest and the rugged coastline. We loved the way this aerial perspective set the tone, giving us a sense of the vast, wild landscape that the bears call home.

The First Stop: Chichagof Island and Waterfall Creek

Once airborne, you’ll descend onto Chichagof Island, known for its thriving bear population and salmon-rich streams. The main highlight here is watching wild grizzly bears fishing beneath a waterfall. During peak months—mid-July through September—the bears are busy focusing on salmon fishing, an activity that’s both mesmerizing and educational.

As we learned from our guides, the bears typically position themselves about 20 to 75 yards from the creek, with some lucky groups seeing bears catch and eat fish even closer. The waterfall slows the fish and concentrates them, making it an ideal fishing spot for the bears. We appreciated the guides’ knowledge about bear behavior, which heightened our understanding of these powerful creatures.

The Journey Continues: Wildlife Viewing with Expert Guides

Your guides are certified and passionate about Alaska’s wildlife. They not only help spot bears but also share insights into their habits, the importance of salmon runs, and how these ecosystems are interconnected. They provide binoculars, a wildlife spotting scope, and rain gear, ensuring you’re well-prepared regardless of weather.

The Final Stop: Tongass National Forest

After about four hours at Waterfall Creek, the tour concludes with the scenic floatplane returning to Juneau. This part of the experience underscores the value of aerial views in appreciating Alaska’s vast wilderness. As one reviewer put it, “The flight was just as spectacular as the bear viewing,” emphasizing how the flight itself is a key part of the adventure.

What to Expect During the Tour

You can expect an organized, comfortable experience with all the necessary gear provided. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and your guides make sure you’re engaged without feeling rushed. The timing—mostly from late July to late September—aligns with the bears’ peak fishing activity, so planning your visit during these months will maximize your chances of seeing bears in action.

The Value and Cost

While the cost of $1,299 may seem high compared to other tours, consider what’s included: private transportation, a scenic flight, all gear, wildlife guides, snacks, and the chance to see **wild bears in their natural environment. Many travelers say the experience validates the price, especially given the rarity of such close encounters with Alaska’s iconic wildlife.

Authenticity and Accessibility

This tour offers an authentic Alaskan experience, far from crowded tourist spots. The small group size guarantees a more personal connection with your guides and the environment. It’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to the nature of the terrain and flight, but for most able-bodied travelers, it’s a manageable and rewarding adventure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, families with kids over 6, and anyone eager to see large wild bears in their natural habitat. It’s ideal if you value expert guiding, small groups, and the chance to combine adventure with education. If you’re looking for a luxury experience with exclusive access to Alaska’s wilderness, this tour offers that in a balanced, accessible package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, your tour begins and ends with private transportation in an air-conditioned van from the meeting point in Juneau.

What’s the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including the floatplane flight, bear viewing, and return.

Who can participate? The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not for those with mobility impairments. It’s ideal for ages 6 and up, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price? All fees and taxes, guided wildlife spotting, rain gear, binoculars, a wildlife scope, snacks, bottled water, and the scenic floatplane flight are included.

What should I bring? Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, especially rain gear if needed. Binoculars are provided, but you might want to bring your own if you’re a wildlife photography enthusiast.

What is the best time of year for this tour? Mid-July through late September, when bears focus on fishing, offering the best viewing opportunities.

Are there any cancellation policies? Yes, the tour is non-refundable, but it can be rescheduled if canceled due to poor weather or minimum participant requirements.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Is this tour environmentally responsible? The tour emphasizes respectful wildlife observation, maintaining a safe and sustainable distance from the bears and their habitat.

Final Thoughts

The Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing tour in Juneau offers an exceptional glimpse into Alaska’s wilderness, providing a rare chance to watch grizzlies fish and roam in their natural environment. The combination of a scenic floatplane flight and close-up bear encounters makes this a compelling option for serious wildlife fans.

While the price is on the higher side, the small group size, expert guiding, and authentic experience justify the expense for travelers who want more than just a quick glance at Alaska’s iconic bears. It’s a true adventure, blending education, awe-inspiring scenery, and wildlife observation into one memorable outing.

If you’re eager to experience Alaska’s wild side with a knowledgeable guide by your side and a focus on genuine wildlife encounters, this tour provides a highly rewarding option worth considering.