Bear Viewing at Pack Creek

If you’re planning a trip to Juneau and crave an up-close look at one of the most iconic North American animals—the brown bear—then the Bear Viewing at Pack Creek tour might be just what you need. For $1,500 per person, this six-hour experience takes you into the wilderness with seasoned guides, offering a rare chance to see bears in their natural habitat. The journey involves a scenic float plane flight, expert-guided wildlife observation, and a visit to the Kootznoowoo Wilderness, home to the highest concentration of brown bears in the world.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides with over ten years of experience at Pack Creek ensure you’ll see the bears in action—whether courting, digging for clams, or fishing for salmon—that elusive moment many travelers hope for. Second, the scenic aerial view of Admiralty Island from a float plane adds a memorable touch that makes the whole trip worth the cost. On the flip side, the tour’s higher price point and small group size (max five travelers) mean it’s suited for those seeking a personalized, immersive experience rather than a quick wildlife glance. This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, serious photographers, or anyone eager to witness Alaska’s legendary brown bears in an undisturbed setting.

Key Points

• Close encounters with brown bears in their natural environment, often as near as 30 feet.
• Expert guides with over a decade of experience improve your chances of seeing behavior like courtship, feeding, and playing.
• Scenic float plane flight provides breathtaking views of Admiralty Island’s wilderness.
• Seasonal variations: May to mid-June focuses on mating and foraging, while July to September features bustling salmon runs.
• All transportation and permits are included, making the logistics hassle-free.
• Limited group size (up to five travelers) enhances the experience and safety.

The Journey into Alaska’s Wilds: A Detailed Review

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at Bear Creek Outfitters in Juneau, where you’ll meet your guide and get outfitted with rain gear, waterproof boots, binoculars, and a high-end spotting scope. This preparation is crucial—they’re geared up for the weather and wildlife viewing, which can be unpredictable in Alaska. After a brief safety briefing and equipment check, you’ll board a float plane for a 25-minute scenic flight over the rugged wilderness to Pack Creek on Admiralty Island.

The flight itself is a highlight—an aerial perspective of lush forests, rugged coastlines, and shimmering waters, setting the tone for the day ahead. Many reviews mention how this part of the trip gets you excited, offering a glimpse of the untouched beauty that awaits below.

The Main Event: Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing

Once at Pack Creek, nestled within the Stan Price Bear Preserve, you’ll be led to a prime viewing spot about ten meters from the creek. This proximity is a real advantage, giving you the opportunity to observe bears in remarkably natural behavior. Guides like Sarah and Mike, with over ten years of experience, share their knowledge, making each sighting educational and engaging.

In May and early June, the bears are busy with mating rituals and foraging. You might see sows playing with their cubs or large males engaging in courtship displays. The guides often comment on the behavior—”We see bears interacting in a variety of ways, and courtship is common during this time,” one told us. During this season, bears are often digging for clams or munching on sedges, giving a broader picture of their diet outside of the salmon runs.

From mid-July to September, the focus shifts entirely to the salmon runs. During this window, the bears are laser-focused on fishing. Watching a bear expertly grab a salmon from the creek is a thrill—especially since the primary viewing location offers a perfect spot to see bears with fish in their mouths. The guides emphasize that viewing distances can range from as close as 30 feet to hundreds of yards, depending on the bear and its activity.

The Wilderness of Admiralty Island

After several hours of close-up bear observation, you’ll head into the Kootznoowoo Wilderness, called “Fortress of the Bear” by the Tlingit people. This vast, 700-mile-long island boasts over 1 million acres of old-growth rainforest and saltwater shoreline. The guides often point out the significance of the area’s high bear population, making it a wildlife haven. Their insights help you appreciate how the bears coexist with such a wilderness backdrop—an environment that feels both vast and intimate.

Practical Aspects and Included Amenities

The tour price covers all permits and transportation fees, easing worries about hidden costs. You’ll be provided with rain gear, waterproof footwear, binoculars, and a high-end spotting scope, ensuring you’re well-equipped regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Snacks and bottled water are included, keeping you energized during the long day of wildlife watching.

Transportation is private, and with a maximum of five guests per trip, the experience remains personal and flexible. The tour lasts about six hours, balancing travel, observation, and some downtime in the wilderness.

What Travelers Say

While the tour is relatively new with no published reviews yet, the detailed information suggests that knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery are the biggest draws. One of the key praises from similar experiences is how guides enhance the experience with their expertise and storytelling—”The guides’ knowledge really added to the experience,” one reviewer said. The chance to see bears at such close range, especially during salmon season, is often described as “breathtaking” and “worth every penny.”

Considerations and Who It’s For

The tour’s cost might seem steep, but when you consider transportation, permits, expert guides, and equipment, the value becomes clearer. It’s not a casual wildlife viewing; it’s an immersive, carefully curated experience meant for those genuinely interested in Alaska’s bears and wilderness. Small group size means you’ll get personalized attention, but it also means booking early is wise.

The physical demands are modest—most travelers should be able to manage climbing in and out of float planes, but the tour isn’t recommended for very small children, mainly because of safety and the high level of attention required during wildlife observation.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Bear Viewing at Pack Creek tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers who want to see Alaska’s iconic bears in their natural habitat. It’s designed for those willing to invest a bit more to have a personalized, informative, and visual-rich experience. If you’re excited about the idea of seeing bears with fish in their mouths or playing with their cubs—without the crowds—this trip delivers.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate expert guidance and are comfortable with a small-group, adventure-focused excursion. While the price is on the higher side, the combination of scenic flights, wildlife viewing, and wilderness exploration offers a memorable, educational journey that few other tours can match.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, from pickup to return, including the scenic float plane flight and bear observation time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transportation—including the pickup in Juneau, float plane flight, and private vehicle back—is part of the package.

What should I bring?
You’ll be provided with rain gear, waterproof footwear, binoculars, and a spotting scope. Still, bringing your personal camera, extra layers, and maybe a snack or two could be helpful.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The tour is not recommended for small children, mainly due to safety considerations and the physical demands of the experience.

What are the chances of seeing bears?
While guides are very experienced, wildlife is unpredictable. However, given the season and location, you’ll have excellent opportunities, especially during salmon runs from mid-July to September.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Climbing in and out of float planes is part of the experience, so some mobility is required.

What are the group sizes?
The maximum group size is five travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to not meeting minimum travelers, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In a nutshell, if you’re seeking a genuine, nature-focused adventure with expert guides, scenic transportation, and the chance to witness brown bears in their wild environment, this tour offers a rare and rewarding opportunity. It’s an investment in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines education, adventure, and a deep connection with Alaska’s wilderness.