Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area

Enter the world of the great brown bear at the Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Area, just a short 30-minute float plane ride from Juneau, Alaska. View these magnificent creatures in their natural setting eating sedge and clams, fishing for salmon July through September, playing with siblings, sleeping and roaming. At the center of southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest is Admiralty Island. At over a million acres, its gentle mountain slopes and steady precipitation create a lush temperate rain forest and ubiquitous salmon spawning habitat, an ideal home for the Alaskan brown bear. The island boasts one of the healthiest bear populations in the world, with approximately one bear per square mile and about 1,500 bears in all. The native Tlingit people called this area "Kootznoowoo," meaning "fortress of the bears," from which Admiralty Island gets its name. The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area was established in 1935 and has been actively managed since 1985 by the Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. After many generations, the bears have become accustomed to the presence of people. Upon arrival, you will disembark the plane or boat into 8-12 inches of water on the beach. A ranger will greet you and provide an orientation including rules and important information to follow while visiting. You can then walk the beach to the viewing spit or hike about one mile to the observation tower and spend the day enjoying the wilderness. No humans or bears have ever been harmed at Pack Creek; to maintain this record, all visitors must strictly follow the rules. It is important to remember these bears are wild animals with potential for aggressive behavior. Pack Creek is within a Wilderness Area, so there are no facilities on site: no bathrooms, no shelter from the elements, and no cell phone service. Bear-proof lockers are available for storing all food and gear. Food is allowed but restricted to the entrance site. Camping is one of the best ways to make the most of your trip. Camping is not allowed in the immediate Pack Creek area, but is permitted on nearby Windfall Island as well as on Swan Island and in Windfall Harbor. No permit is required for overnight camping outside the viewing area, but watercraft transportation is required to leave Pack Creek at the end of the day and travel to your camp. Kayaks are available on Windfall Island but must be rented prior to your trip. Hang your food high and use a bear-resistant container.