From Juneau: Pack Creek Bear Viewing Adventure

If you’re dreaming of spotting Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat, a floatplane trip to Pack Creek offers an authentic, memorable experience. While I haven’t personally flown with this outfit, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect: a combination of stunning scenery, expert guiding, and close-up wildlife viewing, all wrapped into a six-hour adventure from Juneau.

What I love about this tour is the intimate size of the groups—small groups mean more personalized attention and fewer crowds, which is crucial when observing these majestic creatures. The scenic floatplane flight over Admiralty Island’s old-growth forests and rugged shoreline is another highlight that elevates the experience beyond just bear watching.

One potential consideration is the remote location—there’s no medical support at Pack Creek, and walking over uneven ground is required, which might not suit everyone. Still, for those with a love of adventure and wilderness, this trip offers one of the best opportunities to see bears in the wild. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, or families with adventurous spirits who want an authentic Alaskan experience.

Key Points

Unique wilderness experience in one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world
Scenic floatplane flights provide breathtaking views of Admiralty Island and its shoreline
Expert guides with over ten years of experience ensure safe, respectful wildlife encounters
Small group sizes foster intimacy and better wildlife observation
All permits and flights included, simplifying planning and eliminating extra costs
Remote location offers an authentic, untouched wilderness adventure

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

The Journey Begins in Juneau

The adventure kicks off with a convenient pickup from almost anywhere in Juneau. Whether you’re docked at the cruise ship terminal or staying in town, the pickup service makes this trip hassle-free. You’ll then be transported to the floatplane base, where the real magic begins. The small group setting—whether private or shared—ensures a more personal experience compared to larger tours.

The Scenic Floatplane Flight

The highlight for many travelers is the flight over Admiralty Island National Monument, a UNESCO-designated area known for its highest density of brown bears. The approximately 50-minute flight offers sweeping views of old-growth forests, rugged coastlines, and tidal flats. It’s a photographer’s dream and an essential part of the experience that adds a sense of adventure and awe.

Arrival at Pack Creek

Landing on the shallow, tidal estuary near the bear sanctuary, you’ll step onto the shoreline and meet your local, expert guide. These guides have over ten years of experience watching bears at Pack Creek. Their knowledge and calm demeanor help ensure safe, respectful wildlife viewing.

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The Core Experience: Bear Watching at Pack Creek

You’ll have about 3.5 hours at the remote Pack Creek site, which is enough time to observe bears in their natural behaviors—foraging, mating, and fishing salmon. The habitat here is particularly rich during early season, as bears take advantage of the estuary’s food sources. During summer, salmon runs attract the bears, creating prime viewing opportunities from a comfortable distance—roughly 30 yards from the creek, with the aid of binoculars.

The guides’ experience is invaluable—they know where the bears are likely to be, how to interpret their behavior, and how to maintain respectful distances. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, patience, and ability to enhance the wildlife experience without disturbing the animals.

Returning via Floatplane

After spending quality time observing the bears and soaking in the scenery, you’ll board another scenic floatplane flight back to Juneau. The view on the return trip often rivals the morning ride, with a different perspective on Admiralty Island’s vast, rugged coastline. Upon landing, a van will take you back to your starting point, completing an immersive day of wilderness adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

All permits, flights, and transportation to and from Juneau are included, removing the hassle of organizing logistics. Rubber boots, raingear, and binoculars are provided, giving you the gear needed for comfortable wildlife viewing. The trip also includes a post-adventure snack, perfect for recharging after a day in the wild.

Value and Cost

At $1,299 per person, this tour might seem expensive at first glance. But when you consider the cost of private flights, permits, guides’ expertise, and the remote wilderness experience, it offers good value. The small-group setting ensures a more personal, less commercialized experience, which is often what wildlife lovers seek.

Weather and Clothing Considerations

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so layers are essential. We recommend bringing warm clothing, weather-appropriate gear, and a camera with a good lens for capturing wildlife from a distance. Since the tour involves walking over uneven ground, participants should be comfortable walking a quarter mile in possibly muddy or rocky terrain.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, or families with adventurous kids** who love nature. It’s also suitable for those who value small-group intimacy and expert guiding. However, it’s not suitable for individuals with back problems or mobility issues due to the walking involved in reaching the viewing spot.

The Sum Up

The From Juneau: Pack Creek Bear Viewing Adventure offers a rare chance to see Alaska’s brown bears in their natural environment, combined with the thrill of a scenic floatplane flight. The knowledgeable guides, small-group setting, and stunning scenery combine to create an experience that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

For travelers who crave authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind a bit of outdoor walking, this trip delivers in spades. The remote setting means you’ll be far away from crowds, sharing the habitat with the bears and the wilderness.

While the cost is on the higher end, the included permits, transport, and expert guidance justify the price for those seeking quality and authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife watcher or a first-time adventurer, this tour gives you a genuine taste of Alaska’s wild heart.

Overall, it’s a bucket-list experience that balances adventure, comfort, and the chance to witness one of North America’s most impressive animal populations—bears in their natural habitat, with a backdrop of one of the world’s most pristine landscapes.

FAQ

Is transportation to and from Juneau included?
Yes, transportation to and from downtown Juneau to the floatplane base is included, making it easy to plan your day without extra hassle.

What should I bring on the tour?
Layered, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, along with a camera with a strong lens and extra batteries. Rubber boots and raingear are provided, so no need to pack those.

How long do we spend at Pack Creek?
You’ll have approximately 3.5 hours at the remote site to observe bears and explore the habitat.

Are permits included?
Yes, all necessary USFS permits for Pack Creek are included, ensuring legal and responsible wildlife viewing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for adventurous families, it’s not recommended for unaccompanied minors or those with mobility issues, due to walking over uneven ground.

What about safety around bears?
Guides are highly experienced and committed to respectful observation. You will be kept at a safe distance (about 30 yards) and guided on proper behavior to ensure safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexible planning.

Is the experience private or shared?
Both private and small-group options are available, providing a more personalized experience for those who prefer it.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby