From Juneau: Bear Viewing on Chichagof Island

If you’re heading to Alaska and want an unforgettable wildlife experience, a bear viewing tour on Chichagof Island with Waterfall Creek Outfitters offers more than just a glimpse of a grizzly. It’s a chance to see these impressive creatures in their natural habitat, all from a safe but intimate distance. We’re not talking about zoo-like enclosures, but the real deal: wild bears fishing beneath waterfalls, with expert guides who know their stuff.

What we love about this tour is the small-group intimacy—you’ll find yourself close enough to witness a bear catching a salmon, which makes the experience truly special. Plus, the scenic floatplane ride over Admiralty and Chichagof Islands offers stunning views of Alaska’s rugged coastline and wildlife-filled waters, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

The only caveat? Since the tour involves walking over uneven terrain and being outdoors in unpredictable weather, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of adventure. Anyone with a love for wilderness, photography, or genuine wildlife encounters will find this tour worth every penny. It’s an experience that balances excitement with safety and expert guidance.

Key Points

• Intimate Viewing: Small groups increase your chances of close-up sightings.
• Expert Guides: Guides with over 10 years of local experience enhance your chances of seeing bears and sharing fascinating facts.
• Scenic Floatplane: A breathtaking aerial journey over islands and wildlife-rich waters.
• Wildlife Diversity: Chances to see bald eagles, ravens, kingfishers, and even whales or seals from the plane or shoreline.
• Timing Is Key: Best viewing occurs during the salmon run from mid-July to late September, when bears are actively fishing.
• All-Inclusive: Flights, permits, and transportation are included—no hidden costs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

An Exciting Start: Pickup and Safety Briefing

Your adventure begins with a pickup in Juneau, arranged in advance and included in the price. The 15-minute bus ride to the floatplane dock is a gentle introduction to the tour’s relaxed pace. Once there, you’ll attend a 45-minute safety briefing, which ensures everyone knows how to stay safe during this outdoor adventure. This is a good moment to ask questions and get comfortable before heading into the wilderness.

The Scenic Floatplane Ride

The highlight of the journey is the scenic floatplane flight over the Admiralty and Chichagof Islands. From the air, you’ll see Alaska’s rugged coastline, dense forests, and perhaps even some marine life from above. The flight itself lasts just enough to give you a sense of the scale and beauty of the region without feeling rushed. Watching the landscape unfold beneath you makes the entire experience more immersive and sets the stage for what’s to come.

Waterfall Creek and Bear Viewing

The core of the tour is at Waterfall Creek, a location developed nearly 30 years ago specifically for bear viewing. Here, bears congregate from mid-July to late September during the Salmon Run, when multiple species of salmon swim upstream to spawn. The main viewing spot is just about 5 yards from the creek, which allows for incredible observation—bears catching, eating, and sometimes even fighting over salmon.

Guides with over ten years of experience know where to find the bears and how to interpret their behaviors. We loved the way they explained the different bear sizes, from tiny cubs to large males exceeding 1100 pounds. They also pointed out birds like eagles and kingfishers, adding to the richness of the experience.

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The Wildlife Watching

While bears are the main attraction, the tour doesn’t stop there. From the plane, you might spot seals, sea lions, or even whales, depending on the season. On the ground, the area is alive with the calls of ravens, gulls, and mink. The remote location means wildlife is abundant and relatively unbothered, giving you a more authentic encounter.

Return and Scenery on the Way Back

After about 3.5 hours at Waterfall Creek, you’ll board the floatplane for the return trip, offering another chance to photograph the landscape and possibly some marine mammals. The scenic views on the way back are equally stunning and provide a fitting conclusion to the day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The real magic lies in guides’ expertise and the proximity to the wildlife. According to reviews, guides are highly knowledgeable and passionate—some have been working in this area over a decade. Their insights help you understand what you’re seeing, making the experience more meaningful. One reviewer appreciated the “large sign that says ‘Bear Creek Outfitters’,” making it easy to find your guide and start on your adventure hassle-free.

The small group size means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. Plus, the all-inclusive nature—permits, flights, transportation—means no surprises, just a straightforward booking process. It’s ideal for travelers who value transparency and convenience.

Logistics and Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day. The pickup is flexible, with options to join from nearly any location in Juneau or even from cruise ship areas. Packing layers and bringing a camera with a good zoom are highly recommended since bears can be just yards away, but salmon are typically 75 yards upstream from the viewing platform.

While the terrain involves a walk over uneven ground, most participants find it manageable with the guidance of experienced guides. If you’re comfortable outdoors and enjoy wildlife, you’ll find this aspect adds to the adventure.

Price and Value

Considering that the tour includes all permits and flights, the cost might seem high at first glance. However, the value is in the experience—close-up wildlife encounters, expert guidance, and the scenic beauty of Alaska. For wildlife lovers and photography enthusiasts, this tour offers a level of access and insight that’s hard to beat.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for an authentic Alaskan adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and are comfortable with outdoor activities. If you’re nervous about uneven terrain or outdoor weather, just be prepared and dress appropriately.

It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to combine the thrill of seeing wild bears with the beauty of a scenic floatplane flight. If your goal is to experience Alaska’s wilderness from the sky and the ground, this tour checks all boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The chance to see wild bears actively fishing during the salmon run, combined with expert guidance and breathtaking views, makes this a standout wildlife tour. It’s an immersive experience that prioritizes authenticity and safety, giving you a rare glimpse into Alaska’s natural world.

While it may be one of the pricier options, the memories you’ll take home—photos of bears in action, panoramic flight views, stories of wildlife encounters—are priceless. It’s an ideal trip for those who want more than just a quick look; it’s about really connecting with Alaska’s wilderness.

If you’re seeking a genuine, close-up experience with Alaska’s iconic bears and stunning scenery, this tour is well worth the investment. It’s an adventure that combines wildlife, scenery, and expert storytelling, perfect for travelers who want a meaningful outdoor escapade.

FAQ

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience runs about 6 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, flight, bear viewing, and return.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup by prearranged passenger van is included from almost any location in Juneau, including cruise ship areas.

What should I bring?
Layered clothing for changing weather, a camera with a strong lens and extra batteries, and a sense of adventure. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for uneven terrain.

Are permits and flights included in the price?
Yes, all permits and flights are included in the tour price, with no extra costs at check-out.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Mid-July to late September, during the Salmon Run, when bears are most active fishing.

How close will I get to the bears?
Typically, bears are viewed at 20-75 yards. The platform is about 5 yards from the creek, so chances to see bears catch fish are excellent.

Is this suitable for children?
While most outdoor activities are manageable for older children, the uneven terrain and outdoor environment require a reasonable level of fitness and comfort outdoors.

What animals might I see besides bears?
Bald eagles, ravens, kingfishers, gulls, mink, and occasionally whales, seals, or sea lions.

In summary, this tour offers a beautifully balanced mix of adventure, education, and wildlife observation. It’s ideal for travelers eager for a real, unfiltered encounter with Alaska’s iconic brown bears, complemented by stunning aerial views and the companionship of knowledgeable guides. For those craving an authentic wilderness experience, it’s a trip that will likely be a highlight of any Alaskan vacation.

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