Excursion Anan creek bear watching tour at Wrangell

Each year from early July into mid-August, as many as 300,000 salmon return to spawn in Anan Creek, one of the largest runs of salmon in southeast Alaska. It is also one of the few places in the world where black and brown bears share the same fishing spot.

The Anan tour begin with an hour-long boat ride through the Back Channel, a scenic waterway separating Wrangell Island from the mainland. Along the way guides share the history and describe the geology of this beautiful area, while also scouting for whales, seals and waterfowl.

Once at the Observatory, park rangers greet you give a quick talk about how to act around the bears. It's an easy to moderate half-mile walk from the beach to the viewing platform. The trail winds through the rainforest, along a lagoon on a boardwalk with steps. It's not unusual to see bears on the trail. The viewing platform overlooks a small waterfall where bears catch salmon.

The bears are interested only in the fattiest parts of the fish, there's plenty left for other animals: bald eagles, ravens, otters, harbor seals, and more, all of which may be spotted at different times.

The bears are used to people on the platform, so they simply go about their business of eating and getting fat for the winter. Bears wade into the stream, grab a fish, and then come back ashore, as if posing for photos. Our guides carry guns and pepper spray for your safety and that of the bears.

Please note: There is a moderate amount of walking (a half-mile trail) including on uneven gravelly surfaces, making this tour less suitable for individuals with limited mobility. Guests are recommended to dress in layers and wear closed-toe walking shoes or boots. Please note that guests will be split in two groups; One group will be depart earlier, the second will depart later.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Anan Creek bear viewing, possible other wildlife sightings: bald eagles, ravens, otters, harbor seals.