Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing

Brown bears are wild animals, and as such, we cannot guarantee sightings of them. However, our bear-viewing locations boast the highest density of brown bears in the world, offering you an excellent chance to observe them in their natural habitat.

Brown bears are most active during mating season (mid May – June) and annual salmon runs (late July – August). Prime viewing is considered to be during the salmon run (late July-August).

Bears are generally more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Specific tour times may align with these active periods to maximize sightings.

Waterfall Creek is a unique bear-viewing destination known for its scenic beauty. This remote area offers a close-up, intimate bear-watching experience where guests can observe bears fishing in the stream and roaming the forested landscape. This viewing area gets more visitors compared to Pack Creek.

Pack Creek is a heavily protected brown bear sanctuary on Admiralty Island. Due to strict permitting, we have very limited availability through the summer to take guests. Additionally, Pack Creek has the presence of Forest Service rangers stationed seasonally. It offers great bear viewing May-September.

Waterfall Creek, situated on Chichagof Island, is managed by Alaska State Parks. This location offers incredible bear viewing opportunities, particularly during the peak salmon run from late July to early September. Due to the salmon run’s influence on bear activity, we exclusively offer this trip only during this timeframe. At Waterfall Creek, you can enjoy remarkable up-close views of bears fishing for salmon.

Our guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable about brown bears and their behavior. As a precautionary measure, they always carry bear spray during tours. While it’s crucial to acknowledge that these are wild animals, the bears we encounter are accustomed to human presence, and instances of aggression toward humans are exceptionally rare.

Yes, we require all guests to be 250 lbs or less. In addition, we require guests to have a full range of mobility getting in/ out of the floatplane and the ability to walk 2 miles over slippery uneven terrain.

“Plan for rain, pray for sun!” is our motto in Southeast Alaska. We are surrounded by the Tongass National Rainforest, part of the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Juneau receives approximately 60-100 inches annually. Average temperatures in the summer are in the 50s and 60s. April, May, and June are Juneau’s driest months. July and August are the warmest. In September it becomes cooler and wetter.

We operate our tours rain or shine. Juneau is situated in the world’s largest temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest. Rain is a common occurrence in Juneau, and we embrace it as part of the experience. To ensure your comfort, we provide each guest with a rain jacket, rain pants, and rain boots.

Should ABAK determine that weather conditions present a safety concern, we will regretfully cancel the tour. In such instances, a full refund will be issued to our guests. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding in this regard.

For all tours we provide rain gear to protect from the changing elements. This gear can be used or stowed in your backpack or dry bag.

Rain Gear is waterproof and will go over your personal gear. It is sized more like a poncho than a standard jacket. So if you wear Women’s Medium mostly, a Women’s Medium Jacket and Pants will easily fit over your clothes.

• Rain Gear Sizes: Men and Women’s XS – XXL, Youth S-L

On our day trips we recommend you use the restroom before the trip starts. Our warehouse facility has two restrooms for your use. Once you are out in the field, there are no restrooms besides the great outdoors. ABAK follows Leave No Trace Principles and if you need to use the bathroom during this time we request that you pack out any trash – this includes toilet paper.

Our tour group sizes range from 2 – 12 people with 1 guide for every 8 people on group departures. So if you book a tour that has the maximum number of 12 people, then you will have 2 professional guides with you all day.

Absolutely! At checkout, select the private tour option for you and your group.