Pack Creek Bears

About this spectacle

Pack Creek on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska is one of North America's premier spots to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. Visitors watch bears fish for salmon in the creek's clear waters, often just meters away, during the summer and autumn salmon runs. The sights and sounds are visceral — the splash of a bear lunging into the stream, the crunch of bones, the occasional territorial standoff. Dense Sitka spruce and hemlock forest frames the creek, and bald eagles frequently gather overhead to scavenge scraps. The remote estuary setting adds a profound sense of wilderness, with the only sounds being water, wind, and wildlife. Viewing is conducted from designated platforms and along ranger-supervised corridors, making close encounters manageable and relatively safe. The combination of reliable bear activity, stunning forest scenery, and intimate proximity makes this one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Alaska.

When to go

Jun — Oct, peak Jul — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: JNU. Nearest city: Juneau.

Booking options

Goyova doesn't process bookings directly. When you tap "Plan this trip" in the app, you'll see options from our partner providers — accommodation, tours, transport — with affiliate links where applicable. See our affiliate disclosure for details.