Wrangell Wildlife Viewing
Pat's Creek

photo of Pat's Creek area wildlife The estuary at Pat’s Creek is a good place to watch pink salmon during late July and early August. Look for American dippers, Sitka black-tailed deer and the occasional black bear along the one-mile trail, which starts on the left side of the highway bridge and follows the creek to Pat’s Lake. The trail is somewhat rugged and quite steep in places. Most years, a few pairs of trumpeter swans rest at Pat’s Lake during the early spring.

Species

  • American Dipper
  • Black Bear
  • Pink (Humpy) Salmon
  • Sitka black-tailed deer
  • Swans

Hints

The American dipper searches for food by plunging headlong into clear rushing streams. Grasping stones with their long toes, they walk on streambeds catching aquatic insect larvae. Look for this gray robin-sized bird on rocks and shorelines along Pat’s Creek.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Notes

Guided tours to Pat’s Creek are available — check with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for details. Pat’s Lake may also be reached by road for those who are not interested in hiking along Pat’s Creek.

Plan to spend at least: 1 - 2 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

Pat’s Creek is eleven miles south of downtown along Zimovia Highway.

Contact

Wrangell Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 1-800-367-9745

Additional Information

Wings Over Alaska http://www.birding.alaska.gov/