Wolverine Creek — Redoubt Bay

At a Glance

Located on the west side of Cook Inlet, Wolverine Creek has become a popular fly-in sport fishing and bear-viewing destination. The experience is boat-based and the area can be crowded during peak season from mid-June to mid-July.

Brown bears are abundant during mid- to late summer when the salmon are returning to spawn. They are frequently seen along intertidal drainages on the outer flats. Black bears are also abundant, but usually remain farther inland, in the mountains and foothills.

The area also provides spring and fall resting and feeding habitat for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl headed to and from northern nesting grounds. During the summer it’s also an important waterfowl nesting area for ducks, geese, swans, and scores of other birds. During spring, summer, and early fall, it supports the largest known concentration in the world of tule white-fronted geese.

Facilities

Most people book with a commercial bear viewing or sport fishing guide service in Kenai or Anchorage for a half-day or full-day trip. They land on the lake, transfer to small boats (generally skiffs of approx. 20’ and some covered pontoon party boats), and are motored into the cove to fish and/or watch bears fishing at the creek mouth. There is no shoreline access, other than a commercial lodge on a private inholding on the lake, which offers accommodations, meals, and guide services.

Getting There

• Redoubt Bay State Critical Habitat Area Map (PDF 1,183 kB)

Commercial bear viewing and sport fishing guide services offer half or full day trips to Wolverine Creek. The floatplane flight is 30 minutes from Soldotna and 50 minutes from Anchorage. Check with the Anchorage or Homer Visitors Bureaus for information on fly-in services.

Contacts

• Anchorage Visitor Bureau
  (907) 276-4118
  
• Homer Chamber of Commerce
  (907) 235-7740
  
• Wolverine Creek Management Committee/Alaska Dept of Fish and Game
  Doug Hill
  1800 Glenn Highway, #4
  Palmer, AK 99645
  (907) 746-6379
  
• Guidelines for visiting Wolverine Creek area (PDF 179 kB)

Photo Gallery:

Sport fish and bear viewing boats crowd the mouth of the creek.

Cubs play on the hillside while mother bear fishes

Anglers and bears vie for salmon.

Bears are excellent swimmers and well insulated from the chilly water.