Juneau Wildlife Viewing
Pack Creek

photo of Pack Creek area wildlife Pack Creek brown bear viewing area is located south of Juneau on Admiralty Island. Careful management of people allows the bears to interact, fish for salmon and go about their lives under the eager eyes of wildlife watchers at the estuary and from a viewing tower one mile upstream. Forest Service and/or Fish and Game staff are present during the peak viewing season. Bears are active throughout the summer, but the prime viewing months are July and August when the salmon runs are at their peak. Keep your eyes open for other wildlife while visiting Pack Creek. Admiralty Island also has the world's highest density of nesting bald eagles, and you might also spot river otters, harbor seals, Sitka black-tailed deer and dozens of bird species.

Species

  • Brown Bear
  • Chum (Dog) Salmon
  • Eagles
  • Harbor Seal
  • Pink (Humpy) Salmon
  • River Otter
  • Sitka black-tailed deer

Hints

The observation tower at Upper Pack Creek is a great viewing and photography spot, but only accommodates a handful of people at a time. Plan to spend many hours at Pack Creek to insure you get a chance to watch and photograph bears from the tower.

Facilities

  • Fee
  • Hiking Trails
  • Within Walking Distance

Notes

Access is by limited permit only. Advance planning is suggested, though permits may be available on short notice. Contact the USDA Forest Service at 1-877-444-6777 for permit information. Permits are available online through www.recreation.gov. The area is formally designated the Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is cooperatively managed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and the U.S. Forest Service to provide bear viewing opportunities with minimal impact to brown bears

Plan to spend at least: Half - full day +

Best Months

█ Best Month

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

Directions

Visitors arrive by floatplane, boat or kayak. Commercial and self-guided options are available.

Contact

Alaska Department of Fish and Game - (907) 465-4327 or Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary Contact Information
USDA Forest Service - (907) 586-8751 or http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/recreation/natureviewing/?cid=stelprdb5401876

Additional Information