Ketchikan Black Bear Viewing: Expedition Boat Tour to Margaret Creek
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated boat experience with minimal physical exertion required.
Overview
Experience Ketchikan’s coastal wilderness firsthand by embarking on the Expedition Black Bear boat tour. Glide through Traitor’s Cove to Margaret Creek, where black bears fish the spawning salmon during summer and early fall in one of Alaska’s most captivating wildlife encounters.
Ketchikan Black Bear Viewing: Expedition Boat Tour to Margaret Creek
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In the dense greenery of Ketchikan’s coastal rainforest, Margaret Creek becomes a gathering ground for one of Alaska’s most thrilling spectacles. Mid-summer through early fall, the creek’s waters pulse with the silver surge of spawning salmon, drawing black bears with a hunger both ancient and urgent. Aboard the six-passenger Expedition Black Bear boat, travelers glide silently through Traitor’s Cove, eyes scanning the shoreline where bears lurk in the shadows, poised on riverbanks or wading with intent.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in waterproof layers
Weather can shift quickly on the water; bring rain gear and warm layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring binoculars for better viewing
Though binoculars are supplied, bringing your own can improve wildlife spotting and photography.
Be quiet and patient
Wildlife encounters require stillness and respect—minimize noise to avoid disturbing bears and other animals.
Confirm departure dock the day before
Contact the tour operator 24 hours prior to verify the exact boarding location, as docks may vary.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American black bear
- Bald eagle
History
Ketchikan is rich with Tlingit heritage, visible via totem poles and local culture, reflecting the enduring connection between native peoples and the surrounding wilderness.
Conservation
This tour prioritizes low-impact viewing practices to minimize wildlife disturbance and protect the fragile coastal rainforest environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ketchikan
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects from spray and variable coastal weather during the boat tour.
summer specific
Comfortable waterproof footwear
Keeps feet dry and stable while boarding and disembarking the boat.
summer specific
Binoculars
Enhances ability to see distant wildlife clearly.
summer specific
Camera with zoom lens
Captures close-up images of bears and scenic landscapes from the boat.
summer specific