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Witness Alaska’s famous brown bears in their natural habitat at Pack Creek. With guided hikes and scenic floatplane travel, this immersive adventure offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and stunning photography opportunities in Juneau’s wilderness.
Witness Alaska’s famous brown bears in their natural habitat at Pack Creek. With guided hikes and scenic floatplane travel, this immersive adventure offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and stunning photography opportunities in Juneau’s wilderness.
Book with Above & Beyond Alaska
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Above & Beyond Alaska · Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska, serves as a gateway to some of the most raw and remarkable wilderness in the United States. Among its standout experiences is a visit to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary, offered by Above & Beyond Alaska. This trip is a rare opportunity to witness Alaska's iconic brown bears in their natural habitat, with viewing opportunities rivaling some of the best wildlife hotspots in the world.
Beginning with a scenic floatplane ride from Juneau, travelers soar over pristine fjords and dense forests before touching down near Admiralty Island. Known for its extraordinary brown bear population—one of the highest concentrations globally—Admiralty Island provides a natural stage for witnessing these formidable creatures. Upon arriving, guided hikes through lush rainforest trails lead to vantage points along Pack Creek, where bears forage, fish for salmon, and go about their daily lives. The experience is both exhilarating and educational, supported by expert guides who interpret behavioral nuances of the bears and surrounding ecosystem.
The landscape is a mosaic of towering trees, rocky outcrops, and shimmering streams. Look for bald eagles nesting in the canopy, while the salmon runs draw bears in the late summer, creating prime photography moments. The entire experience emphasizes sustainable wildlife viewing, encouraging respectful observation without disturbing these magnificent animals.
Above & Beyond Alaska’s itineraries are crafted for adventure seekers eager for authentic encounters with Alaska’s wilderness. Their dedication to conservation and education makes the trip both awe-inspiring and eco-conscious, offering a meaningful connection to the land and its wildlife. Whether you're an avid photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or adventure traveler, this journey to Pack Creek delivers a front-row seat to nature's raw power with safety and comfort.
For those willing to venture beyond the typical, this expedition remains a standout in Juneau’s outdoor recreation, emphasizing true wilderness immersion with professional guidance every step of the way.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Participants should be in decent physical shape, able to handle walking and standing for extended periods
Yes, but children should be at least age 8 and capable of walking on uneven terrain.
Guides ensure that viewing occurs from safe distances, typically a hundred yards or more.
Follow your guide’s instructions—remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and back away slowly if needed.
Late summer to early fall, when salmon are abundant and bears are most active.
Only in designated areas; eating in bear habitat is discouraged to avoid attracting wildlife.
The trip includes floatplane transportation, guided hikes, and expert interpretation, with some optional gear recommendations.
Admiralty Island was historically home to Tlingit communities, and its name reflects its colonial past.
Above & Beyond Alaska emphasizes sustainable wildlife viewing, adhering to strict guidelines to protect the bears and their habitat.
Above & Beyond Alaska is a Juneau-based outfitter offering guided outdoor adventures across the region’s iconic marine and glacial landscapes. Operating from Juneau, the company specializes in small-group experiences that include sea kayaking, canoe paddles, glacier hikes, packrafting, flightseeing, and floatplane access to remote wildlife sanctuaries. Trips range from family-friendly paddles in Auke Bay to more challenging glacier hikes and multi-mode adventures that combine seaplane flights, packrafting, and trekking on Norris Glacier. Guides on these tours are described in trip summaries as experienced local leaders who prioritize safety, wildlife awareness, and interpretive information about the Tongass National Forest and regional glaciers. Above & Beyond Alaska features wildlife-focused tours such as Pack Creek and Waterfall Creek brown bear viewing, with floatplane access to Admiralty Island and other remote locations where visitors observe bears during salmon runs. The Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure is noted as an eco-tour recognized by USA Today among top whale experiences. Group sizes are kept intentionally limited for closer wildlife viewing and lower impact on sensitive habitats. Guests can select options that suit varying abilities — from leisurely family paddles to full-day glacier excursions — and should review individual trip details for age and fitness requirements. Above & Beyond Alaska’s programs focus on delivering immersive, interpretive Alaskan experiences centered on marine wildlife, glaciers, and rainforest landscapes.
Book with Above & Beyond Alaska