Floatplane to Admiralty Island and watch brown bears from Pack Creek’s banks where salmon and grasses draw them close. This full‑day, ranger‑led outing blends short wilderness hikes with extended, low‑impact wildlife viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The floatplane drops you onto still water and the island’s spruce and muskeg rise like a raw, living map. You climb from the floats under a low gray sky and follow rangers along a shoreline where Pack Creek threads toward the sea, daring you closer to the places brown bears favor for salmon and grass naps.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required: able to hike 1–2 miles over wet, uneven ground and stand quietly for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Admiralty Island is called Kootznoowoo by the Tlingit; it has long been important for subsistence fishing and is home to one of the densest brown bear populations in the world.
Conservation
Visitors must pack out all waste and store food in bear‑proof lockers; ranger regulations minimize human-bear interactions to protect both wildlife and people.
Reserve your spot on the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring waterproof layers
Weather on Admiralty Island changes quickly—pack a breathable rain jacket and waterproof pants; the operator supplies rubber boots.
Quiet observation only
Follow ranger commands and keep noise to a minimum—close approaches are prohibited and maintained for safety and minimal disturbance.
Carry binoculars and mid-telephoto lens
Long lenses (200–300mm) and binoculars improve sightings while keeping distance from bears; use a camera strap for stability.
Hydrate and pace yourself
This is a 6–8 hour outing with a 1–2 mile hike on uneven terrain—bring water and snacks for sustained observation periods.
Waterproof jacket & pants
Keeps you dry and warm during constant coastal drizzle and splashes from the floatplane.
spring
Rubber boots or waterproof footwear
Essential for muddy creek banks and tidal shorelines; operator provides boots if needed.
summer
Binoculars or spotting scope
Binoculars let you watch bears without encroaching on them, improving both safety and sightings.
summer
Camera with mid-telephoto lens (200–300mm)
Captures behavior from a safe distance; a fast lens helps in low light under forest canopy.
summer