THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Soar over the Tongass National Forest and land at the remote Margarete Creek platform to witness Alaska’s brown bears in action. This floatplane tour combines spectacular scenery with up-close wildlife viewing, ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Soar over the Tongass National Forest and land at the remote Margarete Creek platform to witness Alaska’s brown bears in action. This floatplane tour combines spectacular scenery with up-close wildlife viewing, ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The morning air in Ketchikan carries a faint hint of ocean spray and pine as you step outside the Visitors Bureau, near Cruise Ship Berth 2. Here, Island Wings Air Service awaits — a veteran-run operation led by Michelle Masden, whose experience in Alaskan skies spans decades. With the buzz of the DeHavilland Beaver floatplane readying for departure, you settle into your guaranteed window seat, headset snug, as the plane lifts off to trace the waterways threading through the vast Tongass National Forest.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Island Wings Air Service · Ketchikan, Alaska
The morning air in Ketchikan carries a faint hint of ocean spray and pine as you step outside the Visitors Bureau, near Cruise Ship Berth 2. Here, Island Wings Air Service awaits — a veteran-run operation led by Michelle Masden, whose experience in Alaskan skies spans decades. With the buzz of the DeHavilland Beaver floatplane readying for departure, you settle into your guaranteed window seat, headset snug, as the plane lifts off to trace the waterways threading through the vast Tongass National Forest.
The flight itself is an intro to Alaska’s wild grandeur: rugged mountain ridges reach skyward, while dense evergreen forests stretch far across Revillagigedo Island. Below, rivers gleam like veins of silver, daring you to imagine the life they feed. After about thirty minutes of this aerial passage, the floatplane touches down on glassy water near Traitors Cove — your gateway to a rare viewing spot few access.
Upon landing, a short drive on a US Forest Service road and a gentle hike along a boardwalk through moss-draped trees lead to the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing Platform. Here, the real spectacle unfolds as Alaska’s iconic brown bears make their seasonal pilgrimage, plunging into the rushing creek to snatch salmon battling upstream. Bears move with patient strength, the water pushing forward around them, while bald eagles circle above, vigilant scavengers waiting for their turn.
This observatory is a sanctuary of nature’s rhythms, accessible only under strict US Forest Service permits to protect the fragile ecosystem. The limited visitor numbers ensure an intimate experience — three hours spent here feels both peaceful and electrifying, every splash and snatch a glimpse into survival and cycle.
The tour, spanning roughly 4.25 hours including flights and transfers, runs from July 20 through September 30, aligning with peak salmon runs and bear activity. Practical advice for travelers: layers are a must—Alaska’s weather can shift rapidly—and sturdy walking shoes will serve you well on the boardwalk trail. Bring extra camera batteries; moments here unfold unpredictably.
Ketchikan itself, often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers a rich Alaska Native history and vibrant arts scene that pairs well with the wilderness adventure. The tour not only uncovers wildlife behavior but illustrates ongoing efforts to balance human curiosity with conservation, as the area’s special use permit system keeps Traitors Cove pristine.
This blend of flight, forest, and fierce wildlife defines an Alaska experience where every element—the clouds drifting low, the creek daring the bears, the salmon pushing upstream—plays a part in one of the wildest shows on earth.
easy.
4–4.5 hours total.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal hiking on flat boardwalk trail
Tours usually operate mid-morning to early afternoon when bears are actively fishing, but wildlife activity can vary daily.
No strenuous activity is involved; the hike along the boardwalk is under a mile and suitable for most physical levels.
Yes, infants can ride in strollers, but must sit on an adult’s lap during the flight.
While the boardwalk trail is relatively flat, there may be minor terrain transitions; please inquire with the operator for specific accommodations.
Bald eagles are commonly spotted scavenging near the creek, along with salmon making their upstream migration.
Tours may be canceled for safety reasons in inclement weather; refunds or rescheduling options depend on operator policies.
Ketchikan sits within the traditional territories of the Tlingit people, whose culture and art deeply influence the region.
The Forest Service’s permit system limits visitors to Traitors Cove, helping protect critical bear habitat and salmon spawning grounds.
Island Wings Air Service operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The morning air in Ketchikan carries a faint hint of ocean spray and pine as you step outside the Visitors Bureau, near Cruise Ship Berth 2. Here, Island Wings Air Service awaits — a veteran-run operation led by Michelle Masden, whose experience in Alaskan skies spans decades. With the buzz of the DeHavilland Beaver floatplane readying for departure, you settle into your guaranteed window seat, headset snug, as the plane lifts off to trace the waterways threading through the vast Tongass National Forest.
The morning air in Ketchikan carries a faint hint of ocean spray and pine as you step outside the Visitors Bureau, near Cruise Ship Berth 2. Here, Island Wings Air Service awaits — a veteran-run operation led by Michelle Masden, whose experience in Alaskan skies spans decades. With the buzz of the DeHavilland Beaver floatplane readying for departure, you settle into your guaranteed window seat, headset snug, as the plane lifts off to trace the waterways threading through the vast Tongass National Forest.
The flight itself is an intro to Alaska’s wild grandeur: rugged mountain ridges reach skyward, while dense evergreen forests stretch far across Revillagigedo Island. Below, rivers gleam like veins of silver, daring you to imagine the life they feed. After about thirty minutes of this aerial passage, the floatplane touches down on glassy water near Traitors Cove — your gateway to a rare viewing spot few access.
Upon landing, a short drive on a US Forest Service road and a gentle hike along a boardwalk through moss-draped trees lead to the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing Platform. Here, the real spectacle unfolds as Alaska’s iconic brown bears make their seasonal pilgrimage, plunging into the rushing creek to snatch salmon battling upstream. Bears move with patient strength, the water pushing forward around them, while bald eagles circle above, vigilant scavengers waiting for their turn.
This observatory is a sanctuary of nature’s rhythms, accessible only under strict US Forest Service permits to protect the fragile ecosystem. The limited visitor numbers ensure an intimate experience — three hours spent here feels both peaceful and electrifying, every splash and snatch a glimpse into survival and cycle.
The tour, spanning roughly 4.25 hours including flights and transfers, runs from July 20 through September 30, aligning with peak salmon runs and bear activity. Practical advice for travelers: layers are a must—Alaska’s weather can shift rapidly—and sturdy walking shoes will serve you well on the boardwalk trail. Bring extra camera batteries; moments here unfold unpredictably.
Ketchikan itself, often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers a rich Alaska Native history and vibrant arts scene that pairs well with the wilderness adventure. The tour not only uncovers wildlife behavior but illustrates ongoing efforts to balance human curiosity with conservation, as the area’s special use permit system keeps Traitors Cove pristine.
This blend of flight, forest, and fierce wildlife defines an Alaska experience where every element—the clouds drifting low, the creek daring the bears, the salmon pushing upstream—plays a part in one of the wildest shows on earth.