Wildlife & Brown Bear Search with Hoonah Travel Adventures in Alaska
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods, with moderate physical fitness.
Overview
Venture into Alaska’s wilderness with Hoonah Travel Adventures for an unmatched chance to see brown bears and diverse wildlife on Chichagof Island. Join a small group for an authentic, intimate experience in the pristine Tongass National Forest—where every turn offers a new wildlife encounter.
Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search
Starting at $140 | Amazing Views | Experience the Tongass National Forest
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure on Chichagof Island, home to the highest concentration of bears in the world. Explore the breathtaking Tongass National Forest with a knowledgeable guide, spotting diverse wildlife like deer and eagles. This intimate tour, limited to 10 guests, promises a unique experience in Alaska's pristine wilderness.
Rates
Adult - $140.00 Child (Ages 5-12) - $120.00 Private Tour (For up to 12 People) - $1,500
About
Chichagof Island, or Shee Kaax, is an island in the Alexander Archipelago of the Alaska Panhandle. At 75 miles long and 50 miles wide, it has a land area of 2,048.61 square miles making it the fifth largest island in the United States . Chichagof Island has the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth.
The community of Hoonah, with a year round population of approximately 750, is located in the northern part of Chichagof Island. The vast majority of the island is pure, uninhabited, Alaskan wilderness teeming with wildlife! The Ursus arctos, or Brown Bear, is the king of the forest but Sitka black-tail deer, bald eagle, mink, marten, beaver, duck and sea birds thrive on the island and are frequently spotted on this tour.
One of the last grizzly strongholds, the dense rain forests of Chichagof Island in southeast Alaska hide more of brown bear per square mile than any other place on Earth.
Depending on the month and the weather, the wildlife can be found in different locations throughout the island. Your guide spends a lot of time in the forest and knows where to look.
Please Note: While there is a high probability of seeing bears, we cannot guarantee sighting. We can guarantee a journey into wilderness and a chance to experience the sheer beauty and ruggedness of the Tongass National Forest! We limit this tour to 10 guests. We will allow for 12 if the group is all together. Otherwise we like to leave empty seats for extra space and comfort!
This tour is operated in the Tongass National Forest under special use permit from the Forest Service, USDA. Hoonah Travel Adventures is an Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer.
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Weather can change quickly—layered clothing keeps you comfortable during boat rides and hikes.
Bring binoculars
High-quality binoculars enhance wildlife viewing, especially for distant bears and birds.
Watch the tides
Timing your excursion around tide charts increases bear sightings along shorelines.
Stay quiet and patient
Wildlife is best observed when you move slowly and keep noise to a minimum.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bears
- Eagles
History
Chichagof Island has been inhabited by indigenous Tlingit people for centuries, with many historical sites still visitable today.
Conservation
Hoonah Travel Adventures emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing practices to protect the fragile ecosystems of Tongass National Forest.
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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Crucial for wildlife spotting at a distance.
Layered clothing
Suitable for the variable weather conditions of coastal Alaska.
Waterproof boots
Provides comfort and dryness during boat rides and muddy trails.
Hat and gloves
Keep warm during colder months while on the water or walking.
winter specific