Exclusive Pack Creek Bear Viewing from Juneau

Embark on an Alaskan wilderness adventure on this small-group day trip to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, a protected wildlife site located on Admiralty Island. Also known as the ‘Fortress of the Bears’ by the indigenous Tlingit people, Pack Creek boasts the highest concentration of brown bears in the world. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour, with one guide for every five people.

After morning pickup by van from your Juneau hotel or the port, kick off your tour with a floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest and the Inside Passage. Land on Windfall Island, where you’ll receive a safety briefing for your kayaking journey through Windfall Harbor. Paddle your way to the mouth of Pack Creek on Admiralty Island.

Secure your kayak and follow your guide’s lead to prime viewing locations to observe grizzly and brown bears in their natural habitat. Scamper up lookout towers to see bears playing in meadows, and head over to creeks and streams to see them swimming or catching salmon.

Enjoy plenty of time watching bears before you return by kayak back to the floatplane. Your tour ends with van transport back to the original departure point.

Please note: Visitors to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area must have a permit, which is limited in number and provided to tour operators only. As permits sell out quickly, make sure to book this tour well in advance.

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan wilderness adventure on this small-group day trip to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, a protected wildlife location with the highest concentration of brown bears in the world! From Juneau, join your guide on a scenic floatplane ride over Alaska’s Inside Passage and Tongass National Forest to Windfall Island. Then, kayak to the mouth of Pack Creek on Admiralty Island and witness Grizzly bears in their natural habitat – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

*Kayaking is weather dependent. Kayaking is not included May 15th - June 15th and September 1st - 10th, guests will fly directly to Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary during this time.

The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area requires a permit to visit, and for the first time since 1997, the National Forest Service has awarded these exclusive and limited visitation permits to tour operators. Book this tour to make sure you don’t miss out on the amazing chance to enter the viewing area.

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

You must include the following in the comments section when booking: raingear & shoe sizes for each passenger, (for adult men and women, S-XXL and youth, S-L) and any pertinent medical information
Maximum weight per person is 250 pounds (113 kilograms)
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Minimum age is 12 years
There is a $50 non-refundable booking fee once this trip is reserved. This is non-refundable for any reason, including weather cancellations
Bear sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!
Trips in May 15th - June 15th and September 1st - 10th will NOT include kayaking. Guests will fly directly to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary.
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a wilderness area with no facilities, restrooms, or shelter on site. All garbage and waste must be packed out.
This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – please stress to your clients the importance of dressing appropriately.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip.
Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (188cm) find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8″ have been able to paddle our kayaks
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers