Excursion Anan creek bear watching tour at Ketchikan

This excursion is a rare and thrilling opportunity to observe bears in their natural element at Anan Creek, where they gather every summer to catch salmon that spawn here. From early July into mid-August bears migrate to Anan Creek, where as many as 300,000 salmon return to spawn, one of the largest runs of salmon in southeast Alaska.

Make your way to the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, located at the epicenter of this bear and salmon migration. The observatory is one of the few places in the world where Black and Brown Bears fish side by side, sharing their abundant fishing spot.

Transfer from the ship to a floatplane, and after a safety briefing make the scenic, 45-minute flight to the Observatory Trail Head with your naturalist bear guide.

Upon arrival be greeted by US Forest Service guides, learning all about bear safety and how to act when in sight of bears. Take a moderate half-mile hike from the beach that winds through primeval rainforest and along a lagoon boardwalk (some steps involved) and arrive at the viewing platform overlooking a modest waterfall. Keep your eyes open as bears may be spotted even along the trail.

Bears love to wait at the top of the waterfall, ready to catch the fish that crowd together as they attempt their astounding, instinctive leap up the waterfalls. Watch as the bears teach their young to hunt and observe the complex hierarchy of bear behavior. It is likely that bears are not the only wildlife visitors get to see, as both Black and Brown Bears leave all but the fattiest parts of the fish for other animals to scavenge, including Bald Eagles (particularly spectacular as they soar overhead), Harbor Seals, Otters, Ravens and other animals.

In a sort of truce that comes with regular exposure to humans, the bears are accustomed to seeing people nearby on the viewing platform. This means that you have incredible photo opportunities as bears ignore you and continue eating, wading into the stream, getting their food and returning to the shore to dine. Your safety on this tour is paramount and it is essential you listen to (and stick with) your guides, who carry guns and pepper spray for both the safety of the bears and humans.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, approximately one mile total, with a few steps up and down to negotiate and narrow paths. Guests also need to be able to board a floatplane. Much of the walking is a forest trail with natural surfaces and exposed roots; this trail is not suitable for those with mobility or serious vision issues and cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Guests must sign a waiver. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as passenger safety and comfort, guests weighing 250 lbs., or more will be assessed a weight surcharge of $168.00. In any case where the necessity of the surcharge is verified, it will be paid directly to the tour operator just prior to the flight departure. Food is not allowed at the venue so if there any diabetic participants tour operator needs to be informed. . The minimum age to participate is 9 years old, provided the child can follow directions. If our guides or other guests find children to be disruptive or jeopardize the safety of the group, they and their guardians will be escorted back to the trailhead and still charged for the tour. Guests are recommended to dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. Binoculars and camera recommended. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are l ikely but not guaranteed. This tour is non -refundable if cancelled later than 30 days before the date of the excursion.

Reservation note: due to the permit availability process in Anan, entrance tickets are not guaranteed. If Silversea manage to get group tickets for the suitable entrance time, the waitlisted bookings will be cleared following the order of the reservation date. A message will be e-mailed to all waitlisted Silversea Guests to notify the confirmation of their booking or not.