Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Site
A 30-minute floatplane ride from Juneau, Pack Creek is located about 40 miles south of Juneau in the northeast corner of Admiralty Island. Also called “Kootznoowoo,” or “Fortress of the Bears,” by the native Tlingit people. The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears—more than all the lower 48 states combined. You can enter the bears' world and watch these magnificent creatures in their natural setting. A 30-minute floatplane ride from Juneau, Pack Creek is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Admiralty Island also contains the highest concentration of bald eagles in the world, and Sitka black-tail deer thrive in its rich sedge meadows and old-growth forest. Mink, marten, and otter are also common along the island’s shores, as are many varieties of birds. There are no black bears on Admiralty Island.
From its headwaters 4000 feet above sea level, Pack Creek descends rapidly to the saltwater of upper Seymour Canal. Sediment picked up by the creek is deposited at its mouth, creating a 400-acre mud flat. These flats are an important source of food for many animals, including bears, which feed on clams, shellfish, and other creatures.
Peak bear viewing on Pack Creek usually follows the return of pink and chum salmon, generally the first week of July. To protect the bears and other wilderness resources a day use permit is required to visit Pack Creek between April 1st and September 30th. Visitors are limited to 24 people per day.
As you plan your trip it is important to keep in mind the following information:
- The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a Wilderness Area. This means there are no facilities on site, including no bathrooms, no shelter from the elements (except at the Observation Tower) and no cell phone service.
- Access to and traveling around the bear viewing area requires getting your feet wet, so make sure you have rubber boots.
- Bring rain gear and extra layers, even if the weather seems to be nice. The weather can turn cold and rainy at any time of the year in southeast Alaska.
Lastly, no bears or people have been harmed at Pack Creek since the area has been actively managed. In order to maintain this record all visitors must strictly follow the rules outlined by the rangers. This will ensure a safe and stress free environment for the bears that make their home at Pack Creek.
Pack Creek is managed cooperatively by rangers with the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
General Information
The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a Wilderness Area, which means there are no facilities on site, including no bathrooms, no shelter from the elements (except at the Observation Tower), and no cell phone service. Wilderness visitors face inherent risks of adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communications.
Pack Creek is managed cooperatively by the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, whose staff are available to provide orientations and answer questions during your visit. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a ranger at the South Spit and given an orientation after which you will either walk to the Viewing Spit or to the Observation Tower. The ranger will provide advice on the likelihood of seeing bears at both of these areas, but you will be free to decide where you want to go. The ranger will also review all of the rules to be followed while visiting Pack Creek.
April 1 - September 30
09:00 to 21:00
Between April 1st through September 30th permits must be obtained through Recreation.gov. America The Beautiful passes are not valid at this recreation area.
Day Use:
$60 per person per day
Permits are required to visit Pack Creek from April 1st and September 30th. Peak Season - From July 4 through Aug. 25 permits are
Shoulder Season
Peak Season
April 1 through July 4
and
Aug. 26 through Sept. 30
July 4 through Aug. 25
Adult (16 to 61):
$60
Adult (16 to 61):
$60
Junior (under 16):
$60
Junior (under 16):
$60
Senior (over 61):
$60
Senior (over 61):
$60
Only the following guide services are authorized to offer tours to Pack Creek during the peak season from July 5 to August 25. Pack Creek Outfitters
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 57.89807041
Longitude: -134.28204082
Elevation
100
Directions
Pack Creek is approximately 30 miles south of Juneau. There is no road to Pack Creek. Access is by floatplane or watercraft ONLY.
There is no road to Pack Creek. Access is by float plane, motorboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe only. Most visitors arrive by float plane from Juneau; the trip usually takes about 30 minutes each way.
Whichever method you choose, remember that the weather in Southeast Alaska is often poor and always unpredictable. Flights are sometimes cancelled due to high winds and poor visibility. Be prepared for this contingency by bringing rain gear, extra clothing, snacks, and any vital medications. You will also disembark at Pack Creek in 8-12 inches of water so make sure you have rubber boots.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
