The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is a day-use recreation area in the Salmon River valley near Hyder, Alaska. It is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Both brown (grizzly) and black bears are easily observed or photographed at the site as they fish for chum and pink salmon in the clear shallow waters of Fish Creek and Marx Creek. Enjoy the thrill of seeing wild bears in their natural habitat in this beautiful glacial river valley. Forest Service employees are at the site during these hours to provide information about the bears and salmon, enforce site rules, and answer questions from visitors. Facilities include a small parking area and an elevated viewing platform set in a grove of trees along the bank of Fish Creek.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
6 AM to 10 PM July 5 through Sept 5, 7 AM to 9 PM Sept 6--
Reservations:
From July 5 through September 15, an individual pass is required to visit the wildlife observatory
Area Amenities:
Toilets
Fees
$5 One Day Pass
$10 Three Day Pass
$20 Weekly (seven day) Pass
Open Season:
Year Round
Usage:
Heavy
Restrictions:
Site regulations require that:When Visiting the Fish Creek bear viewing deck in Hyder;
Keep pets and food inside your vehicle.
No Cooking at the site, including parking areas.
Walk directly to the board walk to access the site. Do not walk along the road.
Closest Towns:
Hyder
Water:
No
Restroom:
Vault Toilet (2)
Operated By:
Forest Service
General Information
Directions: This is the only bear-viewing site in Alaska that is accessible by highway. A 41-mile detour off the Cassiar Highway at Meziadin Lake Junction (on Highway 37A) brings you to the neighboring towns of Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder, Alaska at the head of Portland Canal. Follow the gravel-surfaced Salmon River Road through Hyder and continue three miles north. A sign marks the Observation Site, and the parking area is on the left just past the Fish Creek bridge.
Fish Creek is the first Alaskan stop on the way north to main land Alaska. It has a run of what may be the largest chum salmon known. The chum salmon in fish creek are large enough they were once thought to be a different species. Fish creek also supports a run of pink salmon. The salmon in turn support brown (grizzly), black bears and wolves that feed at Fish Creek July through Mid-September. Beavers, mink, bald eagles, sharp Shined hawks, great blue herons, and gulls have also been seen at Fish Creek.
From July 5 through September 15, an individual pass is required to visit the Wildlife Observatory.
How will I know if the salmon are returning and the bears are beginning to show up? You can call 1-250-636-2367 beginning July 1 for daily updated wildlife activities at the Fish Creek Bear Viewing facility on the Tongass NF.
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