Anan Creek Bear Viewing & Floatplane Adventure
-
port
Ketchikan, Alaska, US
-
activityLevel
Moderate Activity
-
excursionType
26,All
-
wheelchairAccessible
No
-
startingAtPrice
$1100
-
minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
-
duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
-
mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Few natural places in North America offer the wildlife viewing opportunities found at remote and beautiful Anan Creek, located in the Tongass National Forest. Anan is accessible only by boat or floatplane and the wildlife observatory here is world famous for its extraordinary wild bear-viewing opportunities. Home to one of Southeast Alaska's largest pink salmon runs, Anan attracts a significant number of bears, both black and brown (grizzly), as well as hundreds of eagles, seals and other wildlife that rely on the salmon as a major food source.
Experience the thrill of taking off from Ketchikan's waterfront by floatplane with a veteran Alaska bush pilot. From the air, you'll see Salmon Falls Resort, historic Loring (established before Ketchikan), beautiful Behm Canal and the rugged Cleveland Peninsula. This is one of the most spectacular natural wilderness areas in Southeast Alaska.
Fly deep into the vast Tongass National Forest to one of Alaska's premier bear-viewing areas. Access to Anan Creek is restricted by U.S. Forest Service Permit, so this amazing wildlife adventure is available only to a small number of privileged visitors. Upon landing, listen as a U.S. Forest Service Park Ranger offers a safety briefing; then, your naturalist bear guide escorts you on a half-mile hike along an improved trail. Follow the creek to the secure bear-watching observatory overlooking a beautiful waterfall. After approximately 1 to 1½ hours of bear viewing in the wild, return to the aircraft for the flight back to Ketchikan.
Please note: Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as passenger safety and comfort, the airline has advised that guests weighing 250 lbs. or more (fully clothed) will be assessed a weight surcharge of $168. 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. Minimum age is 8 years. A half-mile walk over an improved trail with steep inclines is required. Participants must be able to (dis)embark the aircraft and walk to the beach from floats. There is no dock at the trailhead, so you will get out of the aircraft on a rocky shoreline and with the tide level changing conditions. Participants must be able to walk and stand for two hours. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Seating is not available. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.