Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk
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Port
Ketchikan, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,14,24,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$299.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Join this bear-viewing opportunity accessible by road.
You'll begin with a narrated eight-mile coastal drive to the forested area of Herring Cove, located within the Alaska Rain Forest Sanctuary.
Meet your guide and set out on a walking expedition to locate some of the black bears that call this area home. You will pass through tall stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar as you explore the sanctuary.
An elevated boardwalk trail leads you to private viewing platforms overlooking Eagle Creek, where bears often come to fish for salmon in the stream. The nearby Whitman Hatchery ensures the river is teeming with salmon every summer. Typically, large numbers of black bears gather here to feed on these enormous runs of salmon returning to spawn in the stream. Bald eagles perch in the trees, waiting patiently for scraps left by the bears. Mink and marten often frequent the area, and seals often hang out near the mouth of the stream, feeding on the bountiful fish runs. You will have ample time to observe the wildlife activity.
Walk through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill established by legendary pioneer Ben Fleenor. Visit the carving center and explore the large collection of Tsimshian totems in the courtyard.
Transportation to and from the sanctuary is by bus.
Notes:
Bears have an acute sense of smell; do not wear strong scents or bring food of any kind. Pets and service animals are not allowed on tour. The Alaska Rain Forest Sanctuary is not exclusive to your tour -- it is a multi-use site, so you will encounter guests participating in other tour products and activities. To minimize resource impacts and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, this tour is available only to small groups and on a limited basis. The tour operators are confident that your group will see a bear on this excursion; if not, you will receive an $80 onboard credit from the tour operator. It is important to note that seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity, and there are times when bears will not be present. Please keep this in mind when booking the tour. Operates rain or shine; rain ponchos are available for purchase. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. The elevated boardwalk can be as high as 15 feet off the ground. Minimum age is 12 years.