The Best Place for Bear Viewing in Juneau: Admiralty Island

One of the many reasons people visit Juneau is the wildlife. The Alaskan capital is famously home to hundreds of humpback whales during the warmer months of the year. Orcas, sea lions, seals, and other marine creatures can also be spotted out in the water while bald eagles search for a feast from above. But there’s plenty to see on land too, including bears. Bear-viewing in Juneau is something many visitors hope to do, with the opportunity to spot both black and brown bears.

It’s no wonder Juneau is considered a wildlife lover’s paradise! But to make the most out of your time here, you’ll want to know a bit more about the bears in the area.

Black or Brown Bears, What’s the Difference?

Despite their names, you can’t tell the difference between black and brown bears based on their color. Black bears can be brown, cinnamon, or even silvery blue, while brown bears can have blonde or black fur. However, they do differ in both size and appearance. Brown bears are typically much larger, weighing as much as 1,500 pounds. They also have less prominent ears and a more prominent shoulder hump. On the other hand, black bears weigh anywhere from 200 to 500 pounds, quite a bit smaller.

The black bears that can be spotted around Mendenhall Glacier, especially once the salmon run begins, are one of the most popular options for bear-viewing in Juneau. By joining one of our exclusive private tours that include a guided walk through the Tongass National Forest and a visit to the glacier, you’ll have a good chance of seeing them. The odds are best when the salmon are running from around late June/early July through mid-September – you can be sure the bears will be right there to catch their favorite meal.

But you might also want to enjoy the unique experience of visiting Pack Creek on Admiralty Island.

Admiralty Island National Monument

Brown bears at Pack Creek, Admiralty Island, near Juneau, Alaska (Forest Service Alaska)

Admiralty Island National Monument is located in the Tongass National Forest, covering more than 956,000 acres about 15 miles southwest of Juneau. Here, mountains rise up to 4,650 feet, topped with icefields and tundras. Many rivers and lakes can be found among the western hemlock and Sitka spruce of the rainforest.

Over 90 percent of the island is designated as Kootznoowoo Wilderness and there is just one community: Angoon. It sits on Admiralty’s west side along Mitchell Bay and has been the home of the Tlingít people for centuries. But brown bears have lived here even longer. In fact, the Tlingít call the island “Kootznoowoo,” which translates to “Fortress of the Bear.”

There are an estimate 1,600 brown bears on Admiralty Island, the world’s highest concentration – more than the rest of the states combined. That’s more than double the number of humans living here, which at last count was just under 600. Admiralty is also home to the greatest concentration of nesting bald eagles, with over 5,000.

How to Visit the Admiralty Island Bears

The only way to reach Admiralty Island is by floatpane, boat, or kayak. Floatplanes are the most direct, getting you there in about 25 minutes. There are multiple outfitters to choose from, including those that offer small group tours with a maximum of 10, but a private excursion is the ultimate experience. The scenic flight to the island preserve alone is unforgettable. You’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the landscape below and that’s followed up by five or six hours of viewing the bears.

You’ll spend time with the bears in their natural habitat at the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on the northeast corner of the island. During the peak of the season, around late July through August, you might see as many as 25 bears coming together.

Brown bear in the Pack Creek area, Admiralty Island, Juneau, Alaska (Forest Service Alaska)

Immersed in the spectacular wilderness, you might witness the animals roaming free, perhaps frolicking in the lush meadows, napping in the tall grass, clamming on the beach, or feasting on chum and pink salmon in the rivers. A one-mile trek island through the rainforest will bring you to the Observation Tower that can be climbed for more impressive views. The opportunities for incredible photographs are nearly endless, from start to finish.

Keep in mind that the bears are most active during the annual salmon runs from late July through August. However, if you’re there a bit earlier, from around mid-June through mid-July, with the more limited bear activity it’s possible to include kayaking in your trip, paddling along the coastline to Pack Creek.

What else is there to see on Admiralty Island?

Did we mention that the photo ops are nearly endless? With all of those photos you’re bound to take, you’ll want plenty of room on your memory cards. Estimate a number and then double or even triple it.

Not only are you likely to capture fantastic photos of brown bears, bald eagles, and the breathtaking scenery, but there’s lots of other wildlife to photograph too. Sitka black-tail deer thrive among the old-growth forest and sedge meadows, while otter, mink, and marten are commonly seen along the island’s shores. In the bays like Chaik, Whitewater, Hood, and Mitchell, keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Humpback whales are often spotted feeding in Seymour Canal too.

For the Best Bear-Viewing in Juneau

Beyond the camera, memory cards, and other photographic equipment, when bear-viewing in Juneau there are a few things you should bring. That includes lightweight rain gear, a hat, a warm sweater or jacket, a day pack, sunglasses, and a water bottle. As the bear viewing area requires getting your feet wet, wear or take a pair of rubber boots with you.

Brown bear, Pack Creek, Admiralty Island, Juneau, Alaska (Forest Service Alaska)

It’s also important to keep in mind the following:

• There are no facilities at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area. That means no shelter from the elements (other than the Observation Tower), no bathrooms, and no cell phone service.
• Limited permits are available to visit this area so book early.
• No humans or bears have been harmed in this area since it’s been actively managed. To maintain that stellar record, it’s a must to strictly follow all rules outlined by the rangers. This will ensure a safe, stress-free environment for the bears, while allowing future generations to continue to enjoy them as much as we have.

Here at Alaska Luxury Tours, no matter what your interests, we can help make your visit to Juneau a trip of a lifetime.