Excursion Bear country wildlife experience tour at Ketchikan

Walk along trails in a private reserve located in forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove in search of the most popular residents, the black bear. This half-day excursion provides an opportunity to view these wild bears in their natural habitat, allowing an in-depth experience for the nature lover and photographer.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Depart the pier by coach for the drive to Herring Cove. Located within the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, this bear viewing site is near the Whitman Hatchery that produces large salmon runs, attracting black bear to the area. Meet your naturalist guide at the trailhead shelter and, after an orientation and bear safety briefing, begin a .75-mile (1.2-kilometre) walk along an improved trail through the heart of dense rainforest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce, and Alaska cedar. Follow the guide to a restricted access, elevated boardwalk leading to a private viewing platform overlooking Eagle Creek. This provides a unique opportunity to view bears at close range as they fish for salmon in the stream or forage for berries.

Following the wildlife viewing, explore the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company Sawmill and delve into the local culture at the carving center, where you'll learn about Native traditions and see an impressive collection of totems. Watch local blacksmiths in action, and don't miss the opportunity to shop for souvenirs at the General Store before heading back to the ship.

Wildlife Viewing

Few locations in Alaska offer the wildlife viewing opportunities found at this forest sanctuary. Large concentrations of black bear gather to feed on the runs of Pacific salmon that return to spawn in the sanctuary. Bald eagles, mink, and marten are often seen waiting for salmon scraps left by the bears. Seals can be seen at high tide feeding on the bountiful fish harvest.

This tour is highly variable based wildlife activity. Your dedicated team of guides and wildlife spotters will work to put you in the best place to view and photograph wild black bears. You will have access to the entire sanctuary's trail and boardwalk system, including some areas reserved specifically for this excursion, but will only use the areas deemed best for wildlife viewing given current conditions. This excursion may spend extended periods of time in one location watching and waiting for wildlife or moving frequently to maximize sightings. Seasonal ecosystem changes and weather patterns result in varying levels of wildlife activity and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The sanctuary is a multi-use facility including walking and zipline excursions. Multiple tours may overlap when sightings are limited.  

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Ketchikan, Herring Cove, Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, Eagle Creek, Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, Alaska Raptor Center, Totem Pole Carving, General Store

Note

Please note: This tour is available from late July to late September, aligning with the peak salmon-spawning season for the best chance to see bears  The tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately .75 miles (1.2 kilometers) over an improved trail. Some inclines and uneven terrain are to be expected. Portions of the trail are on elevated walkways and platforms. This tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Close-toed walking shoes are required. Dress in layers; rain ponchos are provided. Tour sequence may vary.

Bear sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed. Guests will receive a refund of 80.00 USD per person to their shipboard account should bears not be spotted during the duration of the excursion. The minimum participant age is 8 years. To ensure safety and the enjoyment of all participants, guests must follow the guide's instructions at all times. Inappropriate behavior, excessive noise, or failure to comply with instructions may result in being asked to leave the tour. To reduce environmental impact, the number of participants is limited and additional space may not be available. We recommend you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Due to the limited capacity and high demand for this tour, it is non-refundable unless cancelled by 12:00 p.m. on the day after embarkation.