Bear Viewing at Admiralty Island National Monument
Admiralty Island lives up to its original name—Kootznoowoo, or “Fortress of the Bears” in Tlingit—with the highest concentration of brown bears in the world. The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears at a density of one per sq mi (1 per 2.5 sq km).
The best place to see the bears is at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, where the bears have become accustomed to humans and focus their energy on catching fish instead. They’re still wild, though, so you have to follow a strict set of rules, including storing your food and other “smellable” items in bear-proof lockers near the site entrance. Access is by permit only (877/444-6777; www.recreation.gov). Twenty-four permits per day are issued during peak season in July-August ($50 adults, $25 under 16 and over 61); half of those go to commercial operations and half are reserved for private individuals. You can get cheaper permits ($20 adults, $10 seniors and juniors) in the early and late seasons, but you’re not as likely to see bears.
For most people, the smartest, safest, and easiest way of visiting Pack Creek is with a guide. Three guide services are authorized to run single-day trips to the viewing area:
- Above & Beyond Alaska (907/364-2333; http://beyondak.com; from $989) also offers multiday paddle trips and outfitting
- Bear Creek Outfitters (907/723-2683; https://juneauflyfishing.com; from $1,099)
- Wild Coast Excursions (775/572-9453; https://wildcoastexcursions.com; from $1,099)
Those who have the skills and experience to negotiate the nearby land and water on their own can charter a floatplane from one of these authorized float taxi services: Alaska Seaplanes (907/789-3331; www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com) or Ward Air (907/789- 9150; www.wardair.com). Kayaking gear rentals are available from Above & Beyond Alaska (907/364-2333; https://beyondak.com). Camping is available on neighboring islands.
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