Anan Creek Bear Viewing Floatplane Tour
Duration: 5 hours
Meeting: Downtown Ketchikan Harbor Float
Wildlife photographers wanting the premier black and brown bear feeding site in Alaska
View live dates & pricing →Ketchikan, Alaska · Black & Brown Bears
Ketchikan Bear Viewing Shore Excursions
Southeast Alaska is home to some of the densest bear populations on the planet. Ketchikan provides access to both coastal black bears and massive brown bears (grizzlies) as thousands of returning salmon choke mountain rivers to spawn.
Typical Duration4.5 to 5.5 hours for fly-in wilderness platforms; 3 hours for road-based Herring Cove
Return MarginFly-in tours require 6.5-hour port call; road-based tours require 4.5-hour port call.
Weather SensitivityModerate to High Sensitivity
Meeting PointFloatplanes depart directly from downtown Ketchikan harbor; vans depart fro...
Cruise-Safe Standard
The Last Frontier Return-to-Ship Guarantee
Anan Creek permits are strictly limited by the US Forest Service. These tours sell out 6 to 9 months in advance. Always book early to secure your cruise day slot.
1. Gangway Disembarkation & Meetup15 mins to meet pilot at downtown floatplane slip
2. Transit from Pier to Activity45 mins floatplane flight to Anan Bay or Traitors Cove
3. Active Tour / Wildlife / Flight150 mins guided boardwalk trail walk and bear platform viewing
4. Return Transit to Cruise Pier45 mins floatplane return flight to Ketchikan
5. Guaranteed Pier Arrival Before All-Aboard60–90 mins margin before all-aboard
Meeting Logistics: Floatplanes depart directly from downtown Ketchikan harbor; vans depart from cruise berth plazas.
How this excursion works on a cruise port day
The gold standard of bear viewing in this region is Anan Wildlife Observatory, a world-renowned US Forest Service site accessible only by floatplane or high-speed boat. Here, an elevated wooden viewing platform and covered photo blind sit directly above a roaring waterfall where bears stand in rushing water catching jumping salmon in their jaws.
For cruise travelers seeking an adventure closer to port, Traitors Cove (Margaret Creek) offers floatplane access to a secluded salmon stream with black bears, while Herring Cove on the road system provides budget-friendly black bear viewing without flying.
Weather & Operating Reality
Fly-in bear viewing to Anan Creek or Traitors Cove requires safe flight ceilings. If weather grounds the flight, operators issue full refunds, and you can switch to road-based Herring Cove or cultural totem parks.
Key Highlights
- Stand within 30 feet of wild black and brown bears catching salmon at Anan Creek
- Covered photo blind at water level for low-angle, professional-grade wildlife shots
- Scenic floatplane flight over remote islands of the Alexander Archipelago
- US Forest Service wilderness rangers on site to ensure safe, ethical wildlife viewing
What to Bring
- Telephoto zoom lens (70–300mm or 100–400mm is ideal for the viewing platform)
- High-quality rain gear (jacket and waterproof pants)
- Comfortable hiking shoes for the 0.5-mile gravel and boardwalk trail at Anan
- No food or scented snacks allowed on the trail or platform (strict bear safety rules)
Verified Independent Providers
Recommended Cruise-Safe Excursion Options
Live pricing, real-time departure slots, and cancellation policies are controlled directly by each excursion provider. Follow links below to review live availability and reserve with zero middleman markups:
Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Wilderness Flight
Duration: 4 hours
Meeting: Downtown Ketchikan Harbor Float
Cruisers wanting remote fly-in black bear viewing in late July and August
View live dates & pricing →Port Day Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for bear viewing in Ketchikan?
Bear viewing is tied strictly to salmon runs. Peak season at Anan Creek runs from July 5 through August 25. Traitors Cove peaks from late July through late August. Herring Cove bears are most active from late July through mid-September. In May and June, bears are dispersed in the mountains and rarely seen at salmon streams.
Is bear viewing safe?
Yes. Anan Creek is managed by the US Forest Service with armed wilderness rangers stationed along the trail and platform. Bears are focused entirely on gorging on returning salmon and pay little attention to humans stationed on designated elevated boardwalks.
What is the walking distance at Anan Creek?
From the saltwater floatplane landing beach, guests walk a 0.5-mile gravel and wooden boardwalk trail through the rainforest to reach the observation platform. The trail has some stairs and uneven sections, requiring moderate mobility.