Wrangell Bear Viewing — Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory

Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, located just 30 miles southeast of Wrangell in the Tongass National Forest, is a world-renowned site for viewing black and brown bears. Thanks to one of the largest pink salmon runs in Southeast Alaska, this protected creek draws an incredible density of wildlife, offering one of the most intimate and unforgettable bear viewing experiences available. It stands out as one of the few places where both black and brown bears can be seen fishing at the same waterfall.

What to Expect

Your excursion begins at the Wrangell City Dock, where you’ll meet your guide and board a high-speed, covered jet boat. The journey to Anan Creek takes about an hour, winding through the scenic Eastern Passage, a waterway locals call “The Back Channel.” Keep an eye out for marine wildlife along the way.

Upon arriving at the trailhead, a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) interpreter will greet your group and provide a mandatory safety briefing on how to behave in bear country. From there, it’s a half-mile walk along a developed trail and boardwalk through old-growth temperate rainforest to the main observatory. It’s not uncommon to see bears along the trail itself.

The main observatory features a covered viewing shelter, open decks, and a special photo blind, all overlooking a waterfall where the salmon congregate. This is where the magic happens. During the peak salmon run in July and August, you can expect to see bears wading into the creek, catching fish, and returning to the shore to eat, often just 50 feet away. While it’s possible to see 30-50 bears in the area, a typical sighting involves 5-15 bears at any given time. You will spend a few hours here, providing ample time for observation and photography before the return boat trip to Wrangell. The entire tour consumes most of your port day, so plan accordingly.

Who This Is For

This excursion is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking an authentic, world-class wildlife encounter. The trail is considered easy to moderate, but it does involve a half-mile walk with some stairs, so a basic level of fitness is required. The experience is largely stationary and quiet at the viewing platform, making it suitable for older children who can remain patient. However, some operators do not recommend it for children under seven. If you have mobility concerns, you should discuss them with the tour operator beforehand.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

For the Anan Creek bear viewing excursion, booking directly with an independent, Wrangell-based operator is unequivocally the better choice. Access to the observatory is strictly controlled by the USFS through a limited permit system. Local companies are allocated the vast majority of these permits.

While cruise lines may offer a similar tour, they are essentially block-booking from the same local operators you can book with directly. The primary difference is the price. By booking independently, you can save 30-40% on the exact same experience. The key is to book very early, as permits for the July-August peak season sell out months in advance.

What to Bring

Proper gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable day in the Alaskan rainforest.

• Waterproof Outerwear: A good quality rain jacket and rain pants are crucial.
• Layered Clothing: Dress in non-cotton layers that you can add or remove as conditions change.
• Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended.
• Camera & Binoculars: A camera with a good zoom lens and a pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your experience. Bring extra batteries.
• Personal Items: Bring any necessary medications.
• Leave at Home: No food or sweetened beverages (other than water) are allowed at the observatory to avoid attracting bears.

How to Book

Due to the USFS permit system, all visitors during the peak season (July 5 - August 25) must arrive with an authorized guide or have one of the very few private permits. Booking a guided tour is the most practical option for cruise passengers.

Several excellent, USFS-permitted operators are based in Wrangell:

• Breakaway Adventures: A long-standing company offering 5-7 hour tours by boat. Their price is approximately $370 per person. They can be booked online at breakawayadventures.com.
• Alaska Vistas: Offers jet boat tours with experienced local guides. Their 2026 price is listed at $370 per person. They can be booked online at alaskavistas.com.
• Muddy Water Adventures: A locally staffed company offering 5-6 hour tours. Their price starts at $380 per person. They can be booked online at muddywateradventures.com.

Given the high demand and limited capacity, it is critical to book your Anan Creek tour as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, ideally 60-90 days out or more.