Bear Viewing Adventures in Ketchikan, Alaska: Unforgettable Experiences with Family Air on Deluxe Misty Fjords and Anan Bear Viewing Tours
This Black Bear was photographed at the Anan Wildlife Observatory, if you want up close photography Anan is second to none.
Ketchikan, Alaska, is renowned for its rugged wilderness, breathtaking scenery, and incredible wildlife encounters. Among the most thrilling of these experiences is the opportunity to see brown bears and black bears in their natural habitat. With Family Air’s Deluxe Misty Fjords Tours and Anan Bear Viewing Tours, guests have the chance to witness these magnificent animals up close while taking in the stunning beauty of Southeast Alaska.
Bear Viewing in Southeast Alaska: An Overview
Southeast Alaska’s vast rainforests and pristine waterways create a perfect environment for bears. The Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, is home to some of the highest densities of black and brown bears on the planet. These tours offer an unforgettable way to experience these incredible animals and their surroundings from both the sky and the ground.
Understanding the Bears: Black Bears vs. Brown Bears
Before setting out on your adventure, it’s helpful to know a bit about the two types of bears you might encounter in Southeast Alaska: black bears and brown bears. Though they share some similarities, these species are distinct in many ways, from their physical appearance to their behavior.
Many of the Male Bears, also called boars, fight often over fishing spots. if you closely at the nose of this bear you can see healed cuts and scratches from fighting.
Black Bears
Black bears are the most commonly seen bears in Southeast Alaska, and they are well-adapted to the dense forests of the Tongass National Forest. Despite their name, black bears can vary in color from jet black to brown, cinnamon, or even a bluish-gray hue.
Size and Appearance: Black bears are generally smaller than brown bears, with adults weighing between 150 and 400 pounds, although some large males can reach 500 pounds or more. They have a straight facial profile, large, pointed ears, and shorter, curved claws that are well-suited for climbing trees.
Behavior and Diet: Black bears are excellent climbers and often retreat to trees when they feel threatened. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a diet that includes berries, roots, insects, and fish, especially during the salmon runs. Black bears are known for their adaptability and intelligence, and they can often be seen fishing along riverbanks or foraging for food in the forest.
Where to See Them: On both the Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour and the Anan Bear Viewing Tour, black bears can be seen. At Anan Creek, they can be seen fishing alongside brown bears, creating a unique opportunity to observe both species interacting in the same area.
These bears are crossing the patch up to the observatory at Anan, we often see bears before we even get to the platform! Don’t worry, our guides are well experienced with bears and carry both a firearm and bear spray.
Brown Bears (Grizzly Bears)
Brown bears, also known as grizzly bears when they inhabit inland areas, are larger and more powerful than black bears. In Southeast Alaska, coastal brown bears have access to a rich diet of salmon, which allows them to grow larger than their inland relatives.
Size and Appearance: Brown bears are significantly larger than black bears, with adult males weighing between 500 and 1,500 pounds. They have a distinctive shoulder hump, which is a mass of muscle used for digging, and a concave facial profile. Their fur can range in color from light brown to almost black, and they have long, straight claws that are better suited for digging than for climbing.
Behavior and Diet: Brown bears are omnivores, with a diet that heavily relies on salmon during the summer and fall. They are powerful and efficient hunters, often seen fishing in streams or rivers, using their massive paws to catch fish. Brown bears are generally more aggressive than black bears, especially when it comes to defending food sources or cubs.
Where to See Them: Brown bears are less commonly seen from the air but are often observed at Anan Creek during the salmon runs. The Anan Wildlife Observatory provides a safe and incredible vantage point to watch these majestic animals as they fish and interact in their natural habitat.
These happy guests are on the shoreline of the head of Rudyerd Bay, we can often see bears at the mouth of Walker Creek and Figure 8 creek here at the head.
Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour: A Wilderness Adventure
The Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour with Family Air is a spectacular adventure that offers breathtaking aerial views of one of Alaska’s most stunning wilderness areas. Although the primary focus of this tour is to showcase the natural beauty of the Misty Fjords National Monument, guests may also have the opportunity to spot both black bears and brown bears from the air.
What to Expect
On this tour, passengers soar over dramatic granite cliffs, serene fjords, and lush green valleys, all carved by glaciers millions of years ago. The views from the floatplane are awe-inspiring, with cascading waterfalls, remote lakes, and rugged mountain peaks creating a landscape unlike any other. As the plane flies over the lush rainforests and river valleys, there’s a chance of seeing bears foraging for food or wandering through meadows.
During salmon runs, black bears are frequently seen near riverbanks and streams, where they gather to feast on spawning salmon. Brown bears, although more elusive, may also be spotted in certain areas. The unique vantage point from the floatplane provides a rare opportunity to observe these bears in their natural habitat, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Misty Fjords.
Anan Bear Viewing Tour: Up Close and Personal
For those looking for a more intimate bear viewing experience, the Anan Bear Viewing Tour with Family Air is a must. Anan Creek, located southeast of Ketchikan, is one of the best places in Alaska to observe both black and brown bears feeding on salmon in close proximity. This guided tour combines a scenic floatplane flight with a guided bear viewing experience that will leave you in awe.
The Bears are often less than 20 feet away from the platform! Thankfully they stay on their side of the fence
The Anan Wildlife Observatory
The highlight of the Anan Bear Viewing Tour is the Anan Wildlife Observatory, a designated viewing platform and blind that offers a safe and incredible way to see bears up close. During peak salmon runs, black and brown bears congregate at Anan Creek to catch the abundant fish. The observatory provides unparalleled access to watch these powerful creatures fish, play, and interact in their natural environment.
The tour begins with a scenic floatplane ride, flying over the lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. The flight itself is an adventure, offering breathtaking views of dense rainforests, glacial fjords, and the stunning coastline. Upon landing near Anan Creek, guests embark on a guided hike through the forest, leading to the observatory. Along the way, experienced guides share their knowledge of the local ecosystem, bear behavior, and the importance of preserving these wild habitats.
Once at the observatory, visitors are treated to a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows. Watching a massive brown bear skillfully catch a salmon or observing a mother black bear teaching her cubs to fish is a moment that will stay with you forever.
The Best Times to Go Bear Viewing
The best time to see bears in Southeast Alaska is during the summer months, from July to early September, when salmon are running in the region’s rivers and streams. During this time, bears are highly active, and the opportunities for viewing them are at their peak.
July and August: These months are particularly ideal for bear viewing, as the salmon runs are in full swing, attracting large numbers of bears to feeding areas. Anan Creek, in particular, becomes a hub of bear activity, with both black and brown bears often seen fishing side by side.
Why Choose Family Air for Your Bear Viewing Adventure?
Family Air’s Deluxe Misty Fjords and Anan Bear Viewing Tours are designed to provide unforgettable experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With experienced pilots and knowledgeable guides, Family Air ensures a safe, educational, and awe-inspiring journey into Alaska’s wild landscapes.
Experienced Pilots and Guides: Family Air’s pilots and guides are experts in navigating the Alaskan wilderness and have an intimate understanding of bear behavior and habitat. Their insights and expertise add depth to the experience, making each tour both exciting and educational.
Unique Perspectives: The combination of aerial views from the floatplane and ground-level encounters at Anan Creek offers a comprehensive and unforgettable bear viewing experience. Seeing bears from the sky as they roam through forests and rivers is complemented by the up-close observations at the wildlife observatory.
Family-Friendly Adventures: Both tours are suitable for families and provide an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn about Alaska’s incredible wildlife and ecosystems. The Anan Bear Viewing Tour, in particular, is designed to be both thrilling and safe, ensuring that everyone has a memorable experience.
Whether soaring over the Misty Fjords or standing just a few feet from a wild bear at Anan Creek, Family Air’s bear viewing tours offer an unparalleled way to experience the wonders of Southeast Alaska. The combination of breathtaking scenery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and expert guidance ensures an adventure you and your family will never forget.
If you’re ready to witness the majesty of Alaska’s black and brown bears in some of the most beautiful and remote locations on Earth, Family Air’s Deluxe Misty Fjords and Anan Bear Viewing Tours are the perfect way to make it happen.
