Bear Country & Wildlife Expedition

Ketchikan’s finest bear viewing accessible by road! Visit Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary for this unique opportunity to see black bear in their native habitat. Your tour begins with a narrated city tour and eight mile coastal drive to the sanctuary. Your naturalist/guide will bring the rich forest to life as you meander along an improved trail, leading to a series of elevated tree platforms and suspension bridges amongst the magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar. Watch for bears from the safety of above ground platforms and bridges which maximize your viewing and provide protection. To limit resource impacts, only a limited number of small groups have access to this exclusive bear viewing area.

Leaving the private elevated wildlife viewing system, the rainforest trail transforms to a boardwalk perched over grassy wetlands alongside Eagle Creek, home to a rich run of spawning salmon. Here bears and seals come to fish for Alaska’s abundant salmon. Bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary. After taking in the sights at more choice wildlife viewing locations, your guide will lead you to feed Alaskan reindeer. See a bald eagle and a Great Northern owl up close in the raptor center, where a wildlife specialist explains the habitat and heritage of America’s national symbol. Be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company Sawmill before you observe a master native carver crafting a large totem pole.

The group size will be limited to ensure an intimate experience. The focus of your tour will be to view black bears in their natural habitat. Your guide may change the order of the tour or time spent in any one spot to give you the best chance to view bears. The half-mile long trail is upon relatively flat terrain. Although the chances for seeing bear are excellent, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Visit our General Store and enjoy a complimentary smoked salmon snack, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the conclusion of the tour.