The Tlingit People call the island Kootznoowoo - "Fortress of the Bears." Admiralty Island is a lush rainforest wilderness with the world's largest population of nesting bald eagles and more brown bears per square mile than anywhere. This rainforest paradise is the crown jewel of the Tongass National Forest. Our July and August trips coincide with the bountiful annual salmon runs, creating superb bear watching opportunities. In June, watch for bears grazing in the meadows adjacent to Pack Creek. Both itineraries include much sought-after permits to visit the world-famous Stan Price Bear Sanctuary at Pack Creek, where we spend a full day watching for brown bears as they lope up and down the creek in pursuit of salmon. Trips depart from Juneau and are limited to 10 guests. Due to limited permits for the bear sanctuary, these trips fill early.

ONE DAY

Where else can you take a scenic floatplane trip, sea kayak into a rainforest wilderness, watch wild brown (grizzly) bears as they fish for salmon, and be back in a Capital city in time for dinner? This one-day excursion is extraordinary!

This is a full-day adventure beginning early in the morning in downtown Juneau. We outfit with rubber boots and then head out to the airport. A 25-minute floatplane flight brings us to the edge of the Stan Price Brown Bear Sanctuary, where we load up into stable 2-person sea kayaks. After a kayak lesson, we paddle a mile to the sanctuary. A short beach walk brings us to the edge of Pack Creek, where we hope to see brown bears as they feast on salmon. We also may hike 1.5 miles to the bear observation tower on upper Pack Creek.

Although this is an easy trip and absolutely no experience is necessary, you must be prepared for kayaking, hiking, and inclement weather. There are no facilities of any kind. Admiralty Island is pure wilderness.

Trips depart on select dates in June, July and August. Price: $475/person. Includes Pack Creek permit and floatplane charters.

"The day at Pack Creek was one of the most remarkable and awesome experiences in my life."
- Al Gilens

TWO AND ONE-HALF DAY

You will not easily forget the "Fortress of the Bears" once you have camped under its lush canopy, paddled sea kayaks along its shores, explored its ancient forests, and watched its brown bears feasting on migrating salmon. We begin the morning of day one with an orientation meeting in downtown Juneau. We then head to the airport, where we board floatplanes for a scenic flight down the Inside Passage to Admiralty Island, landing on a secluded beach. After lunch and a kayak lesson, we will begin exploring this fascinating wilderness.

We will set up camp a few miles from the sanctuary. You may find time to walk the beach, view the diverse marine and bird life, or just gaze across the inlet to the stunning coastal mountains while your guides cook a fresh and delicious dinner. The next morning we rise early and prepare for our visit to the Stan Price Brown Bear Sanctuary at Pack Creek. Paddling toward the world of the brown bear is a superb way to experience the entire ecosystem. We will spend a full day watching for bears. We hope to see several bears, including family groups with playful cubs. Bears are best viewed at the mouth of Pack Creek, but we may also take the beautiful forest hike to the observation tower on the upper river where bears may be fishing right below us.

After another night in our wilderness campsite, we will have a relaxing morning until our floatplane takes us on another beautiful flight over the northern end of Admiralty Island and back to Juneau. We will arrive in Juneau by noon, and the trip ends with a transfer to your hotel or other destination.