Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau

Travelers eager to see Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat often look for experiences that combine adventure, genuine wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery. The Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing tour offered by Above and Beyond Alaska promises just that, with a carefully curated mix of scenic floatplane flights, expert guiding, and prime bear viewing during the salmon run. While it’s not a tour for the faint of heart or those seeking guaranteed wildlife sightings, it delivers a truly immersive wilderness experience that’s hard to match.

What we adore about this tour are its expert guides, the remote beauty of Waterfall Creek, and the authenticity of being in a true Alaskan wilderness. We also appreciate the all-inclusive nature—from gear to transport to a hearty lunch. The main consideration? It’s a physically demanding experience with a small group size, so travelers should be comfortable with hiking and wilderness conditions. This tour suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who want a genuine glimpse of Alaska’s wild side.

Good To Know

• Unique location: Waterfall Creek offers exceptional brown bear viewing during salmon season.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides increase your chances of seeing bears and provide photography tips.
• All-inclusive: Gear, transportation, permits, and meals are covered, simplifying the experience.
• Remote setting: No facilities on site; packed waste is required to keep the environment pristine.
• Small group size: Max of five travelers ensures a personal, less intrusive wildlife encounter.
• Physically active: Expect to hike 1-2 miles through rugged terrain, suited for moderate fitness.

An Overview of the Experience

This six-hour adventure begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and gear outfitting in Juneau, where guides set expectations and prepare you for the wilderness. Afterward, you’ll hop into a scenic floatplane—a highlight in itself—flying over the stunning landscapes of the Tongass National Forest toward the remote Waterfall Creek. As you glide over lush forests and rugged coastlines, prepare to be wowed by the views and possibly some marine wildlife sightings below.

Landing at Waterfall Creek feels like entering a completely different world. This less-visited area is a prime spot for brown bears during the salmon run, which peaks from late July through August. Your guide will direct you to the best vantage points for both viewing and photography, often along the rocky shoreline. The key here is to stay quiet, still, and respectful, allowing the bears to go about their natural routines—something we saw mentioned in reviews, where groups reported that the guides’ expertise significantly enhanced their chances of spotting bears.

Most of your time ashore is spent seated and observing, with the guides continually scanning for movement. While close encounters are possible, the goal is to observe bears safely and ethically. Guides like Katie and Chuck are often praised for their depth of knowledge and personalized approach, making the experience both educational and exciting.

After several hours soaking in the sights of bears in action, you’ll hike back to your floatplane for the return flight to Juneau. The return journey offers one last chance to enjoy the wilderness views from above, often leaving guests with memorable photos and stories.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Above and Beyond Alaska
This initial stop involves gear fitting and safety orientation, a crucial step to ensure everyone is prepared for the wilderness. You’ll also meet your guides here, who are trained to handle the rugged conditions of Waterfall Creek. This part is straightforward but vital, especially for those unfamiliar with outdoor safety in remote areas.

Stop 2: Tongass National Forest & Floatplane Flight
The flight itself is a highlight—lasting about 30 minutes, it offers sweeping views of Alaska’s dense forests, rugged coastlines, and possibly marine wildlife like whales or sea lions. Guides encourage you to keep your camera ready, as the scenery below can be just as captivating as what you’ll see ashore.

Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing
Once landed, your focus is on spotting bears amidst the salmon-filled waters and rocky shoreline. This part lasts around four hours, where patience and silence are rewarded by the chance to see bears fishing, resting, or even mothers with cubs. The guides are skilled at positioning you at the best spots for photography, respecting the bears’ space but ensuring you don’t miss the action.

Return Flight & Reflection
Hiking back to the floatplane involves a moderate 1-2 mile trek over uneven terrain, requiring a decent level of fitness. The flight back offers one final perspective on the vast wilderness, often creating a sense of awe that stays with guests long after the tour concludes.

What’s Included and Practical Considerations

This experience covers nearly everything—equipment, transportation, permits, meals, and safety gear—making it a seamless day out. Rain gear, jackets, and rubber boots are provided, essential for the often wet and cool Alaskan weather. Lunch, hearty snacks, and water keep you fueled during your time ashore.

The small group size—limited to five travelers—ensures personalized attention and a quieter wildlife viewing environment. However, this also means the tour operates only with a minimum of four participants, so flexible plans are advisable if your group is small.

It’s worth noting that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed—bears are wild animals with their own schedules. The guides’ expertise and the timing during salmon runs significantly boost your chances, but patience is key. Several reviews mention that even if bears are elusive, the scenery and guides’ knowledge make the experience worthwhile.

The Value of This Adventure

At $1,099 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s priced to reflect its exclusivity and level of immersion. Transportation, permits, gear, and meals are included, which normally would be separate expenses. The floatplane flight alone is a memorable part of the experience—offering stunning aerial views that add to the overall value.

Compared to other wildlife tours, this one’s focus on remote, authentic bear viewing sets it apart. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize nature encounters over convenience and are comfortable with outdoor activity. If you’re after guaranteed sightings, this tour might be a gamble; but if you’re hunting for the chance to see brown bears in a pristine setting, it’s an ideal choice.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience will appeal most to adventure-minded travelers with a moderate fitness level who value authentic wildlife encounters. Nature enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of hiking and rugged conditions will find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for those looking to combine scenic flights with wildlife observation in one day.

It’s less suited for anyone with mobility issues, pregnant travelers, or those expecting a luxury, facilities-rich experience. Nonetheless, it offers a rare chance to witness Alaska’s wilderness in its purest form, guided by expert professionals who prioritize safety and respect for the environment.

Final Thoughts

The Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and wildlife watching, crafted by guides who know how to maximize your chances of seeing bears while respecting their space. The remote setting and floatplane journey promise a memorable day in the Alaskan wilderness, perfect for those seeking an authentic, hands-on experience.

While the cost is significant, the inclusion of transportation, permits, gear, and meals provides good value for what’s on offer. Just remember, Alaska’s wild creatures aren’t on a schedule, so patience and flexibility will lead to the most rewarding moments. If you’re after a true wilderness adventure that combines scenic flying, hiking, and wildlife viewing, this tour should be high on your list.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation via van and floatplane is included, making the logistics straightforward and stress-free.

What should I wear for the tour?
Rain gear, jackets, and rubber boots are provided, but it’s wise to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in variable weather.

How physically demanding is the hike?
You’ll hike about 1-2 miles through rugged terrain, so moderate fitness is recommended to comfortably handle the terrain and elevation changes.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, as these are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, guides’ expertise and timing during salmon runs generally improve your chances.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of five travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Can children participate?
The minimum age is 12 years old, making it suitable for older children and teens comfortable with outdoor activities.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe by guides, in which case it may be canceled or rescheduled.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, because of the inherent risks involved, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.

How long is the overall tour?
The total duration is approximately six hours, including prep, flight, time ashore, and return.

This Waterfall Creek brown bear viewing experience is perfect for those who crave a genuine wilderness adventure with the chance to see Alaska’s iconic bears in action. It’s an opportunity to venture off the beaten path, guided by experts, in a landscape that remains largely untouched by human development.