We are going back to Anan in July 2011. Although the brown bears and the black bears co-exist, they do it from a sizeable distance. Besides a heating fuel you have to bring mats or air mattresses, sleeping bags, food, water, dishes, camp stove, fuel. This is important bc if you are with others then you may need to follow their schedule. Worth every penny to have this premiere Alaskan experience! One may grab a salmon, take a couple of big bites, dip into the creek a few times, then nosh on it again or take it into a nearby cave. We'd love to show you this part of Alaska, we specialize in customized trips for you. Improve this listing All photos (258) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Traitors Cove Bear Viewing 31 Recommended We have our permits, but can't find any transport from Ketchikan or Wrangell (not connected with a cruiseship). Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks. Yes it's out of the way for the not so adventurous but if you don't want adventure why did you come to Alaska? Anan Creek Bear Observatory - Tripadvisor Truly amazing. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. She also was very saddened by those young (and older) people who use tobacco in any form, as it raises the risk for all types of cancer and other diseases. The bears have adapted to human presence on the viewing platform, so they simply go about their business of eating, getting ready for the winter. The cost to get in is $10.00. Call Alaska waters and tell them what you want and they will do it. This was such a treat to be able to watch and observe the bears in their natural habitat feasting on the salmon from the river! Once you are waved on to the viewing platform you will see bears galore foraging for food from the fast moving creel waterfall. Brenda was great! Meeting point Downtown City Dock - Summer float (in front of the Stikine Inn) or other pre-arranged location. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, Alaska Wildlife | Ketchikan Guide Next time we're back in Ketchikan, we're booking another fishing trip with Family Air Tours. - Steph L. Family Air tours, LLC operates under permits from the USDA Forest Service and is an equal opportunity service provider. Has anyone been to either of these places on these dates? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-29900380', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vancouver afterwards. If you come with a tour company, the cost is around $350.00 which includes a guide and transportation. Access is via float plane, or ,less commonly, boat, and. So lucky you got tickets--it's an amazing experience! The guides pointed out the wildlife, talked about the vegetation of the region, and were very pleasant. We had excellent services from Alaska Charters and Adventures. Can you tell us what tour company you used for this excursion? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Good trail behavior suggestions include: Restrictions: Due to bear activity from June 15 to September 15 annually, the following restrictions apply by Forest Order: The Anan Wildlife Observatory consists of a covered viewing shelter, decks, photo blind and an outhouse. For my trip in July 2022 the tour guides only booked through the cruise lines. This little park is very beautiful with ponds, river, and fish hatchery. Is most of the bear viewing done from above? Sylvia, John and the entire Alaska Vistas team are the best there is. Anan Creek Bear Observatory (Wrangell) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Web Design & Development by NORTH CREATIVE DESIGN CO., LLC / All Rights Reserved / Copyright 2021 / Ketchikan, Alaska. Is the only way to get to this observatory by boat or by a tour group? It was the highlight of our trip to Ketchikan. . Destinations: Ketchikan, Alaska - Royal Caribbean FB B Anan Creek is an area of rich history. I wish I could answer your question about which place is best for viewing. The trail to the observatory winds through the rainforest, along a lagoon on a boardwalk with steps. Anan creek, part of this attraction.It is the draw to get the bears to show up.It is one of the earliest & largest pink salmon runs (also called (humpys or humpback) in Southeast Alaska & provides ideal habitat for over 250,000 of them. Besides a heating fuel you have to bring mats or air mattresses, sleeping bags, food, water, dishes, camp stove, fuel. You can also go camping in a pristine wilderness on a lake filled with wild trout at one of the U.S. Forest Service Cabins. Book Bear Tour. We watched bears fishing for salmon and playing in the stream. Rangers were helpful and knowledgeable. Season June 25 through September 5 Duration 7 to 9 hours We booked our Anan Creek Bear Observatory tour with Alaska Vistas based in Wrangell. There is a public use cabin where John stays. Ketchikan All In One. Our noise reduction headsets and intercom system enable you to clearly hear and talk with the pilot throughout the flight. Reservation availability for Anan Observatory is extremely limited after March 1st. My only complaint is the state has limited passes to go here (maybe 60 per day and open only a few months) and they are all given to tour companies. Anan Creek Bear Observatory 5 237 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Wrangell Nature & Wildlife Areas Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. Ultimately we want to go to the place with the best Bear Viewing- please advise. >>John- out of interest when did you visit Anan Creek? Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! ) or https:// means you've safely 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Hi, Gary. Was the highlight of Ketchikan! We were initially thinking of going to Traitors Cove as it is slightly cheaper and a shorter flight (my other half sometimes gets travel sick!!) Powered by Invision Community. Anan Creek Bear Observatory, Wrangell: See 237 reviews, articles, and 258 photos of Anan Creek Bear Observatory, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 8 attractions in Wrangell. Anan Wildlife Observatory - access in July - Alaska Forum We will be in Ketchikan for one day in late July and I am keen to go along to Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory to see the black bears fishing for salmon. Bear Viewing Tours in Ketchikan | Island Wings Air Service Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591, Phone:907-225-3101 Thanks. We went with Muddy Water Adventures and had a spectacular time. Whether its some of the best fly fishing in Southeast Alaska, breathtaking views of the Misty Fjords National Monument, or Bear Viewing at Anan Creek, Family Air would love to take you there. There is also a limit on how many people can be on the platform so that people activity doesn't disturb the feeding bears. Best time to visit Anan Wildlife Observatory Early July to Mid-August Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek Late July to Early September Neets Cove Late July to Early September Herring Cove Mid June to Early September Anan Wildlife Observatory Arguably, the best location for bear viewing in Alaska is at the Anan Wildlife Observatory. Just flight to Alan is longer-and we have only 10am-6pm in the port-and I would like also to have time to walk around the town. All guided trips are narrated. The water taxi cost $200/person and the cabin cost $35/night. Web Design & Development by NORTH CREATIVE DESIGN CO., LLC / All Rights Reserved / Copyright 2021 / Ketchikan, Alaska. We had been to Anan Creek over 10 years ago and it has been updated by the US Forest Service to be an even better and enjoyable experience. Tongass National Forest - Anan Wildlife Observatory Site There is a public use cabin where John stays. Tongass National Forest - News & Events - US Forest Service Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Many small groups came and left but we stayed. Every seat is a window seat, so there are equally stunning views from all sides. Thanks! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Board of Fisheries and Game: Actions & Activities, Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program, Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS), About the Division of Commercial Fisheries, Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP), Online General Season & Registration Permits, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishing Permits, CSIS Community Subsistence Information System, The Technical Papers and Special Publications Series, USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest; Wrangell Ranger District (907) 874-2323. The bounty of the summer salmon run supports the magnificent wildlife viewing at Anan. It is an extraordinary experience for the senses. In 1982 I wrote some resumes (mostly fiction) and convinced a fishing lodge in Alaska that I would make a good fishing guide and worked the next eight summers guiding in Alaska and goofing off in either Florida, Mexico or Washington during the winters. The guides pointed out the wildlife, talked about the vegetation of the region, and were very pleasant. Trips depart by floatplane from Ketchikan during the season. Zzhanna2000, March 28, 2022 in Alaska, Our HAL ship will be in Ketchikan on July28 from10am-6pm. Who do you book the tour with? We had been on Misty Fjord flights with her in the past and she suggested that we go see bears the next time. I visited Anan with Alaska Vistas on August 9, 2021. Close encounters with bears using the Anan Trail are not infrequent from June 15 to September 15. Its very exciting and beautiful. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Although many people come to see the bears at Anan, there is a lot more wildlife to see. We did a package deal for all three tours. Alaska Close Up with John as the guide Alaska Charters and Adventures. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. It is a short boat ride from there to Anan. I was there about July 8-10 in 2008 and July 7-10, 2010. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591. I hope to bring my wife there next summer, and you may be sure that we'll book with you. - L.M. It is acceptable but not the best. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. The Anan Wildlife Observatory consists of a covered viewing shelter, decks, photo blind and an outhouse. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Its very exciting and beautiful. Any suggestions? Once at Anan, we were able to stay the full amount of time allotted for the day and spent hour and hours with the bears, eagles, ravens, and thousands of salmon. Federal Building At the trailhead, you will also find an outhouse. That means the Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory is a paradise for bears. Either I don't feel that I grew up or can't really pick the place where it might have happened. I have found 3 locations Anan Wildlife Observatory; Traitors Cove and Neets Cove. We loved the flight and fly-fishing experience. Alaska Close Up with John as the guide Alaska Charters and Adventures. Call Alaska waters and tell them what you want and they will do it. There is an enclosed viewing area probably 8 feet above the creek. Alice died on July 4, 2006 from breast cancer that had spread throughout her body. Hi, Gary. Official websites use .gov A .gov Regards Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is a wonderful bare bone cabin with an outhouse. Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane-$489.95 -to Tongass National Forest This lack of escapement was very destructive to the Anan salmon population. I do know their season starts and ends later than Anan. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The only way to get there is by boat or float plane (there are some tours from Ketchikan that are by float plane). Let us know if you need transportation. If you have a chance to do this, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Anan Creek Bear Observatory 5 237 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Wrangell Nature & Wildlife Areas Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. At Anan Wildlife Observatory Reserve Now DESCRIPTION For over 20 years I have been flying customers, friends and family to Anan Creek to view the bears that congregate there to eat salmon in preparation for their winter snooze. 90% of travellers recommend this experience. After all, this is a rainforest. Thanks. Everyone was extremely professional and wonderfully attentive. It is also one of the few places in the world where black and brown bears share the same fishing spot. No water, no electricity. We watched bears fishing for salmon and playing in the stream. She also has three blogs which reach 30K +. John and Brenda Yeager are very knowledgeable and have small groups. I've been doing this for 14 years now, and find that it was a great decision, even though I still haven't found anyone to do all the work yet. We enjoyed watching bears in Anan fishing for salmon, eating, climbing trees, napping, mothers bringing tiny cubs who could hardly climb mossy rocks. Sylvia is a wealth of knowledge about the area and her tour stops at multiple places on the way down to Anan to see other wildlife, pictographs, ancient fishing traps, the geology of the area, and anything else people may be interested in. We were at Anan mid August, bears, bears everywhere, no Browns all Blacks, but I love ol Mr Black Bear (from behind a rail or a tour guide)! She doesnt just run you down and back to Anan. per adult. We have permits, but can't find a way to get there from Ketchikan or Wrangall-- any ideas? Fly with Us, Fly like Family. Enjoy the bears at Anan. I've been doing this for 20 years now, and find that it was a great decision, even though I still haven't found anyone to do all the work yet. The site features a covered viewing shelter, decks, a photo blind, and an outhouse. We will be in Ketchikan for the 31st July and 1st August and Island wings have said we can go to Traitors Cove on 1st August or Anan on the 31st July. My junior and senior high school years were spent in a small dairy farming community in upstate New York called Cobleskill. Share sensitive information only Would like to see more options and book not through cruise line. We signed up for a second time but did not use it as there was so much bear activity all around the platform that we could quickly move to new positions for picture taking. I went with family - we had five in the boat trip their. When people ask me where I grew up I usually respond, "I don't know". Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. You may also want to add on a flight through the Misty Fjords National Monument (weather permitting) for an additional $200.00 per person and adds approximately one half hour to the tour. Misty Fjords & Glacier Flightseeing Tours, Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory Tour, Island Wings Air Service | P.O. Areas off the Anan Trail and beyond the immediate vicinity of the Anan Bay Cabin are closed to foot traffic. The best place to see bears in Ketchikan is Herring Cove. An official website of the I have found 3 locations Anan Wildlife Observatory; Traitors Cove and Neets Cove. more, Ketchikan Private Family Tour! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Anan always hosts interesting birds as well, including bald eagles, gulls and American dippers. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It was a very unique experience and we will treasure the memories for years. Breakaway Adventures rents skiffs, canoes and kayaks for guided and unguided trips throughout the Stikine/LeConte Wilderness area and Anan Wildlife Observatory. Latitude: 56.179023 / Longitude: -131.883574. For your safety, some special cautions and restrictions are necessary. Everyone caught fish and our youngest (11 y/o) caught 6! Yes it's out of the way for the not so adventurous but if you don't want adventure why did you come to Alaska? No one in our group wanted to go back to the boat to have lunch. The grizzlies are there pretty much every day, but unless you spend a lot of time there, it is very possible you won't see them, as noted above. There is also a limit on how many people can be on the platform so that people activity doesn't disturb the feeding bears. I would call the companies that offer those excursions out of Wrangell to see if you can reserve a spot. Also ask them what is the best day to go to avoid the cruise liners. In August, during the peak of the pink run, as many as 10 bears may be feeding on the adult salmon above and below the fish ladder. It was an all day trip with Sylvia captaining the boat, and Robert and Bruce guiding the group up to the viewing area. For some reason she said yes and that's how I got here. One of the lodges had airplanes and I saw that the pilots lazed around, drinking coffee, while directing us guides to do their work, I thought, "I like coffee". 96% of travellers recommend this experience. We have decided to book Anan Creek through Island Wings, so going on a day trip. It was a very unique experience and we will treasure the memories for years. Bears wade into the stream, grab a fish, and then come back ashore. Some bears only 10 feet away, but totally safe. A permit system limits visitors to 60 per day. ( However, Island Wings have recommended Anan at this time? When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Sounds like you made a choice. 30 miles south of town, the observatory is only accessible by boat The Anan Wildlife Observatory is located 30 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell. The best time to see killer whales in Alaska is in May and June. Further, you pay for a cabin $35.00 per day plus $10.00 per person per day for a permit to get to the platform. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. The trail is in good shape and the new platform with outhouse is excellent. Once the tour is over, don't miss a chance to see the dozens of totem poles standing in Ketchikan and its nearby parks, including Totem Bight State Historical Park. 8. However, when I visited, when the brown bears arrived, the black ears scooted quickly away. I worked another two years as a pilot/guide and then nine years for Taquan Air in Ketchikan, Alaska, first as a line pilot, then as Chief Pilot, then as Director of Operations. Anan Wildlife Observatory Permits - Recreation.gov It is a short boat ride from there to Anan. There are also lots of reviews on TripAdvisor that you can look at. Itinerary Good to Know What to Expect Tour Details Price US $395 Departure time Typically 7: AM. When you go on this adventure you should wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring rain gear. It is estimated that 300,000 fish make their way up the creek to spawn and die. Anan Creek Bear Observatory 5 237 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Wrangell Nature & Wildlife Areas Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. website belongs to an official government organization in the We saw both Black and Brown bears when we were there. TTY:907-228-6222 Anan Creek Bear Observatory 5 237 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Wrangell Nature & Wildlife Areas Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. Alaska Travel Tips The Stikine Tlingit clans had summer fish camps here and used Anan Creeks large salmon spawning run to catch and preserve salmon for their winter food supply. In 1996 I called up Alice, who I had gone out with 13 years earlier when we were both working for Waterfall Resort on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. She was 53. I would go back again in a heartbeat, but it will certainly be at least a couple of years. We are going back to Anan in July 2011. Go to this website to see a few pictures. Alternatively, you may use, Gilmore Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/recreation/rec_facilities/ktnrec.shtml#anchor26832. She also was very saddened by those young (and older) people who use tobacco in any form, as it raises the risk for all types of cancer and other diseases. Hours more bear viewing than the day trippers (probably twice as much time) and literally the same price as the day trippers from Wrangell, and much less than the day trippers from Ketchikan. We signed up for the lower deck twice and the second time we stayed longer than one hour. (907) 247-1305 / info@familyairtours.comFly With Us Fly Like Family, Family Air would like to introduce the newest family member N6464P a DeHaviland Beaver, we can now take more of your family. Sign up for our 4-part email series to discover critical information for planning your ultimate Alaska vacation! We have gone with Island Wings in Ketchikan twice and had a fabulous time --- we went to Anan. <>. Visitors can watch bears feeding along Anan Creek from the Anan Wildlife Observatory. Neets Bay Bear Watch by Floatplane $469.95 -to Neets Bay Anan Wildlife Observatory - Bell's Travel Guides The Observatory is accessed by a half-mile partially surfaced trail with stairs from the Anan Trailhead. Alaska's Wildlife Viewing Tours. In 1982 I wrote some resumes (mostly fiction) and convinced a fishing lodge in Alaska that I would make a good fishing guide and worked the next eight summers guiding in Alaska and goofing off in either Florida, Mexico or Washington during the winters. Thank you-i have send request to Island Wings for Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory Tour. Brown bears also live in the area but are less visible. Bells Travel Guides. Is the only way to get to this observatory by boat or by a tour group? Have you actually contacted the boat tour companies in Wrangell or the float plane operators in Ketchikan? We will be delighted to see any Bears so defo won't be dissapointed if we didn't see any Grizzlies and "only" saw Black Bears. Photos on this site are courtesy of Jim Kelnhofer, Mike Beedell, Craig Flatten, Amy Gulik, Dave & Leah Alcyon, Chip Porter, Carla Tchalemian and Lisa Thompson. Who do you book the tour with? There is a sign up sheet that gives you about a 15 minute opportunity to view bears directly across the creek. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. We all miss her very much and I still think of Family Air as her creation as much as mine. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. This is fine in that you need the tour guides to get you there and they work in coordination with the rangers making it Informative and safe. If you are visiting Wrangell, this trip needs to be on the top of your list! - Review of Family Air Tours, Ketchikan, AK - Tripadvisor United States Alaska (AK) Ketchikan Ketchikan - Things to Do Family Air Tours Family Air Tours 195 Reviews #7 of 132 Outdoor Activities in Ketchikan Outdoor Activities, Tours, Air Tours 1285 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6135 Save It is a wonderful bare bone cabin with an outhouse. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. She encouraged others in their fight against cancer and reminded them that the survival rate is high for those with early detection. I cant say enough about how wonderful Alaska Vistas was and Id recommend a trip with them to anyone who asked. Australia. Fishing from the shore is allowed at the Anan trail head only. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You never know what will be waiting for you at Anan; Steller sea lions, wolves, and wolverines are a few species that have been spotted. $379.17. We hope to make your visit with us here in Ketchikan, Alaska one that will stay with you for a lifetime. per adult. One of the best locations for bear viewing is the Anan Wildlife Observatory. We have our permits, but can't find any transport from Ketchikan or Wrangell (not connected with a cruiseship). Family Air tours, LLC operates under permits from the USDA Forest Service and is an equal opportunity service provider. The flight is 30 to 40 minutes through the Tongass National Forest and along Behm Canal and Ernest Sound. If you are visiting Wrangell, this trip needs to be on the top of your list! Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour. The Anan Wildlife Observatory is located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell. Many thanks to our guests who've provided us with photos over the years. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Could anyone recommend whether Traitors Cove or Anan Creek is best for Bear Watching? If you can go here dont hesitate! Thanks! A 0.5 mile trail leads to a viewing platform. Anan Creek is accessible only by floatplane or boat, usually from charter companies in Wrangell or Ketchikan.It's a quick plane ride or a 45 minute boat ride from Wrangell . It was a terrific excursion. Anan Creek Bear Observatory - Tripadvisor This tour is perfect for families who are interested in learning more about the animals that make up the great state of Alaska! Only has flat wooden bunks, so you would need to bring sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Anan Creek Observatory is a must when in Ketchikan! We arrived at the platform before 9 am and departed after 3 pm. Thanks. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. We saw about a dozen black bears (and a tiny cub!) And which flight company we should use? Brown bears or black bears, it really didnt make that much difference to us. Or is the issue that everyone is booked? Anan Creek Bear Observatory - Tripadvisor Because of the heavy rainfall the creek was running higher than normal so the bears were having a tough time catching fish. Thanks very much to you both for your advice / info. Seals, Stellar sea lions, dolphins, and the occasional Orca whale feed on herring and smelt found along the route. The abundant seasonal food source that the salmon run provides attracts a variety of wildlife to the creek. We signed up for a second time but did not use it as there was so much bear activity all around the platform that we could quickly move to new positions for picture taking. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is MUCH cheaper to get to Anan from Wrangell than from Ketchikan. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. In 1975 I moved from New York City to Port Orchard, Washington and then to Bainbridge Island, Washington. If one is only there for a few hours (often 11am-2pm or so), there is obviously less chance than if someone is around from 8am until 6pm and/or for several days at a time. Phoenix, Arizona: Japanese Friendship Garden, Bells Up Winery: An Oregon Micro-Boutique Winery, Lively Vegan Cuisine That's Easy and Delicious, Please select this entire line, give the name to the link, choose "Blocks" tabon the right panel and change thelink. In 2001 I asked Alice if we could go into business for ourselves in a one plane/one pilot airtaxi (we had just bought a house so we had lots of free cash). Find Related Places . 99% of travellers recommend this experience. However, given its distance from Ketchikan and capacity limits, most cruise lines do not offer excursions here.