SPASSKI RIVER VALLEY WILDLIFE AND BEAR SEARCH
On this approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion, you’ll venture deep into the wilderness of Chichagof Island to search for coastal brown bears. A guided walk along forest paths offers the chance to learn more about local flora and fauna as you look out for bears and any other wildlife that might be present.
Excursion Details
Your adventure through Alaska, lasting around two and a half hours, starts with a brief walk to your vehicle, followed by a roughly 45-minute narrated drive through the Tlingit community of Hoonah. Your destination is the remote Spasski River Valley, a prime area for spotting coastal brown bears, since Chichagof Island boasts one of the highest concentrations of these animals in the world. The region is also home to an array of other wildlife, both in the skies and on the ground.
Your bear-spotting quest begins with a guided walk of around one hour, leading you along forest paths and boardwalks to three viewing platforms beside the Spasski River. From these spots, patient observation can result in viewings of bears roaming through the woodland or even fishing for salmon in the water – but please note that sightings of bears and any other wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Whether you spot a bear or simply witness signs of their presence, this journey provides a rare opportunity to follow the paths of these wonderful animals and have a closer look at their world. The excursion then concludes with a drive of about 35 minutes back to Icy Strait Point.
Important Information: Guests must be able to walk on uneven terrain without assistance for approximately 0.5 miles. No food is permitted on this tour. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests dress in layers. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed
