If you or anyone in your party have mobility issues, up to and including a wheelchair, please contact us. Contact an authorized guide directly to arrange permit and passage to Anan Wildlife Observatory. Truly amazing. There is an enclosed viewing area probably 8 feet above the creek. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Observe Bears in Their Natural Environment. This photo blind is perfectly situated for up-close, eye-level photography. Permits are not required outside of the July 5th -August 25th peak season. Our Anan trips begin with an hour-long jetboat ride through the Back Channel, a scenic waterway separating Wrangell Island from the mainland. Downtown City Dock Summer float (in front of the Stikine Inn) or other pre-arranged location. Brown and black bears congregate at Anan Creek naturally for feeding and are easily viewed from multiple vantage points at the observatory. The guides and captain were all very Generally, there are three Rangers working at the Observatory, but they arent guides. I want to return another day. Please call for more information. People from around the world have come to enjoy the unique experience Anan offers. Trekking poles are available upon request, but guests must be able to walk well. Marvel at the sight of wild brown and black bears, soaring eagles, playful seals, and other fascinating wildlife, all feasting on the bountiful salmon run. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, & humerous! The island is a rain forest. wanted. We will do everything we can to make sure we are all prepared for a safe and engaging trek. You can hire a guiding service, but that is completely separate from the rangers. The day was rainy but that didnt make a difference we saw plenty of bears, cubs, bears catching fish and eating them, cubs, bears nursing cubs, bears up close, Eagles and a bear fight. They are available at the trailhead, or you can call ahead of time. Worth every penny to have this premiere Alaskan experience! Enjoy this extended Stikine River Tour where we traverse the Stikine River and behold the majestic sights AND spend some time at Chief Shakes Hot Springs Tubs or make a run to the Border, U.S./Canada. Anan Creek is home to the largest run of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska. We often depart Wrangell early for better lighting and increased opportunity in the photo blind (a location to get up-close photos of the bears). Also, saw eagles and other wildlife. Book today! Anan is located in Tongass National Forest (35 miles from Wrangell, Alaska), which is accessible only by boat or floatplane. Well get underway in one of our custom built tour vessels that are covered, heated, and comfortable. There is no dock so you will need enough mobility to step off the boat (we have steps and a crew members hand to help). This was our third trip to SE Alaska and finally got to visit the bear reserve in Anan. Infants or toddlers are strongly discouraged at Anan, due to the unpredictability of bear behavior around infant sounds/smells. If you manage to snag permits by yourself (if you go with one of the companies you don't need to arrange your own permits) you still need to hire a boat or plane for transportation. The various wildlife have little regard for the people watching them, and most fish within a few feet of the observation deck, allowing priceless picture opportunities. Your tour departs in a covered and heated jet boat from City Dock in Wrangell, Alaska and travel 35 miles via the Eastern Passage to the AnAn trailhead. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. AnAn Bear and Wildlife Observatory offers an excellent, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view and photograph Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat. All this activity makes for exciting viewing and photography. Along the way there are occasional footbridges, these can be slippery on the outermost edges, please stay in the textured middle. Youll enjoy our easy-going pace while your guide tells you more about Anan, its history, ecosystem, and wildlife. A photo blind is located directly on AnAn Creek below the observation deck where guests can take up-close photos of the bears and eagles catching fish. Eric is the owner of Breakaway Adventures and he is a wonderful, helpful guy. Attached to the main viewing platform via a stairway (about 35 stairs) is a blind or hide near the creek level right next to one of the bears favorite fishing holes. and a mama brown bear and her two cubs. Obtaining a permit: Anan permits are reserved through www.recreation.gov or their toll free number 1-800-877-444-6777. Amazing trip! Experience the breathtaking Alaskan landscape in small, intimate groups, where youll have ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty and power of nature. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Copyright 2020 Alaska Vistas - All Rights Reserved. About Getting There Photos Contact The Bears A black bear and her cub. The guides pointed out the wildlife, talked about the vegetation of the region, and were very pleasant. It is also one of the few places in the world where black and brown bears share the same fishing spot. If you are visiting Wrangell, this trip needs to be on the top of your list! Safely witness brown and black bears up close as they feed in their natural environment, Observe other Alaskan wildlife, such as seals, eagles, ravens and more, Learn about these majestic creatures and the ecosystem they are a part of from your local expert guide, This tour is offered from July through August, *Daily availability varies, please click the Book Now button to check availability for specific days, *We welcome individuals, however we do require a combined minimum of 2 guests for the tour to depart. Have you actually contacted the boat tour companies in Wrangell or the float plane operators in Ketchikan? Please be sure to go there! In addition, the photo blind located at the wildlife observatory is accessed through a stairway that is equivalent to three stories high. Get the additional experience to explore downtown Petersburg in Alaska after you view the magnificent LeConte Glacier! 5.5 Hour Tour | June-August | Spots limited. This payment may be charged 24 hours before the departure of your tour. Our tour was top-notch. A wide variety of fish-eating animals are attracted to the seasonal abundance. Improve this listing All photos (258) Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. The abundance of salmon attracts large concentrations of black bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, and a number of brown bears to feed. Whats Different About Alaska Charters And Adventures, Give us a call to check availability or if you have any questions, contact us for more information about this tour, Water (to minimize waste, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water container), You will have access to binoculars, maps, and walking sticks. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Those with a fear of heights or balance issues may be concerned with the steep hills that occasionally appear on the side of the boardwalk. Zach was very professional and very informative. I dont think that you could find a more beautiful setting, this is a great opportunity to see a perfectly intact ecosystem with the potential to see wildlife along the way. more, Ketchikan Private Family Tour! You can visit the Anan Bear Observatory and get up close with the majestic giants. Its not unusual for us to see wildlife along the way! The blind can accommodate up to 5 people at a time. He took our parents, our kids, my husband and me to Anan from Wrangle to visit the bears feasting on Salmon. Lunch can be ordered in the reservation cart. The trail winds through the rainforest, along a lagoon on a boardwalk with steps. Dont be surprised if you see a bear along the way, dont worry your experienced and capable guide will handle this. Tour Details Price US $395 Departure time Typically 7: AM. As we cruise back, we will share some of the interesting sites along the way. We saw both Black and Brown bears when we were there. Go with our expertly guided, very small groups on a full day unhurried tour. Thanks! The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Get this experience only in Wrangell, Alaska. Behold the LeConte Glacier or hop on an Alaska Jet Boat for a river ride. $345 per person plus 7% tax. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Absolutely brilliant trip, the best of our three week Alaska visit. Map showing recreational areas. 2 people minimum, 6 maximum per vessel and guide Call us for all other options. Depart Wrangell for a one hour boat ride, where you will debark at the Anan shoreline for the mile trail walk to the observation deck. 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. You will have just over a mile if you add up the walk-in and walk back out at the end of the day, so be sure youre capable of that. View black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals in their natural habitat while they feed on spawning pacific salmon mere feet from AnAn Creek's observation deck on this truly breathtaking tour. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts. We will confirm your departure time. This is no longer allowed. When we arrived at the glacier we were the only boat there. This Trail has just been recently improved. 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. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Mainland, 31 miles SE from Wrangell at Anan Bay across Ernest Sound from SE corner of Wrangell Island. I cant say enough about how wonderful Alaska Vistas was and Id recommend a trip with them to anyone who asked. Anan Creek Bear Observatory (Wrangell) - Tripadvisor If you continue browsing, you agree to our use of cookies. Read full testimonial. permitted to operate in the Tongass National Forest. Only persons who will not use any type of commercial service at Anan (those arriving with their own means of transportation and visiting without any hired escort) should purchase permits on recreation.gov. Wrangell, AK 99929. We will stay on-site as long as the US Forest Service will allow and dedicate the entire schedule to your specific objectives and agenda. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Everyone on the boat cried out in amazement. by the way, Sylvia is a major force behind Wrangell's annual Bearfest and also organizes the marathon/half marathon/5k. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. AnAn Creek has the earliest Pink Salmon run of the season, drawing Alaskas predators to fish within close parameters of each other, a rare occurrence in the wild. Everyone was extremely professional and wonderfully attentive. Exclusive Alaskan Wilderness & Wildlife Tours. Board the boat for a casual and fun voyage back to Wrangell. Anan is a world class bear viewing site. If you continue browsing, you agree to our use of cookies. Light rain gear is great to have along as the weather conditions can change throughout the day. At the trailhead, you will also find an outhouse. Camera or cell phone with well-charged batteries. Safety: You will be met at the trailhead by Forest Service personnel during the peak viewing season. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. Our guides are trained to identify the different bears, anticipate their actions, and manage encounters. The 12 private daily permits for the season become available on recreation.gov on February 1st at 8 am (AKST). 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. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Read our, Boat Tours, Hiking & Camping Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Photography Tours. Both days were spectacularly guided and enhanced by years of local experience. We were advised to plan our trip for the beginning of August to make sure the salmon would be in the streams. Its very exciting and beautiful. In general, it would be hard to find a better-quality trail in the rainforest. They check permits and will brief you on trail conditions and safety. Our professional guides will lead you on a half-mile journey through the sanctuary on a well-maintained trail (see below for more details). Also on the return journey a brown bear swimming. knowledgeable about the area, wildlife, and plant life., Alaska Charters and Adventures 1003 Case Ave, PO Box 1996 Wrangell, AK 99929 Anan Creek Wildlife Viewing Site At a Glance - US Forest Service 98% of travellers recommend this experience. Tongass National Forest - Anan Wildlife Observatory Site Find gear lists, birding tips, and general advice. View black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals while they feed on spawning pacific salmon mere feet from AnAn Creek's observation deck. John and Sandra Anan Creek, located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell on the Tongass National Forest, supports one of the largest pink salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. During the salmon run, more than a hundred bears may come to the cold waters of the creek to eat their fill, and because the bears are interested only in the fattiest parts of the fish, theres plenty left for other animals: bald eagles, ravens, otters, harbor seals, and more. Anan Bears - Alaska Vistas Click here to Learn more about tours & trips, Click here to Learn more about bears of anan experience, Click here to Learn more about leconte glacier tour / includes petersburg, Click here to Learn more about stikine river/john muir adventure, Click here to Learn more about banana point pickup, Click here to Learn more about banana point drop off, Click here to Learn more about leconte glacier tour, Click here to Learn more about stikine river extended john muir tour, Click here to Learn more about extreme wrangell jet boat adventure, Click here to Learn more about view all tours and trips, Click here to Learn more about rad power e-bike rental, Click here to Learn more about all rentals, Click here to Learn more about water taxi, Click here to Learn more about about breakaway adventures, Click here to Learn more about contact us, Click here to email info@breakawayadventures.com, Click here to view location 104 Front Street An excellent place to watch bears. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. While at the observatory, you have the opportunity to observe black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals feast on the pacific pink salmon. Visitors arrive either with a personal boat/floatplane or use a guide service. Book your glacier tour to have fun while touring in Wrangell, Alaska. Yesterday, August 3 2018 we went on a tour with Muddy Waters Adventures to Anan Bear Observatory, it was fantastic. Book today! Access requires special permits that are very limited in number for each viewing day. We had a great guide, a pleasant boat trip and felt it was incredible value for the money. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Book our Banana Point Pickup Express if you need transportation between Wrangell and Petersburg OR Petersburg and Wrangell. Your tour departs in a covered and heated jet boat from City Dock in Wrangell, Alaska and travel 35 miles via the Eastern Passage to the AnAn trailhead. Time slots for the photo blind cannot be scheduled prior to arrival at the observation deck. Then we got to the icebergs. This boat/ hike trip is highly recommended. Authorized guiding companies must be used to provide transportation and support while visiting the site. The bears gather where the fish pool together, attempting to leap over the falls. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. We will confirm your departure time. Read our. It was a stunning sight. Anan Bears Tour | Alaska Charters and Adventures | Wrangell This tour is a photographers paradise and an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. This is where bears often gather for feeding and with multiple spots for viewing at the observatory, you wont miss a thing! If you have mobility issues that dont allow you to walk the trail, please let us know and we can adjust the tour slightly to accommodate your needs. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Hop on one of our water taxis today! The Anan Wildlife Observatory is located 30 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell. Alaska Bear Viewing | Wrangell, AK | Muddy Water Adventures The bears enjoy utilizing the trail as much as we do, thus guides manage the guests to allow a bear to pass by. Spend your day soaking in this amazing place in the towering rainforest adjacent to a salmon-filled stream. Alaskan bear viewing has never been easier. Bears were plentiful. Anan was unique because the large amount of salmon available made it possible to have several clans sharing one fish camp. Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Anan Creek Bear Observatory, Wrangell: Address, Phone Number, Anan Creek Bear Observatory Reviews: 5/5. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591, Phone:907-225-3101 The action occurs from mid-July to late August. PO Box 1978 AnAn Bear Observatory - Review of Breakaway Adventures Day Tours The bears have their own personalities; some are tolerant of people, where others are not. Alaska Waters | Wilderness Adventure Tours in Wrangell, Alaska Youll have the freedom to relax and move around the deck as you wish. The Anan Wildlife Observatory is located 30 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell. Can we be picked up from the cruise ship and what time do you suggest ? The bear viewing and hike to get there were Upon arriving at our stop in Tongass National Forest, well walk a 1/2 mile on the forest trail to get to the observatory. Any suggestions? See Alaskas majestic giants up close. on official, secure websites. Limited permits are available for this Anan bear tour so book early. The viewing platform is perfectly placed on a bluff above the bears favorite fishing hole. Just a short distance by boat, the USFS established an observatory specifically for bear viewing at Anan Creek. Parties larger than 10 are permitted, but must be split into 2 groups. Each way is a little over a half a mile long trail and it has been recently upgraded from a narrow boardwalk with hundreds of steps to a nice gravel pathway with only a handful of steps. 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. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Anan Wildlife Observatory visits are highly sought after. The viewing platform overlooks a small waterfall. It was an all day trip with Sylvia captaining the boat, and Robert and Bruce guiding the group up to the viewing area. Bears of Anan Experience Wrangell, AK | Breakaway Adventures It was the most fantastic trip ever. Book Bear Tour Leconte Glacier Excursion You can expect us to recognize your individual interests, limitations, and expectations. Feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy on the boat ride back to town, but please keep in mind that for safety reasons, food is not permitted on the trail or at the observatory. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? 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. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Rangers were helpful and knowledgeable. On this fully-guided tour you may also have the chance to watch as these striking creatures feed on the massive run of pink salmon in the creek its quite the sight! Bottled water is allowed. United States government. Youll need good raingear and boots and drinking water. Fascinating to watch bears in the wild. Its amazing to see them grab a fish out of the river, quickly kill it and then take it into the woods, seemingly to enjoy their meal in peace. The bears are habituated to human presence on the viewing platform, so they simply go about their business of eating and getting fat for the winter. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A day pack is great for keeping your gear together. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. When we arrive at the viewing platform, plan on settling in here for an extended stay of bear viewing and photography. Every year, from early July into mid-August, as many as 300,000 salmon return to spawn in Anan Creek. Sightseeing Tours & Water Taxis | Wrangell & Beyond, Watch Bears Up Close in Alaskas Tongass National Forest, Previous Guests Rave About Muddy Water Adventures, Check Out Our Other Tours Around Wrangell, TripAdvisor Home Page (opens in a new tab), TripAdvisor Location Page (opens in a new tab), beautiful vistas with a sense of adventure, TripAdvisor Reviews For Location Page (opens in a new tab), TripAdvisor Write a Review Page (opens in a new tab), contact us for smaller or longer tour requests, Food for before and after the observatory stop (food is not permitted on the trail or at the observatory).