
Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau worth booking?
Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau is a 7-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $1,119 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 34 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (34)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $1,119 per person
Come join us for an unforgettable brown bear viewing adventure at the renowned at Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. Your day kicks off with a breathtaking 25-minute floatplane flight to Pack Creek. Known as the "Fortress of the Bears," Admiralty Island holds the Tlingit name Kootznoowoo, and it lives up to its title with an impressive brown bear population of approximately 1,800. Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome from the dedicated rangers of Pack Creek. Afterwards, you'll tread the same paths as the bears, exploring the shoreline and forest trails that lead to prime brown bear viewing spots. From the banks of Pack Creek, you'll have the incredible opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat, whether they're engaged in salmon fishing or enjoying a nap in the tall grass. Brown bears are most active during mating season (late May - June) and annual salmon runs (late July - August). Kayaking is included in the tour from June 20th to July 20th due to limited bear activity.
What you get
About this experience
Come join us for an unforgettable brown bear viewing adventure at the renowned at Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. Your day kicks off with a breathtaking 25-minute floatplane flight to Pack Creek. Known as the "Fortress of the Bears," Admiralty Island holds the Tlingit name Kootznoowoo, and it lives up to its title with an impressive brown bear population of approximately 1,800. Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome from the dedicated rangers of Pack Creek. Afterwards, you'll tread the same paths as the bears, exploring the shoreline and forest trails that lead to prime brown bear viewing spots. From the banks of Pack Creek, you'll have the incredible opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat, whether they're engaged in salmon fishing or enjoying a nap in the tall grass. Brown bears are most active during mating season (late May - June) and annual salmon runs (late July - August). Kayaking is included in the tour from June 20th to July 20th due to limited bear activity.
What's included
Included
- Certified guide
- National Park fees
- All necessary equipment
- Rain gear, jackets and rubber boots provided - please advise supplier of sizing
- Lunch, Hearty Snacks, and water
- Round-trip transportation via van and floatplane
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Above & Beyond Alaska
Our warehouse location is available for luggage storage, bathrooms, and resources.
60 minutes here
Pack Creek
The Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island is home to the densest concentration of brown bears in the world. Come join us for exploring this "Fortress of the Bears" in remote wild Alaska.
360 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Above and Beyond Alaska
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to aircraft restrictions, there is a 250lbs per person weight limit on this tour. All passenger weights need to be provided at time of booking.
- Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Bear Sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!
- Participants must be fit enough to hike 1-2 miles through the wilderness.
- The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a wilderness area with no facilities, restrooms, or shelter on site. All garbage and waste must be packed out.
- All participants must agree to follow all guide and ranger direction, always stay with the group, store all food items in designated bear proof lockers, and keep all personal belongings on their person.
- Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
- This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough how important it is to dress appropriately.
- RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
34 verified traveler reviews for Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bears galore at Pack Creek
We had a wonderful day at Pack Creek surrounded by bears! Kayly took such good care of us, the weather was perfect and we learnt a lot about the coastal bears and how to interact with them. This was a trip that we had been looking forward to for a long time and Pack Creek delivered!
Response from the operator: We're so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time at Pack Creek learning about and viewing the bears! Thank you for your kind words, hope we can host you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Pack Creek Bear Excursion Juneau, Alaska
Kelsey our guide was very knowledgable, professional, friendly, and most importantly fun! We had a wonderful experience from the float plane flown by Bo to the guided bear viewing areas by Kelsey. We highly recommend the bear excursion as an activity while in Juneau, Alaska. Great job ladies!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to our team. Thank you for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Juneau someday!
via Tripadvisor
No bears
I'm convinced that the guides knew in advance that we wouldn't see any bears. Or that, even if we did, they'd be too far away. They shouldn't offer this activity—which is so expensive—knowing that the chances of seeing bears during these months are so slim. But since the advertising on their website is so misleading, we fell for it like fools.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience at Pack Creek did not meet your expectations. Wildlife viewing is inherently unpredictable, and while we always hope for incredible bear encounters, sightings can vary greatly depending on natural conditions and animal behavior. We understand how disappointing it can be to invest in a special experience and not see the wildlife you hoped for. Our goal is always to provide an authentic and respectful opportunity to experience Alaska’s bears in their natural habitat, while being transparent that sightings cannot be guaranteed. We appreciate you sharing your perspective, and we’ll continue working to ensure our tour information accurately reflects the experience and the realities of wildlife viewing.
via Tripadvisor
Great trip - highly recommend
Great experience, first time in a float plane and seeing the landscape at altitude <1,000 feet was amazing. Guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. Would add this to your itinerary for sure. Only saw 1 bear from a distance, but that’s nature for you. Some others on a separate trip saw many more and closer.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed your first float plane experience and had the chance to take in the incredible Alaskan landscape from above. We appreciate your kind words about our team and their knowledge and passion for the area. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but we’re grateful you were able to experience a glimpse of these amazing animals in their natural habitat. We hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another unforgettable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Kelsey + Pack Creek Bears = Great tour!
It's better to go when the salmon are running and you can see more bears, but our awesome and extremely knowledgeable guide Kelsey made the trip worthwhile. I'd also like to give a shout-out to all the AK Fish & Game and NFS staff that help keep Pack Creek safe for us and wild for the bears.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re glad to hear that your experience was made special by our team’s knowledge and passion for Pack Creek. Wildlife encounters are always unpredictable, and we appreciate your understanding that every visit offers a unique experience. We also appreciate you recognizing the incredible work of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and U.S. Forest Service staff who help protect this special place and preserve it. We hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another unforgettable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Above and Beyond Alaska, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.4.
See everything Above and Beyond Alaska runsWhy this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau cost?
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Prices start at $1,119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
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Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
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May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?
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Included: Certified guide; National Park fees; All necessary equipment; Rain gear, jackets and rubber boots provided - please advise supplier of sizing; and Lunch, Hearty Snacks, and water. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Juneau. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?
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Across 34 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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