Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau
Juneau, United States

Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau

Outty Ranking 54 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $1,049
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau worth booking?

Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau is a 6-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $1,049 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
6 hours
From
$1,049 per person

Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation led by your experienced wilderness guide, followed by a captivating 30-minute floatplane flight to Chichagof Island. Touch down at the remote and lesser-known wilderness location of Waterfall Creek, a hidden gem that offers unparalleled brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, from late July to August. The primary viewing location is just a short stroll along the rocky shoreline. Brown bears may make an appearance at any moment while you're ashore. Your knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best vantage points for optimal viewing and photography. After several hours of absorbing the beauty of brown bear viewing, embark on a hike back to your awaiting floatplane, ready to transport you back to Juneau. This is an authentic Alaskan wilderness adventure! While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Waterfall Creek area rarely disappoints.

What you get

    About this experience

    Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation led by your experienced wilderness guide, followed by a captivating 30-minute floatplane flight to Chichagof Island. Touch down at the remote and lesser-known wilderness location of Waterfall Creek, a hidden gem that offers unparalleled brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, from late July to August. The primary viewing location is just a short stroll along the rocky shoreline. Brown bears may make an appearance at any moment while you're ashore. Your knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best vantage points for optimal viewing and photography. After several hours of absorbing the beauty of brown bear viewing, embark on a hike back to your awaiting floatplane, ready to transport you back to Juneau. This is an authentic Alaskan wilderness adventure! While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Waterfall Creek area rarely disappoints.

    What's included

    Included

    • Rain gear, jackets and rubber boots provided
    • Certified guide
    • All necessary equipment
    • Lunch, hearty snacks, and water
    • Souvenir water bottle (we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)
    • Round-trip transportation via van and floatplane
    • All required permits

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Gear outfitting & orientation, transport to the float pond

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Chichagof Island

      Floatplane flight to Chichagof Island, part of the Channel Island State Park. A view of Juneau and surrounding majestic wilderness like no other. Buckle up and enjoy your flight. Brown Bear Viewing at Waterfall Creek. Cache your food in the designated area!

    3. Tongass National Forest

      Begin your wilderness adventure with a scenic 30-minute floatplane flight. Be sure to have your camera ready as you glide over amazing landscapes and look out for marine wildlife below before touching down at Waterfall Creek. This is a relatively unknown, remote wilderness location that provides unmatched brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, late July-August. Brown bears may be seen at any time while ashore. The guide will direct to the best spots for viewing and photography. Groups will spend most time seated, quiet, and still to enhance the opportunities of seeing bears. While we do occasionally have close encounters, our goal is for the bears to ignore us and engage in their natural behaviors. After enjoying four hours of brown bear viewing, hike back to where your floatplane is waiting to whisk you back to Juneau. This is truly an Alaskan wilderness adventure!

      300 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
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    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 Waterfall 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

    Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau, photo 2Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau, photo 3Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau, photo 4Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing in Alaska, Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing JuneauWaterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing in Alaska, Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing JuneauWaterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing in Alaska, Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    kevincT8922AN · September 2026

    Bear viewing

    I went to Waterfall Creek last month with ABAK and had an amazing time. Kelsey is a great guide! She handled the close encounter with confidence

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you had an amazing time at Waterfall Creek and felt comfortable and confident throughout the experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to adventure with you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    T9304NEmelaniek · September 2026

    Beyond wonderful!

    Four of us were scheduled to take the Pack Creek bear viewing float plane, but we got held up because of fog. Above and Beyond offered us to go to Watercreek Falls instead. We all jumped at the chance and it was worth every minute. We spent a few hours sitting on the creek side near the bears. Our guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable and we saw several bears pulling salmon from the creek every few minutes. It was a once in a lifetime experience!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled that the change of plans led to such a memorable bear viewing adventure. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the close-up viewing and seeing the bears fishing for salmon. We truly appreciate you choosing Above & Beyond Alaska and are so glad the experience was a highlight of your trip!

    via Tripadvisor

    597suzanb · August 2026

    Once in a Lifetime Experience

    Kelsey was our guide and she was fantastic. Knowledgeable, warm and caring. She brought great ground chairs and we were able to comfortably sit and watch which was a real plus. We saw quite a few bears and the site was not crowded - only one other small group was there. Highly recommend -- truly a once in a lifetime experience!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a memorable bear viewing experience and enjoyed the comfortable setup and uncrowded viewing area. It’s wonderful to know our guide helped make the experience so special. We truly appreciate the recommendation!

    via Tripadvisor

    dalef595 · August 2026

    Best Bear Trip in Juneau

    This was my third time with ABAK and second time at Waterfall. Excellent bear viewing every tour I’ve taken. The excursion is very well organized by the company and Kelsey is one of the best bear guides in Southeast Alaska. As a Juneau resident I wholeheartedly support folks visiting to take one of these tours.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your continued support! We’re honored to have you join us for a third ABAK adventure and thrilled to hear you’ve had such great bear-viewing experiences. We truly appreciate your recommendation, especially coming from a Juneau resident. We hope to adventure with you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    V8763ZLdanielh · August 2026

    Awesome excursion

    A truly wonderful experience!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for this positive review! We appreciate you making us part of your Alaska vacation.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    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 runs

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)14
    Value for money (12% weight)4
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.

    How much does Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau cost?

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    Prices start at $1,049 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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau take?

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    Plan for about 6 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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?

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    Around 2 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Waterfall 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?

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    Included: Rain gear, jackets and rubber boots provided; Certified guide; All necessary equipment; Lunch, hearty snacks, and water; and Souvenir water bottle (we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau include hotel pickup?

    +

    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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau offered in?

    +

    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 Waterfall 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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Waterfall 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 Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing Juneau?

    +

    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 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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