Top 5 Wildlife Adventures in the Wild Heart of Alaska

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wildlife adventures

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Alaska, a land of primeval forests, snow-capped peaks, and icy blue straits, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Located in the northwestern corner of America, Juneau, the charming town that serves as the state capital, is the perfect entry point to Alaska’s wild wonders. With its rich history as the traditional homeland of native communities like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, Juneau once lured prospectors with the promise of gold. Today, it offers something even more precious: a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, from birds and fish to majestic mammals. Here are five unforgettable wildlife experiences not to be missed.

  1. Embark on a Brown Bear Safari on Admiralty Island

When you think of iconic Alaskan wildlife, the brown bear comes to mind, and Admiralty Island, located just 15 miles southwest of Juneau, boasts the highest density of brown bears in North America. This pristine island, adorned with rushing waterways and ancient rainforests, spans 956,000 acres and houses approximately 1,600 brown bears, from adorable cubs to imposing sows.

Adventure awaits with Bear Creek Outfitters and Above and Beyond Alaska, offering a range of fly-in day trips from Juneau. These excursions equip you with essential gear, including high-quality binoculars, as you venture into the dense forests and alpine tundra. Here, you’ll witness brown bears in their natural habitat, whether they’re fishing for spawning salmon in the Pack Creek estuary or standing beneath the cascading waterfalls of Waterfall Creek on Chichagof Island. This remote location is a hidden gem, providing unparalleled brown bear sightings during the salmon run, which peaks from late July to early September. It’s no wonder the Indigenous Tlingit people call this land Kootznoowoo, meaning ‘Fortress of the Bears.’

  1. Experience the Thrill of a Guided Dog-Sled Tour

While Juneau offers stunning tidal waters and lush forests, one of its unique attractions is its frozen mountain landscapes, which remain icy and pristine even in summer. The Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s most famous ice formation and a popular attraction, lies just 13 miles from Downtown Juneau. Its half-mile-wide, 1,800-foot-deep expanse looks like a scene from another world.

Temsco Helicopters not only offer tours to the glacier but also provide a dog-sledding adventure. The journey begins at their heli-base, where you’ll be outfitted with glacier boots and receive a safety briefing. Then, a scenic helicopter ride takes you above towering mountain peaks, the Tongass National Forest, and the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. Afterward, you’ll hop onto a sled pulled by enthusiastic huskies, guided by professional Iditarod and Yukon Quest dog racers. Together, you’ll traverse snowy terrain and pass by craggy mountain peaks, all against the backdrop of the glacier’s vast, white expanse.

  1. Witness the Majesty of Whale-Watching

Few wildlife experiences can match the awe-inspiring sight of whales breaching from the depths of the ocean. From April to November, Juneau becomes a hotspot for around 125 humpback whales, along with occasional pods of orcas and porpoises, gathering in the area to feed. From the narrow Gastineau Channel on Juneau’s doorstep to the intricate network of inlets and bays surrounding the region’s numerous islands, these waters are a seasonal buffet for these magnificent creatures.

Reputable operators like Lost in Alaska Adventures and Juneau Charters offer private excursions that venture into the blue to spot these elusive sea giants, as well as sea lions, seals, marine birds, and more. The experienced captains, familiar with the best locations, maneuver their boats along the rugged coastline, providing views as spectacular as the whale sightings themselves.

  1. Observe Black Bears Feeding in a Creek

Alaska is home to approximately 100,000 black bears that roam its densely forested landscapes. Smaller and with a straighter facial profile compared to their brown bear relatives, black bears are a common sight in Juneau and its surroundings. From July to September, black bears often congregate near the Visitor Center at the Mendenhall Glacier, where they feast on coho and sockeye salmon spawning in Steep Creek. You can combine a leisurely stroll along the elevated path as part of a guided tour to the glacier. Alternatively, you can join a dedicated expedition to Anan Creek, located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell. Here, authorized tour operators offer small-scale day trips to a spot where bears come to fish.

  1. Marvel at Bald Eagles in Point Bridget State Park

The bald eagle, North America’s iconic bird, with its vast wingspan, golden hooked beak, and pristine white plumage, is a breathtaking sight. While sightings are rare in many parts of the country, in southeastern Alaska, especially in Juneau and its surroundings, they are a common occurrence. Located 40 miles north of the city, Point Bridget State Park is one of the prime locations to observe them, particularly along the salmon-rich streams of Cowee Creek. The park’s cliffs, meadows, and lakes provide a perfect backdrop for eagle-watching, as you can spot them soaring from their nests.

For those eager to explore even further, consider downloading the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail, a free virtual guide that explores 18 community birdwatching hubs in the broader southeastern Alaska region. In addition to bald eagles, you can also spot some of the other 350 local bird species, from marbled murrelets to red-breasted nuthatches.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for unforgettable wildlife encounters, Juneau, Alaska, offers a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you in awe of the wild heart of this magnificent land. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these incredible adventures and connect with the untamed beauty of Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wildlife adventures

Q: When is the best time to witness brown bears on Admiralty Island?

A: The best time to see brown bears on Admiralty Island near Juneau is during the peak of the salmon run, which occurs from late July to the beginning of September. This is when you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, fishing for spawning salmon.

Q: How can I book a dog-sledding adventure on the Mendenhall Glacier?

A: You can book a dog-sledding adventure on the Mendenhall Glacier through operators like Temsco Helicopters in Juneau. They offer tours that include a scenic helicopter ride and a thrilling dog-sledding experience on the glacier.

Q: What is the best time to go whale-watching in Juneau?

A: The prime time for whale-watching in Juneau is from April to November. During this period, around 125 humpback whales, as well as orcas and porpoises, gather in the area to feed, providing a fantastic opportunity to witness these marine giants breaching and playing in the waters.

Q: Can I see black bears in Juneau without venturing too far from the city?

A: Yes, you can see black bears in Juneau without going far from the city. From July to September, black bears often visit the Visitor Center at the Mendenhall Glacier to feed on salmon in Steep Creek, which is easily accessible by a short stroll from the center.

Q: What is Point Bridget State Park known for in terms of wildlife?

A: Point Bridget State Park, located north of Juneau, is known for its abundance of bald eagles. The park’s streams, cliffs, and meadows provide an ideal habitat for these majestic birds, making it a popular spot for eagle-watching, especially along the salmon-rich streams of Cowee Creek.

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2 comments

WhaleWatcher123 December 7, 2023 - 10:46 pm

Whale watching? Yessss! Need to go now!

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NatureLover22 December 7, 2023 - 11:01 pm

WOW, Alaska sounds AMAZIN! I want 2 C those big brown bears in real life. When do i go??

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