Folks looking for a bear-y exciting adventure can purchase permits for the Pack Creek Viewing Area on Admiralty Island now at recreation.gov. Permit holders can visit the area any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30 to view brown bears and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Permits are limited and must be purchased online prior to arrival. Pack Creek allows only 24 permits per day, and because 12 are reserved for commercial companies to provide guided tours, only half are available to the public.
Lead Wilderness Ranger Dylan Miller said folks visiting the area should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions by bringing sunglasses, rain gear, warm clothes and a hat to protect from sun. He recommended two liters of water per person per day and said tall rubber boots are necessary for anyone traveling to the island via float plane.
“I’d also bring a nice lunch,” Miller said. “On that note, be bear aware and use the bear lockers out there when appropriate. Having bear spray is good practice as well.”
Miller also highly recommended bringing a camera.
Admiralty Island is located roughly 15 miles southwest of downtown Juneau and is accessible only by floatplane, boat, kayak or canoe. In Tlingit, Admiralty Island is known as “Kootznoowoo,” which loosely translates to “fortress of the bears.” The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears, which is more than all the lower 48 states combined. Admiralty Island also contains the highest concentration of bald eagle nests in the world.
“There’s something ancient that you feel when you’re walking inside the forest there with all the vegetation and massive trees,” Miller said. “It’s just awe inspiring, and brings on a feeling of wonder. And of course, the bears are the best part of Admiralty. They truly are incredible animals.”
Staff with wilderness first responder training are available on site, and they’re armed with bear spray. Permits are $60 per person. For more information or to purchase a permit, contact the Admiralty National Monument at 907-586-8800.
