Basic Tour Info

• Tour Time: 5.5 hours
• Boat Ride: 35 miles (1 hour each way)
• Time on site: 3 ½  hours
• Trail Rating: Moderate
• Trail Length: 5/8 mile 
• Number of stairs: 250
• Restroom Facilities: On-board restroom and outhouses on shore

Wander with Bears in Alaska

AnAn Bear and Wildlife Observatory offers an excellent, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view and photograph Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat. Alaskan bear viewing has never been easier. 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.

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. Approximately a one-hour boat ride, this is a scenic journey in the protected waters between Wrangell Island and the Mainland. Upon arrival, there is a 5/8 mile (20-minute) walk on a US Forest Service regulated trail rated “moderately difficult” to the observatory. Guests will be on shore at AnAn for approximately three hours. We suggest guests bring a snack or meal for the boat ride. Food is not allowed on shore.

Guests and Alaska Waters tour guides off-load in a tidal area. At the trailhead, US Forest Service personnel meets guests and provides a brief orientation. If asked, guests need to present identification (photo ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.).

Accompanied by Alaska Waters guides, a maximum of 10 guests at a time then traverse the 5/8 mile trail. The trail consists of a narrow boardwalk without handrails, including roughly 250 steps, and covers the diverse landscape. 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. Trekking poles are available upon request, but guests must be able to walk well. Guides are not able to assist with walking, as their concern and responsibility is safety around the bears. The bears enjoy utilizing the trail as much as we do, thus guides manage the guests to allow a bear to pass by. The bears have their own personalities; some are tolerant of people, where others are not. Our guides are trained to identify the different bears, anticipate their actions, and manage encounters.

A mere 10 meters from the observatory deck, black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals can be seen intermingling around AnAn Creek. AnAn Creek has the earliest Pink Salmon run of the season, drawing Alaska’s predators to fish within close parameters of each other, a rare occurrence in the wild. These conditions make for an amazing experience. 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. 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.