← Wrangell cruise guide
wildlife · Wrangell

Anan Creek Bear Observatory: Up-Close Brown & Black Bears

Witness Alaska's legendary bear viewing at Anan Creek, where brown and black bears congregate to feast on pink salmon in one of the continent's most prolific fishing spots. A true bucket-list wilderness encounter accessible only by floatplane or boat.

What to expect

A scenic jet boat ride through the Inside Passage delivers you to the Anan Creek trailhead, where a short old-growth forest walk leads to the U.S. Forest Service observatory platform. Both brown and black bears — a rare co-habitation — are visible fishing and sparring in the creek below. Your naturalist guide narrates behaviour and ecology throughout, and post-viewing you reboard for the return crossing with cold beverages and Alaska stories.

Book it with
Breakaway Adventures
USD 275–USD 325 per person (jet boat to Anan; permit fees included)
Book it →

Good to know

Anan requires a USFS permit (included by reputable operators); spaces are strictly limited so book as early as possible — months ahead for peak July–August season. All-aboard is typically 5–6 hours after departure; confirm your ship's schedule with the operator at booking. Wear waterproof layers and rubber-soled shoes.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Wrangell — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
11 nights · calls at Wrangell
from $1,249
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Riviera
7 nights · calls at Wrangell
from $2,200
View sailing →
Seabourn · Seabourn Encore
7 nights · calls at Wrangell
from $3,119
View sailing →
Holland America · Nieuw Amsterdam
8 nights · calls at Wrangell
from $1,059
View sailing →
See all cruises to Wrangell →
← Back to the full Wrangell guide

⚓ Your bucket-list concierge

Doing the whole cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we'll send the bucket list for every port — the operator to call, real prices, and an honest verdict on each ship tour.

No spam. The honest plan, even when it says skip the ship’s tour.