Steep Creek closed at Mendenhall?

I came across this notice while researching today. I was so excited to go down this trail. Can someone tell me if you can still view bears other than by going on this trail?

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD549786

I came across this notice while researching today. I was so excited to go down this trail. Can someone tell me if you can still view bears other than by going on this trail?

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD549786

“Many of the resident bears are accustomed to people on the platforms, but not on the back side of Steep Creek where there are no fences or elevated platforms for separation,” said Laurie Lamm, assistant director of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

I haven't been out there, but I take that to mean that the elevated walkways with platforms will remain open. They have gates at the ends which lead to trails, and I think you will no longer be able to pass through to those trails. There's been a lot of bears out at the glacier this year, so I don't think you'll have any problem seeing them. The platforms are over the creek with salmon which means bears.

“Many of the resident bears are accustomed to people on the platforms, but not on the back side of Steep Creek where there are no fences or elevated platforms for separation,” said Laurie Lamm, assistant director of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

I haven't been out there, but I take that to mean that the elevated walkways with platforms will remain open. They have gates at the ends which lead to trails, and I think you will no longer be able to pass through to those trails. There's been a lot of bears out at the glacier this year, so I don't think you'll have any problem seeing them. The platforms are over the creek with salmon which means bears.

Thank you so much. One of the things I'm most hoping for is to see some bears (not too close).

Thank you so much. One of the things I'm most hoping for is to see some bears (not too close).

If you want specifics about the trail closure, call the number on the Mendenhall Visitor Guide.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3835583.pdf

Keep in mind that there was a bear attack 2 weeks ago not too far from Mendenhall, so be very aware (and noisey) if you're going to wander off the trails. Someone was walking their dog off leash and it came across a sow with cubs. The rangers characterized the sow's behavior as defensive not predatory but also said there are several sows with cubs in the area and people should be very aware.

http://juneauempire.com/news/2017-06-30/bear-attacks-dogwalker-near-dredge-lakes#

If you want specifics about the trail closure, call the number on the Mendenhall Visitor Guide.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3835583.pdf

 

Keep in mind that there was a bear attack 2 weeks ago not too far from Mendenhall, so be very aware (and noisey) if you're going to wander off the trails. Someone was walking their dog off leash and it came across a sow with cubs. The rangers characterized the sow's behavior as defensive not predatory but also said there are several sows with cubs in the area and people should be very aware.

 

http://juneauempire.com/news/2017-06-30/bear-attacks-dogwalker-near-dredge-lakes#

And they didn't find that sow for possible relocation before reopening the trails. So she's still out there, and she's not taking any of our crap!

The most dangerous animal in the forest is a lone bear cub, never know where Mama will be.

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