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wildlife viewing in early July

dhmom99

By dhmom99,
in Alaska

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dhmom99

dhmom99

Posted
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We will be leaving for early July RT cruise out of Seattle. I know for sure we will be doing whale watching from the ship (hopefully we are lucky to spot one or two).

 

We are interested in going to those bear watching tour out of Ketchikan. Our port time there is from 7am to 1pm. Does it give enough time for us to take the float plane? Also, how close can you get to the bears? Are those bears viewing in the wooded area or in the open grassland? I want to see them up close, but at a comfortable safe distance? Any comment on this one?

 

Since we are not planning any major tour in Juneau, we will rent a car instead. Any suggestion where to go to see bald eagles, bears? Do we have a chance to see salmon run at that time of the year?

 

Sitka, any suggested tour other than whale watching?

 

I know it is a lot to ask. Thanks a lot for your help

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  • 4 weeks later...
knorrisb07

knorrisb07

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The bear watching in Anan Creek is supervised with park rangers. But, still you need to watch your surroundings and keep a safe distance. Don't use flash light to surprise the bears. Make sure you bring your binoculars so you can watch the details while staying in a safe distance. We took our zen-rays with us for all of our wildlife watching trips.

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kb996

kb996

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We went to Anan Creek in early July last year with Island Wings. Call now if you are interested in going because there are a limited number of slots available. They only let so many people in each day. We were VERY close to the bears ... yet I was never scared.

 

This was the first year Michelle (Island Wings) had a guide. And it was our "guides" first time there. He was a nice kid ... We got dropped of at a beach where a ranger met us and sent us along a boardwalk to the viewing area. They told us to talk along the way so that the bears knew we were there.

 

Our group of 7 was walking along ... stopping and taking pictures ... stepping over bear scat (poop) .. and our 20 minute walk was going on 40 when a ranger came up behind us and said we shouldn't be stopping. When we got near the viewing platform there was a Mama bear right in the middle of the boardwalk. We had to wait for her to move on.

 

The viewing platform overlooked BEAUTIFUL falls, and there was blind where a small number of people could go at a time to get closer to the river. We saw Mom and 2 cubs walking around. And a few other bears. One was just looking in the water, one actually grabed a salmon.

 

It was a great experience! Our port time was 7 - 1 also and that was all we did in Ketchikan that day. We had been there once before and really you're not missing anyting except shopping. Anan creak is getting closer to the real Alaska.

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Budget Queen

Budget Queen

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We went to Anan Creek in early July last year with Island Wings.

 

This was the first year Michelle (Island Wings) had a guide. And it was our "guides" first time there. He was a nice kid ... We got dropped of at a beach where a ranger met us and sent us along a boardwalk to the viewing area. They told us to talk along the way so that the bears knew we were there.

QUOTE]

 

This is not true, Michelle has flown in guides to Anan for years. Last trip I was going to Anan with her was in 2005, and a guide was ready to go with us. But had to be canceled due to the high water and no bears.

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Budget Queen

Budget Queen

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is it possible to see bald eagles without going with a tour?

 

Most definately yes. :) Keep a look out, I always see them leaving Ketchikan- heading back to Vancouver/Seattle, always see them on Juneau whale watches, as examples. They really can be most everywhere!!! Binoculars are necessary.

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fti

fti

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is it possible to see bald eagles without going with a tour?

 

In Ketchikan near the cannery is often a good place to see them (ask at the visitor center how to get there, about a 15 minute walk from the cruise dock).

 

Along Egan Drive and elsewhere in Juneau is also a good place.

 

John

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qiangf2

qiangf2

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They can be spotted in almost every port city. In Juneau, they can be seen right the the pier. But we had a better viewing when driving to Shrine of Teresse. There are some on the island near South Sawyer glacier in Tracy's Arm. Binoculars are needed for a good viewing.

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  • 8 months later...
plenox

plenox

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Most definately yes. :) Keep a look out, I always see them leaving Ketchikan- heading back to Vancouver/Seattle, always see them on Juneau whale watches, as examples. They really can be most everywhere!!! Binoculars are necessary.

 

BQ, thank you for the advice. When we arrived Juneau, Bald eagles were perched on the trees close by the ship docks. It was exciting as we have never seen bald eagles in the wild. We really appreciate to see them close-up with binoculars.

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Budget Queen

Budget Queen

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BQ, thank you for the advice. When we arrived Juneau, Bald eagles were perched on the trees close by the ship docks. It was exciting as we have never seen bald eagles in the wild. We really appreciate to see them close-up with binoculars.

 

 

It is always great to see wildlife in the "wild" isn't it?? :) I never tire of it.

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plenox

plenox

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It is always great to see wildlife in the "wild" isn't it?? :) I never tire of it.

 

it provides different perspective, comparing to viewing "wildlife" in the zoo. For this alone, Alaska trip was way beyond our expectation. We are debating whether to do a oneway with landtour or a RT out of Vancouver next year since the fare is so great.

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Budget Queen

Budget Queen

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it provides different perspective, comparing to viewing "wildlife" in the zoo. For this alone, Alaska trip was way beyond our expectation. We are debating whether to do a oneway with landtour or a RT out of Vancouver next year since the fare is so great.

 

Well, if you plan a one way, this board can help you put together a fantastic trip. :) Wildlife hot spots are Kenai Fjords and Denali Park, don't miss them.

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plenox

plenox

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Well, if you plan a one way, this board can help you put together a fantastic trip. :) Wildlife hot spots are Kenai Fjords and Denali Park, don't miss them.

 

It seems we get almost everyone in the family on board for an one-way trip. A couple of more still need to confirm their vacation schedule. I will be busy with planning, again.

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  • 2 months later...
dhmom99

dhmom99

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we were able to see so many wild lifes during our cruise: whales, eagles, some shore birds, goat, black bears. It is done without even spending too much on excursion. Thanks everyone. Two things are important from what we learnt on this trip: dress in layers and bring a good waterproof binoculars.

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qiangf2

qiangf2

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BQ, thank you for the advice. When we arrived Juneau, Bald eagles were perched on the trees close by the ship docks. It was exciting as we have never seen bald eagles in the wild. We really appreciate to see them close-up with binoculars.

 

Yup, a lot of them. It is their home after all.

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