About this experience
Upon arrival to the platform, you will be at a prime vantage point to see Alaska’s REAL fisherman! Watch the true champions of the tour – the 5 species of salmon battling in the last part of their life, to arrive upstream to spawn. They are fighting not just the swift current but also the bears. See the black bears fattening up for winter, plunge into the rushing water with jaws wide, to eat the wild salmon heading upstream to spawn. Besides bears feeding, you are also likely to see Bald Eagles feeding on salmon scraps left over by the bears.
The Highlights
- Visit a World Class bear viewing facility.
- A round trip floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest is included.
- Listen to a personalized flight narration – no recorded tracks
- There is a high likelihood of seeing black bears, eagles and salmon.
- Enjoy a nature walk of approximately ¼ mile round trip.
- Be accompanied by an experienced Alaska Bear Guide.
-Tour length is 3 hours with up to 45 minutes of flightseeing.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
Not included
- Alcoholic Beverages
Itinerary and highlights
The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing experience begins with a short 20 minute floatplane flight over the lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. Your pilot will narrate along the way, pointing out key points in the area. After you touch down in Traitors Cove, you will be met on the floatplane dock by your personal Alaska Bear Guide who will drive you about one mile down a United States Forest Service (USFS) road to a trailhead. Your guide will safely escort you down the trail (approximately 250 yards) to the Margaret Creek Bear Viewing platform. Along the trail, your guide will point out the flora, fauna, berries and trees as well as any wildlife you encounter. Keep your eyes peeled all around – bald eagles and even bears are known to perch high above in the trees.
The Margaret Creek Bear Viewing observatory is maintained by the USFS whose policy allows bear tours from late July into late September. We operate our bear viewing tours from the late July- mid September.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up 30 minutes prior to the flight time on the Ketchikan pier on Berth 2 north side of the Ketchikan Visitor Center downtown. Our white van will pull up beside the Visitor Center located at berth 2. "Seawind Aviation" is on all sides of the van, and very bright. If your ship is docked at the Ward Cove Mill, we do pick up there directly if your flight is at 8am or 8:30am. (The pickup is 45 minutes prior as this port is 20 minutes from town). Otherwise, you'll want to come in on a bus to downtown and we will meet you at the Visitors Center. Very important: Once you arrive in Ketchikan, you'll want to turn your cell phone on, so we are able to communicate with you. It is important to connect by phone as flight times can change due to weather. We also have a direct phone line inside the Visitor Center you can reach us on if you do not have a cell phone. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon! Seawind Aviation
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Seawind Aviation, Inc
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
If your ship is docked at the Ward Cove Mill, we do pick up there directly if your flight is at 8am or 8:30am. (The pickup is 45 minutes prior as this port is 20 minutes from town). Otherwise, you'll want to come in on a bus to downtown and we will meet you at the Visitors Center.
Very important: Once you arrive in Ketchikan, you'll want to turn your cell phone on, so we are able to communicate with you. It is important to connect by phone as flight times can change due to weather. We also have a direct phone line inside the Visitor Center you can reach us on if you do not have a cell phone.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Seawind Aviation
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What is the cancellation policy?
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