Alaska Bear Country & Wilderness Expedition

Enjoy a morning hike to Lake Eva on northern Baranof Island. This trail features a beautiful rainforest setting of lush undergrowth and towering spruce and hemlock. During late summer and early fall, salmon run in the lake’s outlet stream, attracting the bears. After, sail south along eastern Baranof Island—the “Waterfall Coast.” In the evening, walk a path to the natural hot spring pools of Baranof Warm Springs. Relax in a steaming pool while enjoying your favorite beverage and savoring the stunning wilderness.

Thus far on the itinerary, the vessel will have been among the Inside Passage’s “ABC” islands (Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof). These islands are home to a high density of brown bears. As the journey continues southward, enter into black bear territory, beginning at Kuiu Island. Enjoy kayak and skiff exploration in a western Kuiu Island bay. Beachcomb and/or hike along the beautiful secluded coastline of the area. Options include Rowan Bay, Bay of Pillars or Tebenkof Bay.

Sail between the beautiful Cape Decision lighthouse, perched atop wave-beaten rocks on southern Kuiu Island, and the Spanish Islands. Explore Sumner Strait, a body of water nestled between the islands of Kuiu and Kupreanof Island to the north and Zarembo and Prince of Wales to the south. This strait offers countless possibilities for in-depth exploration. The islands of this area play host to black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves and countless bald eagles. Destination options include Keku Strait, Red Bay, Totem Bay and more. Possibly even call on the small community of Port Protection—a place that gained national notoriety due to a popular television show, which chronicles the challenges and beauties of life in the remote town.

Today’s excursion heads to the remote Anan Wildlife Observatory, which is renowned for offering some of the best brown and black bear viewing in the world. After the ship docks in the picturesque town of Wrangell, board a high-speed jet boat for transport to the trailhead that leads to the observatory. Once ashore, a U.S. Forest Service representative will provide an introduction and safety orientation, then the group heads off on a 20-minute guided hike (rated moderately difficult) to the observatory. Enjoy several hours at the observatory deck, which overlooks a creek that hosts a large run of pink salmon. Bears and eagles, all in pursuit of the wild salmon, are often viewed and photographed mere meters away. This is an exclusive, small group experience with the necessary permitting handled prior to the voyage.

In a wilderness bay, such as Windham Bay or Port Houghton, participate in a tidal trek, kayaking, paddleboarding or skiff excursion. There may also be an opportunity to sip your favorite beverage and enjoy Alaskan snacks near a campfire on shore. A variety of marine life and birds frequent these areas, as well as black bears and other terrestrial animals.

Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, a place the famous naturalist John Muir referred to as “A wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals and granite cliffs that rise form sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state. Both of these dramatic glacial fjords offer stunning views of tidewater glaciers. Appreciate the unique opportunity to kayak in this beautiful Alaska wilderness area.

Disembark in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. Take the complimentary transfer to the airport or your hotel.