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ALASKA |
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Anan Creek is located in Southeast Alaska about 35 miles southeast of the old logging town of Wrangell. It is home to the Anan Creek Sanctuary located in the heart of the Tsongas National Forest. I have visited this great bear viewing area on several occasions and have enjoyed each visit. Travel to Wrangell is either by plane or by the Alaskan State Ferry system. Of the two, I prefer travel on the ferry with deluxe accommodations on a cot on the open deck. While in Wrangell, you will want to visit Chief Shakes Island home of Chief Shakes Tribal House. The pathways on the island feature a large collection of carved totem poles. When cruise ships arrive in Wrangell groups of children greet them with offerings of garnets that they have mined from the mountains surrounding the town. You will want to bargain with them for souvenirs of your trip. From the center of town, you can hike a trail to the top of Mount Dewey. The view from the top of the mountain is well worth the time. |
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The thirty-five mile trip to the Anan
Observatory is by aircraft or boat. There are daily limits on the number of
visitors to the observatory. My trips to Anan included stays at the
recreation cabin located there. Overnight stays are not permitted
except for those who have reserved the cabin. The cabin provides protection from
the elements, but other than a kerosene cook stove, there are no amenities.
You must bring your food, cooking utensils and sleeping gear with you.
I arranged transportation by boat with with Eric Yancey who operates Breakaway Adventures in Wrangell. Eric will drop you off on the beach in front of the cabin and pick you up again on a pre-arranged schedule. |
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From the cabin it is approximately a one mile easy hike through the lush temperate rain forest to the bear viewing observatory. Visitors must leave all food in a cache at the trail head. For your safety and to avoid unnecessary damage to the environment, visitors must stay on the trail itself. It is natural to want to get to the observation area as quickly as possible but I recommend taking the time to photograph some of the great fauna along the way. It is also possible that you may glimpse a brown bear fishing in the creek! |
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Along the trail, be sure to watch for bald eagles overhead. They are plentiful in the area and can startle you when they abruptly take off. You should also be prepared to meet a bear sharing the trail with you. It is advisable to keep talking with one another or, if alone, to any potential bears within hearing distance. You should always be sure any bears know you are coming. |
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At the top of the trail you will reach the deck of the bear observatory. The incredible number of salmon swimming in the creek below serves as the attraction for the bears at Anan Creek. From the observatory deck you will watch bears emerge from the hill on the other side of the creek and clamber down to the water's edge. On my last visit to Anan Creek, a blind had been installed below the deck to allow eye-level views of the bears as they choose their dinner. |
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