ratings explained
Here are some
Questions and Answers.
Each of our trips has been rated "1" to "4"
according to what conditions can be expected on the trip, with "1" being
the easiest and "4" being the more challenging trips. Keep in mind that
even easy trips may become difficult if weather conditions are adverse. On
all trips, guests help carry personal and group gear and, on sea kayaking
trips, help carry their boat up and down the beach (65-80 pounds for
two-four people). Most of our trips travel to remote wilderness locations
with no facilities of any kind, and evacuation may be prolonged and
difficult. More specific information can be found in each trip's detailed
itinerary.
Level "2" to "4" trips entail travel to remote wilderness locations
without facilities and walking over uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Easiest
Easy to Moderate
Moderate
Moderate to
Challenging
(Some trips are rated at level "4" due primarily to the length of the trip
in remote wilderness, or because a specific skill level is assumed, not
because they are extremely physically demanding.) |
The Tlingit People
call the island Kootznoowoo - "Fortress of the Bears." Admiralty Island is
a lush rainforest wilderness with the world's largest population of
nesting bald eagles and more brown bears per square mile than anywhere in
the world. You will not easily forget the "Fortress of the Bears" once you
have camped under its lush canopy, paddled sea kayaks along its shores,
explored its ancient forests, and watched its brown bears feasting on
migrating salmon. This rainforest paradise is the crown jewel of the Tongass National Forest. Our July and August trips coincide with the
bountiful annual salmon runs, creating superb bear watching opportunities.
In June, watch for bears grazing in the meadows adjacent to Pack Creek.
The trip includes the much sought-after permits to visit the world-famous
Stan Price Bear Sanctuary at Pack Creek, where we spend a full day
watching for brown bears as they lope up and down the creek in pursuit of
salmon. Due to limited permits for the bear sanctuary, these trips fill
early. Begins and ends in Juneau.
Slide show from guest John Wall
Day 1 - We begin the morning with
an early morning orientation meeting in Juneau. We then head to the
airport pond, where we board floatplanes for a scenic flight down the
Inside Passage to Admiralty Island, landing on a secluded beach. We will
set up camp a few miles from the sanctuary. After lunch and a kayak
lesson, we will begin exploring this fascinating wilderness. You may find
time to walk the beach, view the diverse marine and bird life, or just
gaze across the inlet to the stunning coastal mountains while your guides
cook a fresh and delicious dinner.
Day 2 - We rise early and prepare
for our visit to the Stan Price Brown Bear Sanctuary at Pack Creek.
Paddling toward the world of the brown bear is a superb way to experience
the entire ecosystem. We will spend a full day watching for bears. We hope
to see several bears, including family groups with playful cubs. Bears are
best viewed at the mouth of Pack Creek, but we may also take the beautiful
forest hike to the observation tower on the upper river where bears may be
fishing right below us.
Day 3 - After another night in our
wilderness campsite, we will have a relaxing morning until our floatplane
takes us on another beautiful flight over the northern end of Admiralty
Island and back to Juneau. We will arrive in Juneau by noon, and the trip
ends with a transfer to your hotel or other destination.
Electronic mail request:
bearsofadmiralty@glacierbaytravel.com
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