Traitors Cove Bear Viewing

Discover the Unique Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Experience

The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour offers an exciting chance to see Alaskan brown bears in their natural environment. Priced at $525.00 per person, this experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes and departs from Ketchikan, USA. The tour is especially popular, with bookings made on average 226 days in advance, highlighting its appeal.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of floatplane flight, guided forest hike, and wildlife observation at the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention and a richer experience. It’s ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and anyone eager to witness bears in their feeding frenzy during the summer months.

A clear strength of this tour is the all-inclusive package, which includes round-trip transfers, voice-activated headsets, and a US Forest Service permit for bear viewing. One limitation to consider is that food and beverages are not included, aside from bottled water, and the tour is contingent on good weather for the floatplane flight. Still, the comprehensive setup makes it a reliable choice for those looking for a memorable wildlife adventure.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $525.00 per person for about 4 hours and 15 minutes of immersive wildlife viewing.
• Departure Location: Starts with round-trip transfers from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.
• Best Time to Go: Between July 20th and September 30th, when bears are most active.
• Main Activity: A floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest to Traitors Cove, followed by a forest hike to observe bears feeding on salmon.
• Small Group Advantage: Limited to 12 travelers for more attention from guides.
• Highlights: Watching bears plunge into waters for salmon, eagle sightings, and capturing wildlife photos.

The Flight to Tongass National Forest

The journey kicks off with a floatplane flight over the stunning waterways of Tongass National Forest. Using a well-maintained six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplane, the pilot provides interactive narration, sharing insights into the landscape and wilderness. The flight offers breathtaking views of Revillagegedo Island and the lush forest below, setting the perfect scene for wildlife spotting.

This aerial part of the tour is exclusive and provides a vantage point impossible from land. It also guarantees a guaranteed window seat for each passenger. This segment is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy scenic flights and aerial photography.

Exploring Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory

Landing at Traitors Cove marks the start of the 3-hour wildlife observation phase. The US Forest Service maintained trail leads to the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing Platform, a prime spot for witnessing bears feed on salmon. During the summer months, bears plunge into rushing waters to hunt for salmon, a spectacle that captures the raw energy of Alaskan wildlife.

Visitors will see bears in action—plunging into streams in search of food—making this an ideal moment for wildlife photography. The area also attracts bald eagles scavenging leftovers, adding to the vibrant scene. The proximity of the bears and the opportunity to photograph Alaska’s real fishermen in action make this a truly special experience.

Observing Salmon and Bald Eagles in Action

While watching bears hunt, the tour allows close-up views of salmon battling upstream to spawn, illustrating the cycle of life in Alaska’s rivers. The sight of bald eagles swooping and picking over scraps offers additional wildlife encounters. These moments highlight the natural behaviors of predator and prey, providing a comprehensive picture of the ecosystem.

The platform’s location ensures that photography enthusiasts can capture these fleeting moments. The guides are knowledgeable, explaining the behaviors observed and helping visitors get the best shots. It’s an authentic, raw wildlife experience that combines visual beauty with ecological insight.

Practical Details: Transfers, Guides, and Equipment

Round-trip transfers are provided from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on Cruise Ship Berth 2, making arrival and departure seamless. The tour includes noise-canceling headsets and voice-activated communication for each passenger, enhancing the experience by allowing clear narration from the pilot and guides.

Guides are praised for their expertise and personable approach, making the tour not only informative but also enjoyable. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate wildlife encounter, which is often hard to find on larger excursions.

Physical Requirements and Weather Considerations

Participants are advised to wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes suitable for hiking. Because the tour’s success depends on favorable weather conditions, cancellations due to poor weather are possible. The tour provider offers a full refund or alternative dates if weather prevents flying or viewing.

While the hike itself is not described as strenuous, some walking and standing at the viewing platform are involved. The tour is suitable for most ages, but travelers should be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Booking and Availability Insights

Given the popular demand, this tour is best booked well in advance—on average 226 days ahead—to secure a spot. The maximum capacity is 12 travelers, ensuring an exclusive experience. Confirmations are received within 48 hours of the booking, provided the tour is available.

For those traveling via cruise ship, advance arrangements are necessary, so providing the ship name during booking helps coordinate logistics. The tour is non-refundable, but weather-related cancellations are handled with flexibility.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience’s combination of scenic flight and in-depth wildlife observation sets it apart. The small group format fosters a more personalized encounter, and the full equipment setup—including voice headsets—ensures clarity and engagement throughout. The US Forest Service permit confirms the tour’s commitment to responsible wildlife viewing.

The tour excels in providing a true wilderness experience, with the added thrill of flying over pristine waters and landing right at the bears’ feeding grounds. It’s particularly suited for nature lovers and photographers wanting an authentic and immersive Alaskan adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded wildlife adventure that combines scenic flight, guided forest exploration, and up-close bear sightings. Its high praise and 4.5-star rating reflect consistent satisfaction, especially for those who appreciate expert guides and natural beauty.

While the price of $525 might be steep for some, the unique blend of aerial and ground wildlife viewing delivers a memorable experience worth considering. The limited group size and full equipment enhance the sense of exclusivity, making it a great choice for those eager for a genuine Alaskan wilderness encounter.

The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour stands as a top-tier option for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Ketchikan, especially during the summer months when bears are most active and visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is most appropriate for most ages, given the manageable physical requirements and the engaging wildlife viewing experience.

What should I wear for the tour?
Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to handle outdoor conditions comfortably.

Can I see bears outside the specified dates?
No, the bear viewing observatory at Traitors Cove is open from July 20th to September 30th, aligning with the bears’ summer feeding season.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If bad weather cancels the flight or viewing, passengers are offered a different date or a full refund. The tour’s success depends heavily on good weather conditions.

How many people are on each flight?
Each floatplane accommodates up to six passengers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.