All of the bears we see at Waterfall Creek are Ursos Arctos, more commonly called Grizzly or Coastal Brown Bears in Alaska. They range in size from small cubs of the year to large males coming in over 1100lbs.
Mid-July til the end of September is the Salmon Run, different species will run at slightly different times, but this is when the bears go to work. Bear Creek Outfitters first developed Waterfall Creek for bear viewing almost 30 years ago and it is just as spectacular now!
The primary viewing location is about 5 yds from the creek with the salmon, the waterfall about 75yds upstream slows the salmon down and creates good fishing for the bears. Viewing is typically at 20-75yds but lucky groups may get to see
bears catch and eat a fish even closer.
This is where we often see the most bears in view at a given moment and the only time of year to get a picture of a bear with a fish in it’s mouth.
Bald eagles, ravens, kingfisher, gulls, mink, and very occasionally Sitka deer are sighted on our trips. Sometimes whales are spotted from the plane, and seals or sea lions are often spotted from the beach.