Brown bear viewing is one of Alaska's greatest wildlife experiences, and Juneau is the perfect basecamp from which to launch your adventure. Just twenty minutes away, by floatplane, is Admiralty Island National Monument and Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area. Also known as the "Fortress of the Bears," Admiralty Island is home to one of the world's highest density brown bear populations. Approximately one million acres or 1,600 square miles of wilderness provides a home to approximately 1600 bears.

The most popular destination on Admiralty Island is the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. USFS rangers are available to assist visitors with questions and give instructions on viewing guidelines. Visitors can observe bears feeding on salmon from the "viewing spit" at the mouth of Pack Creek or take a one mile hike inland through old-growth rainforest to a creekside observation tower.

Peak viewing season for Pack Creek is July 5 to August 25, but the sanctuary is open from June to September and permits are required. Peak season permits are limited, but June and September permits are readily available. The price for a permit at peak season for an adult is $50.00, shoulder season is $20.00.

Visitors can go to Pack Creek independently via floatplane, boat, or kayak or go with a guide. A guide provides permits, arranges transportation and the added value of expert knowledge. A charter operator can provide air or marine transportation to and from the island.

In addition to bear viewing, a trip to Admiralty Island provides plenty of opportunities to view other wildlife including bald eagles, seabirds, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, Sitka black-tail deer, and otters.