Black Bear Express
See black bears, salmon, seals, and eagles up close on a guided tour at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.
Begin your adventure with a narrated drive through Ketchikan and along the scenic coastline to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, the only location in Southeast Alaska accessible by road for bear viewing. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself in true bear country. Upon arrival, naturalist guides will join you and lead the way through the lush forest, where towering spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees surround you. As you walk along raised boardwalks built exclusively for bear tours, you’ll have the rare opportunity to watch black bears foraging for salmon and berries in their natural habitat—all while minimizing your impact on the environment.
Your guide will then lead you along another elevated path overlooking Herring Creek’s grassy wetlands, where you can watch salmon spawning and spot bears, seals, and bald eagles drawn to the feast. The peaceful setting offers incredible photo opportunities and an intimate connection with Alaska’s wild beauty. After your unforgettable bear-viewing experience, your transportation will be waiting to return you to your starting point.
Duration: 2 hours
Ketchikan Visitors Center on Berth 2 (The Rock), Ketchikan, AK