Day 1: Wrangell (Arrival)

You will arrive by Alaska Airlines jet (daily service to Wrangell from Seattle) and we will pick you up upon the arrival of your flight. Wrangell is a vibrant small fishing village with a population of around 2,100. It is one of the most historic communities in Alaska. It is the only town in the state to have been ruled by four nations: Tlingit, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It has the reputation for being the friendliest little town in Southeast Alaska. We will meet for an orientation at 5 PM, with our Welcome Dinner afterwards.

Day 2: Bear Viewing

This morning, you will take a boat charter deep into the Tongass National Forest to the mouth of Anan Creek. All boat rides on this tour are in a comfortable,covered and heated jet boat. Once on shore, you take a short hike through the forest to Anan Falls and the bear viewing platform. Here, you will experience the cycle of life first-hand as Black (and sometimes Brown) Bears, and Bald Eagles come to prey on the wild salmon run. You will get intimate view of bears interacting with each other as they fish for salmon. This unique journey provides you with a world-class opportunity to view and photograph bears at close proximity in their natural habitat. You will return by mid-afternoon to the boat and take a scenic ride back to Wrangell. After dinner, you will go and explore Petroglyph Beach and look for ancient stone carvings. The rock carvings are at least 1,000 years old, but likely older, as humans have been present in Southeast Alaska for around 8,000 years.

Day 3: Glacier Cruise

Today, you will embark on a dream cruise to explore of the spectacular Leconte-Stikine Wilderness Area, including exciting up-close views of the dynamic Leconte Glacier, one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Alaska! The exceptional agility of our vessel will allow you to have an in-depth exploration of this amazing fjord, plus close views of the glacier. You will encounter hundreds of icebergs as we navigate through the seven-mile fjord through towering mountains on your way to the face of the Leconte Glacier.
The Captain will make many detours and stops, allowing you incredible opportunities to view and photograph cobalt-blue icebergs, spectacular cliffs, 1000-foot waterfalls and wildlife. On our way back to Wrangell, we will make a stop in the small fishing village of Petersburg, a colorful town with Norwegian roots. You will explore its waterfront and have lunch here.. We will then head back through the Wrangell Narrows back to Wrangell. After dinner, we will take a one-hour hike through the Tongass National Forest to a peak overlooking the town of Wrangell.

Day 4: Bear Viewing

You will return to Anan Creek for more bear viewing today. In our experience, every day provides new and unique view opportunities. It’s just such a unique place, where you can see black and brown bears, bald eagles and sometimes harbor seals, in such close proximity to each other. The different wildlife have little regard for the people watching them, and most fish within a few feet of the observation deck, allowing for priceless picture opportunities. A photo blind is located directly on Anan Creek below the observation deck, where you can take up-close, eye-level photos of the bears catching fish. Upon returning to Wrangell, you will enjoy a dinner of local seafoods, before exploring the town on foot.

Day 5: Marine Mammals

Today you will go on a boat ride through the waterways of the Tongass National Forest, where wild nature rules. Your expert captain and guide will decide on the best wildlife to see. We will search for native species, from sea otters and Steller sea lions to eagles and Humpback Whales or Orcas. Whether the humpback whales are feeding on sand lance and herring, or the Steller sea lions are fighting over the best sunning spots, you will have fantastic photo opportunities and gain a better understanding of the diversity of the marine environment and the wildlife that calls it home. After dinner, you will have one last opportunity to explore this charming little town.

Day 6: Wrangell (Departure)

This morning you will say farewell to your This morning you will bid farewell to Wrangell and your travel companions. You return home enchanted by an appreciation for the magic of Southeast Alaska that you have discovered on this tour. You will bring back memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes. For instance, be flexible with possible flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRANSPORTATION Please arrive by 4:00 PM the day the tour starts. There are scheduled flights from Seattle to Wrangell via Ketchikan or Juneau. We will pick you up at the airport upon the arrival of your flight. We will meet for a group orientation at 5:00 PM, with the Welcome dinner thereafter to kick off the tour. Please note: Airfare to and from your departure city and Wrangell, as well as trip insurance, are not included in the trip fee. The tour is over on the last day of the tour after breakfast.