KETCHIKAN WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Black Bear Expedition to Traitor’s Cove: Bear viewing at Margaret Creek during the salmon run
A boat-and-rainforest excursion from Ketchikan that combines a salt‑water safari with a guided walk to falls where black bears concentrate during salmon spawning.
Black Bear Expedition to Traitor’s Cove: Bear viewing at Margaret Creek during the salmon run.
Embark from Ketchikan to Traitor’s Cove for a focused wildlife outing: a licensed captain steers a salt‑water safari through Tongass Narrows and Clover Passage in search of whales, eagles and coastal wildlife, then delivers you to a short rainforest approach and the bear‑viewing falls at Margaret Creek where black bears gather during the salmon run.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Black bears, whales and eagles in one itinerary
During mid‑summer and early fall, Margaret Creek hosts a high concentration of black bears feeding on spawning salmon; en route your captain commonly seeks marine life and bald eagles that scavenge salmon leftovers.
A salt‑water safari past lighthouses and scenic inlets
The vessel navigates Tongass Narrows and Clover Passage, threading bays and inlets and passing a notable lighthouse as the captain pursues coastal wildlife viewing opportunities on the 26‑mile approach to Traitor’s Cove.
Short rainforest approach to bear‑viewing falls
At Traitor’s Cove you transfer by private van to the Margaret Creek trailhead and continue on a brief rainforest trail—about 250 yards—to the falls where guided observation of bear activity takes place under the captain/guide’s supervision.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The outing begins at the dock and unfolds as a salt‑water safari: a licensed Six‑Pack captain pilots a scenic 26‑mile coastal run—about 60–70 minutes one way—through narrows and passages, scanning for whales, eagles and shoreline activity before reaching Traitor’s Cove. There the group transfers by private van to a trailhead and makes a short 250‑yard rainforest walk to bear‑viewing falls guided by a captain familiar with local flora, fauna and bear country practices.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this expedition suits — and what the operator states about restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
A Six‑Pack licensed captain/guide who is well equipped and familiar with travel in bear country leads the trip and provides guidance on local flora, fauna and wildlife behavior.
The expedition includes vessel transport to Traitor’s Cove, a private van transfer of approximately 1.25 miles to the Margaret Creek trailhead, and a short 250‑yard rainforest walk to the viewing falls.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the expedition begin?
The expedition begins at the Ketchikan Cruise Ship Dock, Berth 3.
How far is Traitor’s Cove from Ketchikan and how long is the boat ride?
Traitor’s Cove is about 26 miles north of Ketchikan and the boat trip is approximately 60–70 minutes one way.
What happens once you reach Traitor’s Cove?
At Traitor’s Cove dock you take a private van about 1.25 miles to the Margaret Creek trailhead, then continue on a short 250‑yard rainforest walk to the bear‑viewing falls.
What wildlife might I see on this trip?
During the salmon run you can expect to observe black bears at Margaret Creek; en route the captain commonly seeks whales and bald eagles as well as other coastal wildlife.
Who leads the expedition?
A Six‑Pack licensed captain who is well acquainted with bear country and knowledgeable about local flora and fauna serves as captain/guide for the trip.
When is bear viewing most concentrated?
Bear concentrations at Margaret Creek are highest in mid‑summer and early fall when salmon arrive to spawn.