Must be one of the best bear viewing observatories.Jet boat up the Stikine River, hike up the trail in the pouring rain through the rain forrest and we saw no bears! Went into the hide and suddenly bears appeared from all corners feasting on the salmon climbing/fighting their way up the river. I actually cried at this wonderful sight. Time stood still, I forgot the cold rain it was AMAZING.
First black bears stuck there faces into the water and pulled out the biggest wiggly salmon and took it onto the rocks to feast, leaving scraps behind for the bald eagles to gorge themselves on.
Big brown mother bear appeared with her two cubs to feed on the fish right in front of me. We had to be totally silent and I wanted to shout LOOK AT THE BEARS, but I had to stay silent. Totally relaxed in their natural surrounding all I could hear was the thundering river and the scream of the bald eagles with their young, which were actually bigger than themselves.
My senses were totally drenched with bears and I felt as if I was in shock at the wonderful sight. Three hours later we were told by our guide it was time to go, I realised I was very wet and cold but was so infatuated with viewing these wonderful creatures I had not realised I was shivering. The Anan will stay with me forever along with the biggest smile on my face.
The Stikine River is the Fastest Free-Flowing Navigable River in North America! But don't let that worry you as it is mostly all flat water with a high-volume flow rate. Sightseeing while on the Stikine's waters offers travelers of any age a bounty of impressive natural spectacles. There is not enough room or time to tell you all about it, but here goes our best attempt.
WOW! WOW! WOW! is the only way to describe the Stikine River. From the late 1800s to the 1900s, the river was bustling with riverboats carrying gold prospectors, adventurers, and supplies to the gold fields of interior Canada.æWith the gold rushes over, a wonderful jet boating experience can now be had in the Stikine/LeConte Wilderness area
Depending on tide conditions, the first adventure begins on the Stikine River Delta -- a maze of sandbars at the mouth of the river made of silt that's washed down the entire 400-mile length of the Stikine. Across the delta, as we travel upriver through the sloughs, expect a lush, verdant landscape with narrow side sloughs, tall, snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers lining the way.æAs always, keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, birds, and other wildlife. Our frequent stops are perfect for photos and for exploring the river's shores.
Shakes Lake and Glacier are two of the biggest highlights on the Stikine River. The area here is just plain unbelievable.æAnother terrific feature? Chief Shakes Hot Springs. Here, you can take a dip in two USFS-maintained mineral spring hot tubs. Clear Hot (non-sulfur) makes for a great stop to stretch the legs or take a soak. Remember that not every company allows you time to enjoy this great location. The Stikine River system is a unique place. John Muir himself called it a ñYosemite 100 miles long,î which might clue you in to its venerable expanse.
With 20-plus years in the Wrangell, Alaska, touring industry, we're sure of our capacity for outstanding tours. We believe in creating personal, unrushed tours and in giving sightseers a hands-on experience. Get the opportunity to ñpetî an iceberg, participate in a boulder scramble, and picnic in a wilderness area unlike any other.
Imagine collecting an iceberg at Shakes Glacier to ice your drink or to cool the Chief Shakes Hot Springs about 1/2 hour later.æYou can't hardly beat that, better believe it!! The Hot Springs are US Forest Service-maintained hot tubs which are mineral springs and they don't smell like sulfur, thank goodness!
Really interested in Tlinget Indian Culture which you can read/see in the Museum, lots of things about the Tongrass National Park. This is a terrific small museum that incorporates Tlingit, Russian, English, Chinese, and Japanese histories relating to the area, plus includes elements of the natural world in and around Wrangell.
Wilderness Adventure Tour Company in SE Alaska. AnAn Bear viewing, LeConte Glacier and Stikine River day tours as well as our four-day, 165 miles up the Stikine River by jet boat trip: "Stikine River Safari" to Telegraph Creek, BC
Headquartered in beautiful, historic Wrangell, Alaska Vistas is the outfitting organization that can provide custom vacations centered on your special interests.
Here's a short list of just a few of the recreation and tour opportunities in this extraordinary part of Southeast Alaska:
Whatever your interests -- day trips to the Anan Wildlife Observatory or the lower Stikine River, do-it-yourself kayak or raft trips, or fully guided multi-day trips to Telegraph Creek beyond the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness Area -- we offer quality gear, knowledgeable guides, and extensive experience to make your trip a truly memorable one.
This is a very beautiful river with many sloughs (contributing creeks and smaller rivers). Up one of the sloughs you'll be in the end of a glacier; full of icebergs. Another place to stop is Chief Shakes Hot Springs, 2 beautiful structures (one is covered and has a bug screen) in which to sit and soak and look at the view. This was just great.
There is a very nice board walk and stairs take you to the beach. We spent about an hour and a half and found several petroglyphs and one Geological Survey plaque. It is a very enjoyable way to get close to history and the ancient Native people who worked to place the "signposts" there..
Seals, sealions and bald eagles abound on the Stikine Flats..
Ate at the Totem Bar and Restaurant every night I was in town (there's not much evening dining). Get the special - the cook came to our table and took our orders. The specials were a great value and delicious!
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