Juneau Wildlife Viewing Guide

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All other photos © ADF&G. ADF&G. © photos other All

Marmot, deer, downtown and American dipper photos © Jamie Karnik, ADF&G. ADF&G. Karnik, Jamie © photos dipper American and downtown deer, Marmot,

adventure and head on out! out! on head and adventure

Fish and Game Game and Fish

Bear safety, porcupine and beaver photos © A.W. Hanger Hanger A.W. © photos beaver and porcupine safety, Bear

your camera, a good pair of shoes and your sense of of sense your and shoes of pair good a camera, your

visit wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov visit communities, Alaska Department of of Department Alaska

Ready to get started? Juneau’s wildlife is waiting – grab grab – waiting is wildlife Juneau’s started? get to Ready

browse through wildlife viewing sites in other other in sites viewing wildlife through browse

about the Alaska Coastal Wildlife Viewing Trail, or to to or Trail, Viewing Wildlife Coastal Alaska the about

call 586-2201. 586-2201. call

www.wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov www.wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov

FOR MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION MORE FOR the Centennial Hall visitor center or or center visitor Hall Centennial the

call 888-581-2201. In Juneau, stop by by stop Juneau, In 888-581-2201. call

Skagway and Wrangell. Wrangell. and Skagway providers and employers. employers. and providers

or or www.traveljuneau.com Visit Bureau.

are equal opportunity opportunity equal are

Wales Island, Sitka, Sitka, Island, Wales

consult the Juneau Convention & Visitors Visitors & Convention Juneau the consult All public partners partners public All

Petersburg, Prince of of Prince Petersburg,

For information on tours and lodging, lodging, and tours on information For Restoration Program Program Restoration

Juneau, Ketchikan, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wildlife Conservation and and Conservation Wildlife

new places on your own. own. your on places new

Fish and Wildlife Service Service Wildlife and Fish U.S. Gustavus,Haines, Gustavus,Haines,

the time you’ve visited all of them, you’ll have discovered discovered have you’ll them, of all visited you’ve time the

communities of of communities

with you.These aren’t the only places to see wildlife, but by by but wildlife, see to places only the aren’t you.These with

in and near the the near and in

We’ve selected a dozen of our favorite destinations to share share to destinations favorite our of dozen a selected We’ve

wildlife viewing sites sites viewing wildlife

for you, whether you like to go on your own or with a guide. guide. a with or own your on go to like you whether you, for

highlights over 70 70 over highlights

has a wealth and diversity of wildlife viewing experiences experiences viewing wildlife of diversity and wealth a has

Wildlife Viewing Trail Trail Viewing Wildlife

Now, unpack your bags and settle in for a few days. Juneau Juneau days. few a for in settle and bags your unpack Now,

Alaska Coastal Coastal Alaska

past town. town. past

Segment of the the of Segment

are lucky, you may see humpback or killer whales swim swim whales killer or humpback see may you lucky, are

the Inside Passage Passage Inside the

town and scan for mountain goats and black bears. If you you If bears. black and goats mountain for scan and town

the Stikine River, River, Stikine the

ravens.Turn to the steep cliffs and avalanche paths behind behind paths avalanche and cliffs steep the to ravens.Turn

Sound to the birds of of birds the to Sound

eyes to the sky to watch bald eagles, great blue herons and and herons blue great eagles, bald watch to sky the to eyes

whales of Frederick Frederick of whales

Stand in the midst of Alaska’s state capital and raise your your raise and capital state Alaska’s of midst the in Stand

eagles of Haines, the the Haines, of eagles

Wildlife Viewing Experience Experience Viewing Wildlife Hyder to the bald bald the to Hyder

From the bears of of bears the From Juneau: A “Capital” “Capital” A Juneau:

Guide Guide Guide

Viewing Viewing Viewing

Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife

JUNEAU

Wildlife Viewing Tips Traveling Safely in Bear Country (All of Juneau is bear country) Keep a Low Profile. Enjoy watching animals’ natural behaviors. Resist the temptation to try to Watchable Wildlife “Fun Facts” Making noise (sing, clap, talk) while you travel will attract their attention with sounds. If your presence is reduce your chances of surprising a bear. Be alert along causing an animal to stop feeding or act restless, give it Bears’ eyesight is probably comparable to noisy streams, in thick brush, and when visibility is poor. more space. Be especially respectful of nesting and that of humans except that their night Always keep your belongings (backpack, food, fish, etc.) denning areas, rookeries and calving grounds, and vision is better and their ability to with you or in bear-proof storage. critical feeding areas. distinguish distant, non-moving If you see a bear, stay calm. If the bear does not notice Time it Right. Dawn and dusk are when many objects may be worse. However, bears you, quietly leave, keeping your eyes on the bear. wildlife species are most active. Midday warmth trust their noses more than their eyes, If it does notice you, face the bear, wave your arms and energizes dragonflies and butterflies and creates just as humans trust their vision more talk to it calmly. If it approaches you, stand your ground. thermals for eagles and hawks. Low tides expose than their sense of smell. Never run from a bear. tidepools and a wealth of food for birds and mammals. Beavers are second only to humans in their capacity to If a bear is surprised at close distance, it may feel threatened Look for Clues. Tracks, droppings, trails and twigs manipulate the environment. By building and and act defensively, especially if it has cubs or food. tell stories of wildlife in the area - what they are maintaining dams, busy beavers can Stand your ground! If the bear strikes or bites you, lie on your front, protect your face and neck and remain still. In eating, where they live and when they passed through. completely change the vegetation, rare instances, bears may be predatory. Fight back if the Noticing and reading these clues adds richness to animal life, and other components of attack is prolonged. wildlife viewing.Tracking books and workshops will the watersheds in which they live.The help you. ponds created by the dams are the beaver’s first defense against predators Help Keep Wildlife Wild. Never feed wild like the lynx and wolf. animals. Doing so can cause them to associate people with food, which can cause trouble. Human food can When a porcupine is relaxed, its hair also make them sick. and quills lie flat and point backwards. When threatened, a porcupine draws Be Considerate of Others. People use and enjoy up the skin of the back to expose quills Alaska’s wildlife in a variety of ways. Respect private facing all directions, and then presents property and give hunters, anglers and others plenty its formidable bristling back.The of space. porcupine tries to keep its back facing the attacker and strikes back and forth with its tail. STAY SAFE! The American dipper searches for food by plunging The mountains, trails, islands and waterways of headlong into clear rushing streams. the Alaska Coastal Wildlife Viewing Trail are wild Grasping stones with their long toes, lands. For safety, take a guided tour or take a they walk on streambeds catching companion, let someone know your plans and be aquatic insect larvae. Special prepared for emergencies with spare clothes, a adaptations allow this songbird to first aid kit and a means of communication. Visit feed in cold, clear waters year round, the Alaska State Parks’ Staying Safe web page for Listen for the high-pitched whistle of hoary marmots even in northern Alaska. details: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/safety. while hiking in the alpine.

W O W ildlife ildlife ur atch

All other photos © ADF&G. ADF&G. © photos other All

Marmot, deer, downtown and American dipper photos © Jamie Karnik, ADF&G. ADF&G. Karnik, Jamie © photos dipper American and downtown deer, Marmot,

adventure and head on out! out! on head and adventure

Fish and Game Game and Fish

Bear safety, porcupine and beaver photos © A.W. Hanger Hanger A.W. © photos beaver and porcupine safety, Bear

your camera, a good pair of shoes and your sense of of sense your and shoes of pair good a camera, your

visit wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov visit communities, Alaska Department of of Department Alaska

Ready to get started? Juneau’s wildlife is waiting – grab grab – waiting is wildlife Juneau’s started? get to Ready

browse through wildlife viewing sites in other other in sites viewing wildlife through browse

about the Alaska Coastal Wildlife Viewing Trail, or to to or Trail, Viewing Wildlife Coastal Alaska the about

call 586-2201. 586-2201. call

www.wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov www.wildlifeviewing.alaska.gov

FOR MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION MORE FOR the Centennial Hall visitor center or or center visitor Hall Centennial the

call 888-581-2201. In Juneau, stop by by stop Juneau, In 888-581-2201. call

Skagway and Wrangell. Wrangell. and Skagway providers and employers. employers. and providers

or or www.traveljuneau.com Visit Bureau.

are equal opportunity opportunity equal are

Wales Island, Sitka, Sitka, Island, Wales

consult the Juneau Convention & Visitors Visitors & Convention Juneau the consult All public partners partners public All

Petersburg, Prince of of Prince Petersburg,

For information on tours and lodging, lodging, and tours on information For Restoration Program Program Restoration

Juneau, Ketchikan, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wildlife Conservation and and Conservation Wildlife

new places on your own. own. your on places new

Fish and Wildlife Service Service Wildlife and Fish U.S. Gustavus,Haines, Gustavus,Haines,

the time you’ve visited all of them, you’ll have discovered discovered have you’ll them, of all visited you’ve time the

communities of of communities

with you.These aren’t the only places to see wildlife, but by by but wildlife, see to places only the aren’t you.These with

in and near the the near and in

We’ve selected a dozen of our favorite destinations to share share to destinations favorite our of dozen a selected We’ve

wildlife viewing sites sites viewing wildlife

for you, whether you like to go on your own or with a guide. guide. a with or own your on go to like you whether you, for

highlights over 70 70 over highlights

has a wealth and diversity of wildlife viewing experiences experiences viewing wildlife of diversity and wealth a has

Wildlife Viewing Trail Trail Viewing Wildlife

Now, unpack your bags and settle in for a few days. Juneau Juneau days. few a for in settle and bags your unpack Now,

Alaska Coastal Coastal Alaska

past town. town. past

Segment of the the of Segment

are lucky, you may see humpback or killer whales swim swim whales killer or humpback see may you lucky, are

the Inside Passage Passage Inside the

town and scan for mountain goats and black bears. If you you If bears. black and goats mountain for scan and town

the Stikine River, River, Stikine the

ravens.Turn to the steep cliffs and avalanche paths behind behind paths avalanche and cliffs steep the to ravens.Turn

Sound to the birds of of birds the to Sound

eyes to the sky to watch bald eagles, great blue herons and and herons blue great eagles, bald watch to sky the to eyes

whales of Frederick Frederick of whales

Stand in the midst of Alaska’s state capital and raise your your raise and capital state Alaska’s of midst the in Stand

eagles of Haines, the the Haines, of eagles

Wildlife Viewing Experience Experience Viewing Wildlife Hyder to the bald bald the to Hyder

From the bears of of bears the From Juneau: A “Capital” “Capital” A Juneau:

Guide Guide Guide

Viewing Viewing Viewing

Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife

JUNEAU

WildlifeWildlife ViewingViewing SitesSites

➞ 6 N 3 You might begin your wildlife viewing adventure in 10 Downtown Juneau 1 where you are never more than 9 a few blocks from prime wildlife habitat, and bears and 4 1 porcupines wander through town. Scan Mount Juneau’s 5 steep faces for mountain goats, checking the avalanche slopes to spot black bears feeding on vegetation. Public 8 spotting scopes in Marine Park allow a closer look. Look 2 7 down into Gastineau Channel for the shiny heads of harbor seals, as well as large rafts of surf scoters, which are common in spring and early summer. Gold Creek has a 12 small salmon run each August, and great blue herons fish at 11 the mouth of Gold Creek year round, along with harlequin Scale: ~ 2 Miles and mallard ducks. Bald eagles frequently fly over town, 1. Downtown Juneau h T 1 – 2 hours m-s May–Sept. only often harassed by crows. 2. Whale Watching m-s h$; T Half – full day + h Wheelchair accessible* Whales and other marine mammals occasionally venture $ Entry or tour fee 3. Above Downtown m-s h 1 ;, T 2 hours – full day into Gastineau Channel but, for more reliable viewing, take ; Interpretive signs/guides h$; T a whale watching 2 or Tracy Arm 12 cruise. Half 4. Macauley Salmon Hatchery 1 – 2 hours , Hiking trails and full day cruises that specialize in whale watching 5. Mendenhall Wetlands ;, T 2 hours – half day Guided boat tours depart from Auke Bay, with humpback whales seen < consistently. Consider yourself especially lucky if you see 6. Mendenhall Glacier h 2 ;, < T 2 hours – full day Camping in area T Public transportation killer whales. Daily cruises depart for Tracy Arm-Fords Terror 7. Auke Bay h , < T 1 – 4 hours Wilderness Area (located about 40 miles south of Juneau) within one mile h , < combining spectacular scenery, tidewater glaciers and 8. Out the Road 2 hours – full day + * Not all boats are accessible, ask harbor seals with fair chances of seeing whales, mountain 9. Eagle Beach State Park h$;, < 2 hours – full day + when booking. goats, bears, and other wildlife. Bring a kayak and camp on , < + Multi-day trips allow for the shore for a true wilderness adventure. 10. Point Bridget State Park Full day + richest experience. $ , < 1 Fee for tram ride.Trail use is free. The Mount Roberts Tramway lifts you 1,800 vertical feet 11. Pack Creek m-s Half – full day + 2 Fee for visitor center entry and Above Downtown 3 to subalpine habitats, with trails 12. Tracy Arm m-s h$; < Full day + camping.Trail use is free. leading into the alpine.This is the closest Juneau has to a Map is for locator reference only, not for navigational use. designated wildlife viewing area. Marmots and grouse are Map created with TOPO! software © 2006 National Geographic Maps. To learn more visit: www.nationalgeographic.com/topo habituated to people and readily viewable in the summer. are most active. Graceful arctic terns migrate over 10,000 miles Eagle Beach State Park, 9 at Glacier Highway mile 29, Bears, deer, mountain goats, porcupines and other mam from Antarctica to nest on the ground in clear view of the Photo is at the rich confluence of the glacial Herbert and Eagle mals are sometimes seen, and raptors may be spotted Point trail, and varied habitats and exten Rivers and Lynn Canal.The extensive hunting. If you have time and energy, hiking trails from sive ponds and trails make the area rich for tidal flats at Eagle Beach are feeding Basin Road above Juneau lead up Mount Juneau, Granite other birding. Beavers have transformed the grounds for shorebirds, geese, and gulls Creek Basin, and Mount Roberts to similar habitats and landscape with their dams, lodges, and tree- year round, and both black and brown wildlife. Be sure to stay on the trails – off trail hikers are cutting in Steep Creek and the Dredge Lake bears frequent the area as well. Check at lost and injured almost every year. area, and black and brown bears are drawn the ranger station for the latest wildlife The Macauley Salmon Hatchery 4 is three miles to Steep Creek when the salmon are news. A one-mile loop trail into the west of downtown along Egan Drive.Turn left at the first spawning from July through September. Mountain goats can forest, with good birding opportunities, goes near beaver stoplight after leaving town and follow the road to their also be seen here year round on the surrounding mountains. ponds and cottonwood trees. If you have a full day, hike the longer trails up the wildlife-rich Eagle and Herbert valleys. facility. From late June through October watch salmon in Several access points to Auke Bay 7 provide wildlife the fish ladder.View them from above and through a viewing opportunities.The Don Statter Harbor, 12 miles from Point Bridget State Park 10 is near the end of the viewing window. Inside the visitor center dozens of downtown at the intersection of the Back Loop Road and Glacier road, with trailhead parking at mile 39.The trail passes aquariums present a rich diversity of marine species Highway, is a good place to look for harbor seals and bald through muskeg and old-growth forest, past beaver ponds, throughout the year. eagles, with sea lions frequenting the area in the winter.The and then skirts the edge of a large uplift meadow near The Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge 5 harbor is the departure point for many whale watching cruises. stands of cottonwood and alder.This diversity of habitats begins at Salmon Creek (just north of DIPAC) and stretches Harbor porpoise and other marine mammals and sea birds are makes for excellent birding, including some vagrant species. nine miles northwest, encompassing approximately 4,000 seen from the Auke Village Recreation Area, about four miles Keep an eye out for wildlife sign, as well as black and brown acres of critical habitat for migrating and resident birds. As west of Auke Bay. Look for the directional sign after the ferry bears, porcupines, deer, and red squirrels. About two miles tides ebb and flow across the wetlands, much of the refuge terminal. in, the trail reaches the shores of Berners Bay.Watch for seals, sea lions, humpback whales, and even the occasional alternates between a pasture and a shallow For the intrepid wildlife viewer, no visit to killer whale or minke whale as well as eagles, ducks, red- sea. Over the course of a year, the diverse Juneau is complete without a trip“out the throated and common loons, kingfishers, and gulls. Continue plant communities feed or shelter more road.” Trails, pullouts and overlooks offer 8 by trail or beach (a rocky scramble, watch for hoary marmot than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen remote, often solitary, wildlife watching and mink) another 1.4 miles to Point Bridget for more different mammals, eight anadromous opportunities and spectacular views of Lynn viewing chances. fishes, and an abundance of other marine Canal and the Chilkat Mountains. For marine life.The primary access points for birders mammal viewing, any time of day is fine. If you Pack Creek 11 brown bear viewing area is located and other wildlife watchers are at Fish are hoping to see black and brown bears, south of Juneau on Admiralty Island. Careful management Creek on Douglas Island and off Radcliffe porcupine, beavers or other land mammals and of people allows the bears to interact, fish for salmon and Road at the west end of the airport. birds, your chances will be better at dawn and go about their lives under the eager eyes of wildlife The Mendenhall Glacier area 6 is dusk. Stop at pullouts to improve viewing watchers at the estuary and from a viewing tower one mile Juneau’s most popular recreation area, for chances.Year round, the Shrine of St.Therese upstream. Forest Service and/or Fish and Game staff are residents and visitors alike. Follow the Look for Sitka black-tailed deer (~mile 23) offers the best shore-based marine present during the peak viewing season. Access is by limited along Juneau’s roadways. Mendenhall Loop road (becomes Glacier mammal viewing. Look for whales from the permit only.Visitors arrive by floatplane, boat or kayak. Spur road) to the USDA Forest Service Visitor Center.The overlooks above Mab Island (~mile 37.5) as well.The public Commercial and self-guided options are available. glacier clearly is the focal point, but there are a wealth of road ends 39.5 miles from downtown at Echo Cove. Auke Bay Advance planning is suggested, though permits may be wildlife viewing opportunities as well, especially if you visit has the last available food and gas. available on short notice. Contact the USDA Forest Service in the early morning and late evening when many species at 907-586-8800 for details.