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Ketchikan Expedition Black Bear Traitor's Cove

4.9
22 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore Traitor's Cove for a glimpse at Alaskan wildlife

Among the old growth rainforest, pristine rivers, striking mountains, and soaring eagles is the powerful black bear. Explore a nook of the Last Frontier and witness the noble black bears feasting, frolicking, or slumbering in the wild.

Begin your Expedition Black Bear from Ketchikan Cruise Ship Dock.

Traitor's Cove is located 26 miles north of Ketchikan and approximately 60-70 minutes, one way via our 30' Aluminum Chambered Boat.

On the way to Traitor's Cove, your Six-Pack Licensed Captain will navigate through the Tongass Narrows, Clover Passage, and the temperate rainforest. You will observe stunning bays, sail past a majestic lighthouse, and have a chance to witness coastal wildlife. Quite often you will be able to observe the captivating behavior of whales breaching, revere bear trails and salmon streams, and spot bald eagles feasting on salmon leftovers from the bears foraging.

Once you reach the dock at Traitor's Cove, your adventure will continue as you drive 1.25 miles by private van to the Margaret Creek trailhead. From there, you will continue on a short 250-yard walk along a rainforest trail to the amazing bear viewing falls.

You will have a Captain/Guide that is well equipped and very familiar with travel in bear country, as well as knowledgeable about local flora, fauna, and wildlife that inhabit the rainforest.

Availability: This tour is only available in August.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Binoculars for viewing opportunities

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 5 years of age
  • Appropriate clothing per weather
  • Tour requires 4 passengers at minimum to operate

Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from the cruise ship terminal.)

  • 60 minutes - boat ride through the Tongass Narrows
  • 5 minutes - van ride to the viewing platform trailhead
  • 15 minutes - walk down the trail to the Black Bear viewing platform
  • 90 minutes - viewing time at sights
  • 15 minutes - walk back to the van
  • 5 minutes - ride to a remote lake for viewing/possible bear sighting
  • 60 minutes - ride back to the cruise ship docks

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at Berths 1-4. Ward Cove guests will be picked up from Ward Cove. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. You must be able to walk up the gangplank, board vessel, and hike an uneven trail. Must be able to step up 2 stairs to the viewing platform. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for equipment will be required on tour. If the operator is unaware beforehand of necessary accommodations, they may not be able to accommodate guests day-of.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a limited-use area. The minimum age is 5 years old to participate in this excursion.

You will have a guide who is knowledgeable about the wildlife that inhabits the rainforest, and it is extremely likely that you will see bears. You may also see whales, salmon streams, and bald eagles on your way to the bear-viewing falls.

We recommend wearing clothes that can be layered. A lightweight shirt, sweater, and jacket will allow you to adapt to varying temperatures. Waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers are also recommended. Also, pack a hat and sunglasses.

The 30' Aluminum Chambered Boat can carry 6 passengers.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 6 guests. Our van on site is a 12-passenger van.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

22 total

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Randall B

On Sep 2024

Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. And enjoyed finding us bears as much as we enjoyed watching them!

Robert M

On Sep 2024

The guide that we used was wonderful & informative! We saw a number of animals and birds in addition to beautiful sites!

Matthew P

On Aug 2024

Keith took us to Traitor's Cove and safely guided us to the viewing platform. We were able to see at least 6 bears (including a mom and a cub) and got a close-up view of the bears eating salmon out of the falls.

Michelle R

On Aug 2024

This was a fantastic tour, one of the highlights of our vacation. Captain Tyler was amazing and made our day very memorable. We loved the boat tour and then making our way to see the Bears was amazing. We saw a Mama and baby bear. I would highly recommend this tour and operator. Their communication was fantastic as well.

Natalie D

On Aug 2024

It was unbelievable. The cove was so secluded, it was beautiful. Our captain Keith was awesome. We were able to see 3 bears. Highly recommend!!!

$450.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$450.00

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours



Min of 4 required to operate

Adult: $450.00

Child (5-12): $450.00

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