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Ketchikan Expedition Black Bear Traitor's Cove

5.0
26 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

5.0

26 total

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Mirel L

On Aug 2025

This was the most fascinating trip I ever saw. We enjoyed it immensely. We were very lucky we saw about 12 bears and a mom with her cubs come fish by the creek and eat. Our guide was excellent he was patient and looked out for the bald eagles for us and we got to see them as well as whales 🐋 and orcas. He was excellent made sure we got to see it all. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone whose interested in doing it.

Brian K

On Aug 2025

Captain Jon was awesome! His communication was great in terms of being ready before the scheduled start time, going out of his way to show us additional sites. We saw plenty of bears feasting on salmon - straight out of National Geographic!

Andrew F

On Aug 2025

A bit of a boat trip.....but who cares, we saw about 5 bears catching and eating salmon even 2 cubs with their Mum. Our guide was great and armed with the bear spray, just in case. Even though the bears were close when crossing the track behind us we didn't feel threatened by them at all. Great excursion!!

Hollie D

On Aug 2025

AMAZING describes this excursion if you're looking to see beautiful wild black bears in their habitat this the excursion for you and your family! We spotted approx. 14 Bears including two Momma Bears and her cubs. Multiple times Bears enter the stream to catch Salmon some stayed and allowed us to view other fled into trees to eat. The Boat Ride was an added bonus seeing the beautiful views of the Islands and we got a nice bonus and got to see some Porpoised Whales :) It was a great day in Ketchikan! Thank you Keith

Tetyana M

On Aug 2025

We had an amazing experience. Saw multiple bears catching salmon in a creek. Our guide shared some facts about bear life and Ketchikan.

$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 (13+): $450.00

Child (5-12): $450.00

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