Steep Creek Bear Viewing
Witness bears in their natural habitat during the salmon run or spot majestic bald eagles year-round at this free viewing area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Salmon run & fewer crowds
Steep Creek Bear Viewing
Best Time
Salmon run & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness bears in their natural habitat during the salmon run or spot majestic bald eagles year-round at this free viewing area.
"A beautiful area for photography and sightseeing, with opportunities to see eagles and bears!"
🎯 Visit During Salmon Runs
For best bear sightings, time your visit for the salmon run (mid-July to August).
🤫 Be Quiet for Bears
Walk quietly to avoid startling bears and increase your chances of a sighting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bear Viewing Platform
Steep Creek
Observe bears in their natural habitat from a safe, elevated walkway. Best during salmon runs!
Bald Eagle Spotting
Steep Creek area
Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched nearby. A photographer's delight!
Salmon Run Spectacle
Steep Creek
Witness the incredible natural phenomenon of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. (Seasonal: Mid-July to August)
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Bear Sightings
Trail Access & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit During Salmon Runs
For best bear sightings, time your visit for the salmon run (mid-July to August).
🤫 Be Quiet for Bears
Walk quietly to avoid startling bears and increase your chances of a sighting.
📸 Eagle Photography Hotspot
Great spot for photography, especially for bald eagles year-round.
🚶♀️ Check Trail Status
Parts of the trail may be closed during salmon runs for safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit During Salmon Runs
For best bear sightings, time your visit for the salmon run (mid-July to August).
🤫 Be Quiet for Bears
Walk quietly to avoid startling bears and increase your chances of a sighting.
📸 Eagle Photography Hotspot
Great spot for photography, especially for bald eagles year-round.
🚶♀️ Check Trail Status
Parts of the trail may be closed during salmon runs for safety.
🚗 Free Admission
Enjoy this natural spectacle without an entry fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Steep Creek for its accessibility and the thrill of spotting bears and bald eagles in their natural habitat, especially during the salmon run. While some note that bear sightings aren't guaranteed and trail closures can occur, the free admission and beautiful scenery make it a worthwhile stop for nature lovers and photographers.
"A beautiful area for photography and sightseeing. The benefits to this trail? It’s a short walk from the parking lot, I saw a couple eagles within minutes, it’s free! You never know what you will see. As far as salmon runs? If it’s not in season then you wont see salmon or bears. But for the photography…there is always something beautiful to focus on."
G Mitchell
"The idea here is that I can see the salmon when they swim up stream to reproduce at the end of its life. Unfortunately there are almost no salmon in creek here. Also part of the trail is closed due to bears so ultimately there’s no point in this trail"
Allen Lin
"Steep Creek is an elevated walkway area where you can view bears in their natural habitat where both the humans and the bares can rest assured of not directly coming into contact.
Half the trail is closed during the weeks of the Salmon Run (Mid July - August).
For best chances of seeing a bear, go during the salmon runs, around 6am or after 7pm, when the cruise ship crowds die down. Walk very quietly to not startle them away."
Zachary Boyle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steep Creek Bear Viewing is located about 14 miles from downtown Juneau. Many visitors access it via car or taxi. If you're on an Alaska cruise, it's often an excursion option or accessible via a short drive from the Mendenhall Glacier area. +1
While public transport options might be limited, it's best to check local Juneau bus schedules or consider ride-sharing services for direct access.
While close to Mendenhall Glacier, it's generally recommended to use a vehicle or taxi for the short distance between the two attractions for convenience.
There is typically parking available at Steep Creek, though it can fill up during peak times, especially when cruise ship excursions are active.
Yes, Steep Creek is often recommended as a worthwhile stop for Alaska cruise passengers looking for wildlife viewing opportunities and photography.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Steep Creek Bear Viewing is generally free to access, making it a great budget-friendly option for visitors.
The viewing area is accessible during daylight hours, but bear activity is highest during specific times, especially during salmon runs.
Steep Creek Bear Viewing is a natural area and does not typically have an admission fee.
While you can visit independently, many Alaska cruise lines offer guided excursions that include Steep Creek as part of a broader Juneau itinerary.
Be aware that parts of the trail might be temporarily closed during salmon runs for visitor and bear safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light and often the most active wildlife, including bears and bald eagles.
You can photograph bears (especially during salmon runs), bald eagles year-round, and various other local birds and flora.
Absolutely! Steep Creek is a fantastic location for bird photography, with frequent sightings of bald eagles.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance, and a wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the creek and surrounding forest.
The elevated walkway provides excellent vantage points. Look for clearings and areas along the creek where wildlife might congregate.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife Viewing
The prime time for bear sightings is during the salmon run, typically from mid-July through August, when they come to feed.
Besides bears, you have a good chance of spotting bald eagles, various bird species, and potentially other small mammals in the area.
The viewing platform is designed to keep a safe distance between humans and bears, ensuring both can coexist without direct contact.
Even outside of salmon season, Steep Creek is a beautiful area for photography and you might still spot bald eagles or other wildlife.
Always maintain a safe distance, never feed the wildlife, and be aware of your surroundings. Follow any posted signs or instructions from park staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While bear sightings are most likely during the salmon run (mid-July to August), families can still enjoy spotting bald eagles and other birds year-round. The free admission makes it an economical choice for families looking to maximize their Juneau itinerary. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and be prepared for variable weather conditions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
During the salmon run, the chance to capture bears in their natural feeding environment is unparalleled. Even outside this season, the scenic beauty of the creek and surrounding forest provides ample subjects for landscape and nature photography. Keep an eye out for smaller details like unique flora and insects to add variety to your portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Salmon Run
During the salmon run, parts of the trail might be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of both visitors and the bears. This is a natural part of managing the ecosystem and ensuring a respectful viewing experience. Even if you don't see bears, the sight of salmon navigating the creek is a remarkable natural spectacle.
For the best experience, combine your visit with early morning or late evening timings. These periods often coincide with higher bear activity and fewer crowds, offering a more serene and rewarding wildlife encounter.
Photography Opportunities at Steep Creek
Beyond wildlife, the creek itself and the surrounding Alaskan wilderness offer beautiful landscape photography potential. The lush greenery, flowing water, and dramatic skies create a picturesque setting. Even if wildlife is scarce on a particular day, the natural beauty of the area provides ample subjects for your lens.
To make the most of your photography outing, consider bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife and a wider lens for landscapes. Early morning and late evening light can enhance your photos, so plan your visit accordingly. Remember to be patient and observant; the best shots often come when you least expect them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit