Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site


  • 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Hyder Alaska
  • the only bear-viewing site in Alaska accessible by highway
  • part of Tongass National Forest Recreation Site operated by the US Forest Service
  • located on the Salmon River Road; parking located past the Fish Creek bridge
  • observe both grizzly and black bears fishing for chum and pink salmon in the clear, shallow waters of Fish Creek and Marx Creek
  • other wildlife in this glacial river valley are: nesting Canada geese, harlequin ducks, common mergansers, mink, beaver, bald eagles, songbirs
  • day use only, no camping permitted
  • Ranger programs given in the evenings during June, July & August
  • Bears use the site from mid-July through to early September, following the arrival of salmon
  • Site open from 6 am to 10 pm daily
  • Bears frequently walk on the road, through the parking lot and along the dike – they are often very close to people and you must remember that they are WILD BEARS – give them room to pass
  • No food permitted outside your vehicle; walk slowly and quietly; do not go into the creek; limit your time on the dike and main road; do not use flashes on your camera