Bears in Ketchikan in early/mid July?

Question

We'll be in Ketchikan on July 9. It seems most bear spotting tours aren't running that early in the month. Any suggestions on what we should do if we'd like to try to spot a few bears, short of rubbing ourselves with salmon oil and running naked through the forest?

Answer

Visiting Ketchikan on July 9 puts you right at the very start of the peak bear-viewing season, but it also means your chances of spotting bears are a bit lower than if you were visiting a few weeks later. According to wildlife experts and local tour operators, prime bear-watching really ramps up in mid-July through early September, when salmon runs are strong and bears congregate at the streams to feed.

That said, there *are* still viable options for bear spotting or at least maximizing your chances—just with tempered expectations and good planning.

Try a specialized bear-viewing tour early in the season. Some tours start in early July (or even late June) but availability and bear density may be lower. For example, some land/boat tours operate during this time but emphasize that sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Visit known salmon-stream or estuary viewing spots. The Fish Creek viewing platform is noted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as ideal for bear watching, though it highlights mid-July and later as best months.
Choose a flexible wildlife tour rather than only a fixed “bear guarantee” tour. Many operators caution that bears are wild and sightings depend on conditions. One local forum noted that “see a bear” isn’t guaranteed when travelling early.

Here are a few additional suggestions to increase your chances and enjoy your time even if bear sightings are light:

Book a tour that goes out to well-known bear viewing areas such as the Neets Bay or stream/estuary habitats. Some of these begin in July.
Bring good binoculars and a camera with a strong zoom—early in the season the bears might be fewer and more spread out.
Dress in layers, bring waterproof gear, and pick a morning or early-afternoon slot when wildlife tends to be more active.
Have a backup activity ready—Ketchikan is rich with rainforest hikes, viewing platforms, totem-pole sites, and local culture. That way you’ll enjoy the day regardless.

In short: yes, you *can* go in early July and have a shot at bear watching in Ketchikan, but your chances are better if your visit was closer to mid-July or later. With your July 9 date, choose a high-quality wildlife tour, keep your expectations realistic, and enjoy the broader natural beauty of the region as part of your experience.