bear spray

Question

I wonder if bear spray is needed for our June itinerary that's not hiking heavy:

We will spend first 7 days on north bound Princess cruise, during which we plan to do easy hiking/walking/scenery viewing around Juneau (we will rent a car and self drive) before returning to the town center for the tram up Mt robert and hike the trails up there, if weather cooperates. In Ketchikan, we will also dyi, and plan to take bus to bright totem state park and wander there for a bit before getting back in town.

Then we will spend 2 days in Seward to cover Exit glacier easy trail to the viewpoint, and on the way back north, stop by Girdwood area for some quick and easy hiking opportunities (not yet sure where, but up to 30-40m easy ones). Then we will drive over to Makanuska glacier for that highly rated ice trek, but that one is guided so bear risk is already controlled, i hope.

That's all we've planned that involves hiking/walking without being in a large group. Any bear risks that require bear spray purchases pls?

Answer

For the itinerary you’ve described, the likelihood of encountering bears is generally low, but it isn’t zero. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your planned locations and activities:

Juneau:

Most hikes around Juneau, including the tram up Mt. Roberts and trails near town, are well-traveled and in areas where bear encounters are rare. Local guidance suggests keeping an eye out, making noise, and carrying bear spray is generally optional for short, popular trails.
Renting a car and doing self-guided walks along town-accessible trails is considered low-risk for bears, as these are frequented by other hikers and day visitors.

Ketchikan and Totem Bight State Park:

Urban and easily accessible parks around Ketchikan, including Totem Bight, have very low bear activity. Standard wildlife precautions (don’t leave food out, stay on trails) are sufficient. Bear spray is likely unnecessary here.

Seward and Exit Glacier area:

Short, easy hikes to viewpoints at Exit Glacier are moderately low-risk, as these are popular areas and trails are well-maintained.
While bear sightings are possible in more remote areas, for a short, easy trail you should be safe without carrying bear spray, though staying alert is recommended.

Girdwood and Matanuska Glacier:

Quick, easy hikes near Girdwood are typically in areas with low bear presence, especially if trails are close to roads or town.
The guided ice trek at Matanuska Glacier provides professional supervision, and any bear risks are handled by the guides. You do not need your own bear spray for this activity.

General recommendations:

For the areas and activities you’ve listed, bear spray is not strictly required. Basic safety precautions—making noise, keeping distance from wildlife, and not leaving food unattended—are adequate.
If you were to venture onto longer, more remote trails or backcountry areas without other hikers, then carrying bear spray would be recommended.

In summary, for your June trip with mostly short hikes and town-accessible trails, you should be fine without purchasing bear spray. Being alert and aware of surroundings is sufficient for your planned activities.

bear spray

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions