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Southeast Alaska

Fly from SFO to

JUNEAU stay 1 day ( mendahall glacier & whale)

Then Glacier bay from J ( 1 day )

Juneau to

option 1 : WRANGELL (Anan creek bears , bald eagles. 2 days

Option 2: HAINES ( chilkoot for bears eagles ) 2 days

Take the fast ferry (Chilkat Cruises) to Skagway

SKAGWAY for train ride 1 day

OR

Return to Juneau then fly back to sfo

Pls help which option to choose , I m more leaning towards Anan bears but not sure about the logistics

Open to ferry and flying combo if that saves time. 

Prefer to avoid rental car but if necessary then will go for it 

Also if any package deals that includes stay & excursions

Your Southeast Alaska itinerary looks exciting, and choosing between Wrangell (Anan Creek bears) and Haines (Chilkoot for bears and eagles) largely depends on logistics, wildlife preferences, and comfort with travel options. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help with your decision.

Juneau (1 day)

  • Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible by shuttle or tour from downtown Juneau—no car needed.
  • Whale watching tours depart from Juneau; many operators include hotel pickup, making it convenient for a single day visit.

Glacier Bay (1 day)

  • Day cruises depart from Juneau and can include ranger talks, wildlife spotting, and glacier viewing.
  • Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in summer months.

Option 1: Wrangell / Anan Creek Bears (2 days)

  • Wrangell is less touristy than Haines or Skagway but has the unique Anan Creek bear viewing—one of the few easily accessible bear viewing sites in Alaska.
  • Getting there: Typically requires a small regional flight from Juneau or ferry + shuttle. Flights are more convenient and time-saving.
  • Accommodations: Limited; book early. Packages may include lodge stay and guided bear viewing tours.
  • Wildlife: Anan Creek offers the opportunity to see brown bears fishing for salmon, plus nearby bald eagles. Very photogenic.
  • Logistics: Without a rental car, most lodges and tours provide transfers from the airport/ferry dock. Wrangell is less accessible by public transport.

Option 2: Haines / Chilkoot (2 days)

  • Haines is a bit more accessible via ferry or road connections from Skagway.
  • Chilkoot bears and eagles can be viewed through guided tours; there are packages that combine lodge accommodations and wildlife excursions.
  • Ferry: Chilkat Cruises fast ferry from Haines to Skagway is a scenic route and avoids needing a car.
  • Accommodations and dining options are more plentiful than Wrangell.

Skagway (1 day)

  • The White Pass & Yukon Route train ride is a must-do; easy access from the ferry or Haines if you take the Chilkat fast ferry.
  • Packages often combine train tickets with sightseeing and optional guided tours in Skagway.

Recommendations

  • If your main priority is seeing bears in a relatively uncrowded, natural setting and you don’t mind a slightly more complex flight/ferry logistics, Wrangell / Anan Creek is worth it.
  • If you prefer easier access, more flexible ferry options, and a slightly more developed tourist infrastructure, Haines / Chilkoot is the safer and easier choice.
  • Consider a combination: Juneau → Wrangell flight → stay & bear tour → fly back to Juneau → Glacier Bay → optional ferry to Skagway or Haines for train ride → return to Juneau. This avoids renting a car.

Packages

  • Check regional tour operators like Alaskan Adventure Tours, Juneau Tours & Travel, or local lodges in Wrangell and Haines; many offer packages that include accommodation, bear or wildlife tours, and transportation to/from Juneau or ferry docks.
  • Booking in advance is essential for summer months, especially for Wrangell and guided bear tours.

In summary, if your top goal is bear viewing in a pristine environment and you are comfortable with flights/ferry logistics, go with Wrangell. If you want simpler travel logistics with a scenic ferry and still good wildlife opportunities, choose Haines. Both can be combined with a Skagway train ride without needing a rental car.

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