Bear viewing

Question

Hello there. We’ll be in Sitka on 7/10/25 on our cruise and I’m wondering where I can see bears safely from afar. I don’t want to go to the fortress. I’d love to hike a little and my husband will want to fish somewhere (he’s bringing his gear) but I’m really afraid of surprising a bear or being somewhere I shouldn’t. Any advice? Thanks!

Answer

Sitka is a fantastic place for bear viewing, especially during salmon season in July, and there are ways to see bears safely without going to the Fortress of the Bear. Since you want to hike a little but avoid close encounters, it’s important to stick to well-known trails and areas where bears are visible from a distance.

Here are some options:

Jamestown Bay and Indian River area: The Indian River is a hotspot for salmon runs in July, which naturally attracts bears. You can hike along the maintained trails near the Indian River trailhead. Bears are often spotted from a safe distance along the riverbanks, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.
Medvejie Lake area: This is a bit more remote, but guided tours often operate here. If you prefer to explore on your own, stay on marked trails and observation points. The lake and streams attract bears during salmon runs, and from trail viewpoints you can watch them safely.
Guided bear-viewing tours: Since your husband wants to fish, consider a guided floatplane or boat tour to areas like the Sitkoh River or upper Indian River. These tours give excellent opportunities to see bears fishing without risk, and you can combine this with fishing activities at designated safe areas.

Safety tips for hiking and fishing in bear country:

Always make noise on trails—talking, clapping, or bear bells—to avoid surprising a bear.
Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.
Keep your distance; never approach bears for photos or to get closer.
When fishing, avoid casting near bears and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Stick to well-marked and maintained trails, and follow all local signage and ranger advice.

For a short visit and a mix of hiking and fishing, focusing on Indian River trails or booking a guided boat/floatplane excursion is likely your best combination of safety, ease, and high chance of seeing bears from a safe distance.

Bear viewing

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