Anan Wildlife Observatory
Tongass National Forest Wildlife Viewing Site · Wrangell, Alaska
A roofed viewing deck and photo blind above a waterfall on Anan Creek in Tongass National Forest, about 30 miles south-east of Wrangell, where black and brown bears feed side by side on huge runs of pink salmon — one of very few places in Alaska where both species fish the same stream. Visitors arrive by boat or float plane at Anan Bay and walk a half-mile rainforest trail to the observatory, where Forest Service staff are on duty in season. Harbor seals, bald eagles and river otters join the feast. Most people come with guided tours from Wrangell or Ketchikan, which provide transport and permits. From 5 July to 25 August permits are required, and in 2026 only 12 private daily permits for visitors with their own boat or plane were released on Recreation.gov on 1 February. A Forest Service cabin at Anan Bay can be rented.
Anan Creek, Tongass National Forest (reached by boat or float plane from Wrangell), Wrangell, Alaska, 99929, United States
Permit season 5 July-25 August, with Forest Service staff on site; the observatory is open during daylight hours set by the Forest Service (check recreation.gov and fs.usda.gov/r10/tongass).
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