You’ll take off from the Ketchikan waterfront in a DeHavilland Beaver or Otter floatplane, rising above the harbor, historic homesteads,  and over the shimmering waters of Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage. Now that would be a thrilling experience right there. You’ll fly for about 20 minutes over forested mountains and pristine lakes on your way to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest.

Here’s a big feature of your trip:  A bear guide, at your service.

Frankly, when it comes to wildlife, we plan the perfect trip.  An Alaska naturalist/bear guide will meet your plane, and you’ll be driven by van about a mile to a trailhead. From there, you’ll take a short and visually stunning hike along an improved trail that leads to a viewing platform overlooking rapids, as a fast flowing creek cascades towards the sea.

You will find yourself – literally –  in the middle of an Alaska forest ecosystem.

This is where black bears gather to feed on runs of pink, Coho and Chum salmon, as they head upstream to spawn. You may see bald eagles perching in the surrounding trees waiting for scraps left by the bears. And if that weren’t enough for the photographers and nature lovers among you, a variety of birds, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink and marten are often within viewing range. Plan on asking your guide just about anything, like, “How fast do black bears run?” The answer? “Faster than any human.”  If you’ve been wondering where and how to see bears in Alaska, you’re headed for the right place because you’ll be safe and sound with us – the first airline in Alaska with an approved FAA Safety Management System.  

Please Note: This flightseeing tour is conducted from July through mid-September on a daily schedule and  with a four fare minimum. Weather could alter flight routes for safety and enjoyment. While wildlife sightings are frequent and expected, they cannot be guaranteed.

Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for weight and balance calculations and flight manifesting. To ensure aircraft weight and balance is within operating parameters, guests weighing 250 lbs. (clothed weight) or more may be required to pay an additional surcharge of $168 over the published fare direct to the tour operator. A no-bag policy applies; however, if you have medical needs that require a carry-on bag, please see the Shore Excursion office on board. All other bags brought to our terminal will be stored until you return from your flight.

If the weather is not suitable for a flight you will have an option to join Herring Cove’s Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration and your onboard folio will be credited the difference in the flight portion.

Taquan Air operates this tour under a special use permit issued by the United States Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.